Page 54 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Spring/Summer 2025

G R E A T E S C A P E S
BY LOLA AUGUSTINE BROWN
New Faces of
Cabot Trail
Rugged coastline meets upscale new experiences along this popular Nova Scotia route
over the island). This tiny town is home
to a crop of indie eateries. Head to L’abri
café, restaurant et bar, for comfort food
or get a mug of java and a cinnamon bun
at the charming Marguerite Boutique et
Provisions.
> MUST TRY Swimming in the sparkling
OFTEN NAMED ONE OF THE WORLD’S
> MUST TRY Woodroad, a neighbouring 25-seat
waters of Gypsum Mine Quarry, accessed
most beautiful islands, Cape Breton is natu-
restaurant, offers an intimate seven-course
by an easy 2.6-kilometre there-and-back
rally awesome.
tasting menu of locally sourced and foraged
hike.
Driving the 298-kilometre loop of the
ingredients.
Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia takes you through
RUGGED COASTAL ADVENTURING
tiny fishing communities, past white sand
TAKE A BEACH DAY
Drive through Cape Breton Highlands
beaches, including highland hikes that have
Inverness is home to Cabot Cape Breton. As
National Park, and make a stop to hike
their own big reveal of rushing waterfalls and
one of the world’s best golf courses, it is set
the famed Skyline Trail (8.2-kilometre
stunning vistas—and perhaps even a moose
along the 1.5-kilometre stretch of Inverness
loop, not too challenging and worth it for
sighting. Along the way, don’t be surprised by
Beach—perfect for beachcombing. Enjoy a
the legendary views), then continue to
seaside eateries serving top-tier lobster rolls
long lunch on the patio overlooking the
Ingonish, your next stop. Book an
and fried clams.
greens and beach beyond, or dine inside the
eclectic-cool room above Salty Rose’s &
Until recently, luxe eateries and accom-
stylish dining room at The Annex. Order the
the Periwinkle Café and feast on their
modations were scarce, but much has
best chowder, fat local oysters, mouthwa-
decadent lobster and crab rolls. Be sure to
changed. Here’s where to stop for an upscale
tering refined dishes and fabulous cocktails.
browse their gallery full of local art and
Cape Breton escape.
> MUST TRY Take a flutter with locals at Inver-
crafts. Ingonish Beach is pretty, with
ness Raceway, where regular harness racing
smooth grey and pink stones leading to
A LUXURIOUS BEGINNING
happens from June through October.
white sands, and there are many down-
Start your Cabot Trail adventure in Margaree
home restaurants serving fried clams and
Harbour by booking one of the architect-
DIP INTO ACADIAN CULTURE
scallops, as well as artisan stores selling
designed clifftop cottages at Ridge on the
You’ll see Acadian flags everywhere in the
pottery, leatherwork and chocolate.
Chimney. Each sustainably built retreat
town of Chéticamp. At Les Trois Pignons
> MUST TRY Head out on a whale-watching
offers romantic sunset views over pretty
visitors’ centre find a comprehensive intro-
trip with Keltic Express Zodiac Adventures
Chimney Corner Beach, best enjoyed from
duction to local Acadian culture (and plenty
for a chance of spotting humpback, minke
your private, wood-fired hot tub.
of hooked rugs that are novelty items sold all
and fin whales.
DS
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DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2025