10 Unique Places to Stay on Cape Breton Island

If you like adventure, you may want to stay in a hotel that’s a lot more than just a place to lay your head down at night – in fact, it just might be the highlight of your entire vacation. From off-grid cabins to luxury resorts, these 10 unique accommodation options will transform an ordinary stay into an unforgettable experience.

1. North Star

Prepare to experience freshly tailored oceanfront and sunset suites, a new breakfast room, an artisanal retail experience, an exciting whisky bar and a newly designed restaurant – each perfectly positioned to make the most of this unique Atlantic offering.

North Star is the new name for the recently renovated Point of View Suites in Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island. Situated on a four-acre peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Louisbourg Harbour, the hotel was remodelled this year by Scottish TV designers Colin and Justin (Channel Five UK, Cottage Life TV, HGTV and Cityline) to create a range of suites and rooms that offer a unique connection to the wonders of this coastal region. Many of the rooms enjoy spectacular ocean views and vistas of the world-famous Fortress of Louisbourg, with others offering garden and sunset views.

2. Meat Cove Campground

Meat Cove, the most northern tip of Cape Breton Island, is surrounded by jagged cliffs and valleys of connected mountains where bald eagles soar above. Here, you will find yourself surrounded by magnificent views from each of the 30 unserviced campsites that come with a picnic table, fire pit and grill. There are also four wilderness cabins, hot showers, flush toilets, access to fresh drinking water, kayak rentals, and hiking and biking trails. Free Wi-Fi too!

3. Northeast Cove Geodomes

Nestled in Mabou Harbor,  these luxury domes are the perfect place to vacation with their stunning view of Mabou’s northeast cove. This picturesque and sheltered body of water is situated only minutes from the village of Mabou. These domes and their view call to you to let your worries melt away as you watch the sunset over the water.

4. Lartigue House

Spend the night at the Fortress of Louisbourg at the Lartigue House. Originally built in 1734, this house will allow you to take a step back in time and experience life in the 18th century. Here you can wander the grounds at night, explore the gardens and walk along the ruins as you’ll have the entire Fortress of Louisbourg to yourself from dusk to dawn.

5. Kluskap Ridge RV and Campground 

Nestled into the woods on St. Ann’s bay is Kluscap Ridge RV and Campground. This open and wooded family campground comes with 33 overnight sites (15 serviced and 13 unserviced sites, 2 camping cabins, a traditional tipi, a glamping tipi and a glamping tent) in addition to 35 seasonal sites. This is an elevated location on an ocean inlet, featuring pay showers and a bath, a convenience store, canteen, firepits, wood, laundromat, free Wi-Fi and more!

6. Glamping off the Beaton Path

Overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence, our glamping tents are handcrafted and built with a veranda, so you have the perfect sunset view. It’s easy to say this is the ultimate relaxation spot. The tents are placed on wooden platforms and are constructed with wooden frames and walls. The roof and side walls of the tent consist of an approved fire-rated canvas. A second canvas is suspended over the main tent to increase the water-resistance of the tent and keep the glamping tent cooler on warmer days.

7. Iron Mountain Wilderness Cabins

Located on The Great Trail, in the Southern Cape Breton Highlands, this resort features spacious cabins with light finishes, all while still offering that rustic, wilderness cabin feel. Each cabin sleeps up to four people, with washrooms and showers located on-site, only a short walk away. Wondering what to do during your stay? Luckily, Iron Mountain has lots of services and activities. Spend the day hiking or biking The Great Trail, followed-up with dinner and drinks at their pub and lounge—and when that’s all over, end the evening on your front porch and watch the sunset. If you’re looking to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors, this is the spot for you!

7. The Groundswell Pub & Inn

This friendly bed and breakfast pub is located among the breathtaking coastal paths and nature trails of Cape Breton. Looking out upon the ocean, the accommodation is a perfect base to explore the natural wonders of the area: hiking, cycling, sailing, kayaking, surfing, ATVing, fishing and birdwatching. Or you can just relax and soak up the rustic charms of Isle Madame.

9. Keltic Lodge at the Highlands

This historic Cape Breton resort, Keltic Lodge at the Highlands is located in the heart of Cape Breton Highlands National Park surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean with a spectacular view of Cape Smokey rising out of the sea. Keltic Lodge at the Highlands is the perfect spot for a Nova Scotia family vacation with recreation facilities on-site and nearby that includes a heated pool, Aveda Spa, wilderness trails, hiking, whale watching and swimming at Ingonish Beach. Adjacent to the resort is the 18-hole championship Cape Breton Highlands Links Golf Course.

10. Overnight Sailing Charters 

Being surrounded by water has its perks and multiple options for an overnight sailing charter is one of them! Select from one of our many guides and spend the night swaying to the Bras d’Or Lake or Atlantic Ocean’s waves. Find more information on overnight charters here.