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Take a Bite out of Winter in Chéticamp!

Story by: Alicia Lake

Looking for the perfect winter weekend getaway? Look no further than Chéticamp. This Acadian coastal community is the perfect home base at the foot of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Chéticamp has plenty of outdoor adventures waiting for you and culinary experiences here and along the way to get here.

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Fuel up for the Road

Starting off in Sydney means you need road trip supplies! Stop by Doktor Luke’s for your favourite hot beverage, and pop upstairs to the Middle Ground Market to get some Jill’s Chocolates for a road snack. It’s time to pack up your skis and snowshoes and hit the road!

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Lunch at the Dancing Goat Café and Bakery

Plan your timing right so that you pass through Margaree at lunchtime to stop at the Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery. They have a great selection of sandwiches, soup, salads, and a daily quiche to get you fueled up. Don’t forget to try the baked goods and sweets that have made them famous across Cape Breton.  I hear the cranberry scones are not to be missed!

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Live Music & Dinner Time!

There is no better way to warm up than with live local music, craft beer, and Acadian cuisine. The Doryman Pub & Grill has live music every Saturday night and a great selection of local craft beers from all three breweries in Cape Breton. At The Doryman Pub & Grill, they source all their beef locally from nearby Margaree and specialize in amazing dishes including traditional Acadian beef fricot. This is a hearty soup of beef and potatoes, served in tiny, fair or huge portions with a traditional Cape Breton dinner roll on the side. A must-try Cape Breton culinary delight!

Take a Bite out of Winter in Chéticamp!

Suite Dreams

After a great day of adventures and eating it’s time for rest and relaxation. Located in the center of Chéticamp, Maison Fiset House is just what you need. This historic inn is filled with character and comfort. Of their eight rooms, two of the suites feature jacuzzi tubs and views of Chéticamp harbour.  They’re the perfect place to cozy up after a great day of winter adventures.

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Sunday Brunch with a View

To end your weekend off on a high note, plan an outdoor picnic-style brunch at the Gypsum Mine Lake. This is an easy 2.6 km cross-country ski or snowshoe, although getting to the look-off in the winter does require some athleticism. Remember to pick up your picnic food on Saturday at the Chéticamp Co-op, and don’t forget some picnic blankets to keep you warm! If you aren’t feeling quite this adventurous, The Doryman Pub & Grill serves Sunday brunch too.

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A woman holds a plate with a sandwich and salad

Alicia Lake | Local Culinary Ambassador

Alicia Lake is a lifelong resident of Victoria County, Cape Breton, and a self-proclaimed local food fanatic. She holds an MBA in Community Economic Development, as well as undergraduate degrees in Community Studies and Political Science. Alicia has a great deal of experience working in various areas of the local food sector and is extremely passionate about good food and the local food economy. Alicia is the founder of the Baddeck and Area Community Market, and the 50% Local Food Club. She is currently the Executive Director of the Pan Cape Breton Food Hub Co-op, an on-line marketplace for local foods in Cape Breton.

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