There’s something extra special about an area that has restaurant stops along a developed trail that leads to luxury camping. The Celtic Shores Coastal Trail is 92km long, with multiple spots to go sightseeing, various restaurants to grab a bite to eat, and plenty of places to rest your head when tired.

Coastal Cruising

There’s plenty of room when parking in the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail lot at the turn-off toward West Mabou Beach. This multi-purpose trail is quite busy in fall, but the ATV users are considerate as they slow to pass and wave a Cape Breton salutation. Its recent development includes more benches to view the eagles, the changing colours, and the beautifully flowing river. Bike to the big trestle bridge for a truly breath-taking view any time of year, but especially at the golds and reds of our deciduous trees begin to shine. 

Clove Hitch Cuisine

The Clove Hitch Bar and Bistro is a must-stop spot to grab great food in Port Hood. Their easy-to-follow one-way solution to traffic meant we were able to maintain more than physical distancing guidelines while entering, exiting, and enjoying our meals. Their menu is a great balance of local fare, easily modified for dietary needs, with a fantastic beverage menu filled with Nova Scotia brands.

The Edge of Luxury

Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping, in Judique, is designed with cliff-side views that are perfect for the ocean gazers and sunset chasers. Scott welcomes you like an old friend, as he smiles from a safe distance. He checks in via text to make sure your amenities are stocked and has an easy-to-follow sheet to control things like heat. As an avid camper, Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping is a perfect getaway dome of peace, solitude, and running water (yay for coffee!). This was the perfect ending to a hidden gem adventure, and nearly impossible to leave.

Insider Tips

• I highly recommend staying more than a single night at Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping. 1 night will not be enough to soak up the peaceful bliss we found here.
• Make sure to check out the seasonal beverages being carried at the  Clove Hitch Bar and Bistro, such as their Bay Breeze made with locally distilled vodka from Glenora Inn & Distillery, or Island Folk Cider, a newer Cape Breton Cider Brewery. 
• You will be pleased with any spot along the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, but I highly recommend the Mabou parking lot or leaving from Inverness Beach to view the Deepdale Bridge as an alternative.