About the Island / Locals Know Blog / Food & Drink
Cape Mabou Highlands & Clove Hitch Bistro
The Cape Mabou Highlands should be on everybody’s list. It’s not your typical tourist route and the trail offers dramatic vistas over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You can get your heart pumping or take a leisurely stroll through remnants of Acadian old-growth forest (i.e. maple, beech trees with high canopy and ground covered by ferns). And all of this without the crowds of the National Park close by.
There are over 12 different trail segments varying in length from 300m to 6.4km and when you start adding them end to end you can easily spend a day or two exploring this part of the island.
GPS Coordinates: 46° 8.556’N, 61° 26.959’W
Pro Tip– The Cape Mabou Trail club sells maps at the local store and you might be able to purchase them through the mail if you contact them.
Recommended Restaurant: Clove Hitch Bistro – 8790 Nova Scotia Trunk 19, Port Hood (10 min drive)
Upscale style bistro with a beautiful view of the water. It’s good for casual dining or a special night out after hiking up an appetite all day.
Recommended Dish – Start with lobster wontons, and continue with a veggie and goat cheese wrap.
Pro Tip – Get the chowder as a side for any sandwich. You won’t regret it!
About the Author
Alicia Lake
Alicia Lake, lifelong Victoria County, Cape Breton resident, is a self-described local-food devotee. She holds an MBA in Community Economic Development plus degrees in Community Studies and Political Science, and has worked across the island’s food system. Alicia founded the Baddeck & Area Community Market and the 50% Local Food Club, and now leads the Pan Cape Breton Food Hub Co-op, Cape Breton’s online marketplace for local produce.
Related posts...
Take a Bite Out of Winter on Cape Breton’s South Coast
Get ready for an amazing South Coast adventure with Alicia Lake! From Isle Madame to St. Peter's Alicia takes you to her favourite spots and introduces you to hidden hiking gems.
Where to Find Fresh Lobster
Atlantic lobster from Cape Breton Island is renowned for being the freshest and some of the tastiest lobster in the world.
Explore With Reshma’s Cape Breton Island Tour
We invited Ottawa-based content creator @ExplorewithReshma to explore Cape Breton Island to experience our vibrant living cultures, coastal trails and unforgettable food. Her multi-day adventure brought her from Downtown Sydney to the Cabot Trail, with memorable...
Unlock the Island’s Best-Kept Secrets
Get seasonal itineraries, local tips and member-only offers, straight from Cape Breton insiders to your inbox once a month.
No spam, just wanderlust fuel. Free departure anytime.