Press
Lonely Planet Names Nova Scotia as a Top Place to Visit in 2012January 06, 2012
The world's largest travel guide book publisher has named the Maritimes as one of its Top Ten Regions to visit in 2012, specifically referring to several distinctly Nova Scotian experiences as some of the reasons behind its decision. In Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2012, Canada's Maritime region of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island is included as one of the top ten regions to visit next year. Please click here for full story
Coastal scenery along the Cabot Trail at Cap LeMoine, Scotsman MagazineJanuary 03, 2012
The first question Cape Bretons ask when you arrive in this remote but rather gorgeous bit of Canada is: “What’s your father’s name?” It’s the quickest way to suss out your roots, which side of the fence you sit and whether you might be descended from some long lost relative across the seas to the east, a five-hour or so flight away in Scotland. There’s been much water under the bridge since the 18th and 19th centuries when thousands of persecuted Scots abandoned their homes…
Cape Breton, day 2: Songsmiths and whiskey in MabouNovember 10, 2011
The Glenora Inn and Distillery has been through a lot: two past owners, a couple lawsuits from Scottish distilleries who seem unsympathetic to these New World pioneers, and all the challenges of making a first-rate whiskey in a place that has no history or experience in distilling the maddeningly complex single malts that the Glen Breton is now known for. Challenge overcome, I say. Read full blog and watch video
Cape Breton, day 2: Hiking through the Highlands National ParkNovember 09, 2011
I got up after a long night of music and scenic drives to a bright new day at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn. The Inn is known for its great food, and a breakfast buffet ($10 when you book the room) gave me a final chance to enjoy the warm dining room and the great view. Today, I decided it was time to do some hiking. I would go up the west side of the Cabot Trail to the beginning of the Cape Breton Highlands National…
Cape Breton, day 1: Music in the air from Port Morien to St. Peter’sNovember 08, 2011
Cape Breton is a bigger place than you’d expect. Maybe that’s a subjective call, but my GPS was giving me an unusually high number of instructions on the way from Eskasoni to Cow Bay. And while the looping, switchback roads might contribute a bit to the sense that you’re not getting anywhere quick, I think the main fault lies with the scenery. I blame the scenery for making time – and my pace – slow down. It’s tough not to stare when the ocean extends…
Cape Breton, day 1: Eskasoni Cultural DayNovember 07, 2011
I visited Cape Breton on a blogging trip from October 11th to 13th for Extreme Group and Destination Cape Breton. They gave me a couple ideas of what to see and full editorial control – so what you’ll read here is no-holds-barred travel blogging fun. The Eskasoni Mi’kmaw Nation is about half an hour east of highway 105, and it’s home to splendid views, awesome fishing, and a proud people. After learning that the venue had changed, I made it to the Elder’s Centre and found Mi’kmaw culture on full display. Read more at On Off Konoff
Sea Kayaking Cape North, Cape BretonNovember 01, 2011
Over the years I have dipped my paddle in a number of areas around Cape Breton Island. I’ve kayaked the protected islands on Bras d’Or Lake, North and South Harbour near Dingwall, St Anns Harbour and more exposed areas such as the Bird Islands, Louisbourg Harbour/Lighthouse Point, Point Michaud Beach and North and South Bay Ingonish. All of these trips were amazing but I have still been longing to paddle around the highlands. Some day I will take a week and paddle a large portion…
Cape Breton Highlands National Park Hike & BikeNovember 01, 2011
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is my favorite Canadian park in Autumn. It is hard to beat the mountains covered in a rainbow of leaves as the slopes meet the ocean. There are a lot of options for adventure seekers throughout the park. The Ingonish area on the east side of the park is a great base to squeeze in coastal, mountain, river, lakes and waterfalls within the park. Read more at Some Good Adventure.
North River Waterfalls & AttractionsNovember 01, 2011
North River Falls are the highest waterfalls in Nova Scotia at 32 metres. The falls are located in North River Provincial Park which is a designated wilderness area. I guided a few hikes to the North River Falls over ten years ago for North River Kayak tours. Since that time the trail network has deteriorated but the dramatic falls are still worth the effort for fit and able bodied hikers with a spirit of adventure. Read more at Some Good Adventure.
Isle Madame, Cape BretonOctober 26, 2011
Isle Madame is both the archipelago and the largest island that lies off the southeast corner of Cape Breton Island. Originally settled by Basque fishermen, Acadians became the dominant population of this island around the 17th century. Today this mixed population of English and French welcomes travellers to explore their scenic shores. Off the beaten path along the Fleur-de-Lis Trail visitors are rewarded with quaint fishing villages, lighthouses, hiking trails, beaches, excellent sea kayaking opportunities and apparently world class wreck diving. Read more at Some Good Adventure