Cape Breton Island’s Epic Winter Bucket List

With an impressive 200 centimetres + of snow this winter, our ski hills and winter festivities have magnificently sprung to life. Cape Breton Island has magically transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland with epic adventures at every turn.

1. Ride the Gondola and hit the Slopes at Cape Smokey

With over 15 runs and 10 kms of skiable terrain, Ski Cape Smokey is a must-do winter destination for the skiers and snowboarders in your family. Take advantage of the scenery as you glide down the mountainside toward the ocean, the view will leave you breathless.

2. Take A Winter Road Trip

Don’t let winter give you cabin fever. Instead, stay in a warm winter cottage, visit a ski hill or watch the snowfall in the Cape Breton Highlands. See how many communities you can visit in one day, bring home a souvenir from each one, find your new favourite dining location or look-off stop. The possibilities are endless.

3. Snowmobile Through the Highlands

If you’ve seen the highlands in the summer then you know how beautiful it can be. However, in the summer you can only hike or admire from the base of the mountains. Through the use of a snowmobile, you can truly go off the beaten path. You can zip through valleys, head to the peaks of your favourite mountains and meet up with friends along the Great Trail. Margaree Weekends and TNT Outdoor Adventures Inc. are great ways to get introduced to the world of snowmobiling and to the trails in the Cape Breton highlands.

4. Hit the Slopes at Ski Ben Eoin

Ski Ben Eoin is a great place to test out your new tricks and flips. This hill is only a short drive from Sydney and is a perfect day or evening activity.

5. Warm-up in a Wood Fired Hot Tub

On a cold winter night, nothing is better than dipping your toes into a hot tub. Warm up from the inside out as you sit back and relax. Starting to plan your winter getaway? Find all our Island’s hot tubs here.

6. Cross Country Ski at North Highlands Nordic 

Known as one of Cape Breton’s “best-kept secrets” North Highlands Nordic is home to many cross country skiers, skate skiers and snowshoers. The grounds are regularly groomed, with trails as wide as 16 metres. That’s more than enough room for a little friendly competition.

7. Snowshoe the Cape Breton Highlands National Park 

Strap on your snowshoes, there is an entire National Park for you to explore this winter. Don’t have a pair of snowshoes? No problem, click here to learn where you can borrow a pair.

8. Enjoy some winter eats!

Winter calls for hearty, stomach-filling meals that will fuel your adventures on Cape Breton Island. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out, a night out with friends or a visit to a cozy café,  we’ve got you covered!

9. Stay in a Cozy Accommodation 

From cozy cabins to luxurious suites, Cape Breton has it all. Stay in your own two-story cottage at Keltic Quay Bayfront Lodge & Cottages, perched along the edge of Whycocomagh Bay. Watch the sunrise over the Bras d’Or Lake from your personal suite at the Inverary Resort. Wake up to the snowy scene of a Cape Breton valley with Valley View Chalets, or break away from the crowds at a new off-grid camping cabin facility, Iron Mountains Wilderness Resort. For a complete list of places to stay this winter, please click here.

10. Warm Up in a Sauna

There are few things that feel as good as warming up with a good sweat sesh in a sauna. Spending time in a sauna can help improve your circulation, which has positive trickle-down effects on your heart, blood pressure, skin, and more. Like you needed to know any of those benefits before booking your next night at an accommodation with a sauna!