
Cape Breton Island vacation rentals
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The Hydrofoil Hanger on Baddeck Bay
We loved the cottage, the view and we really enjoyed the hot tub too ! There was a problem with the airbnb reservation which we confirmed but John didn’t have it, and the cottage was shown as available on our dates 2 days before our check in. it was a bit stressful (@airbnb these things should not happen) considering we had paid the full non refundable charge but John sorted it out quickly enough ! We definitely recommend staying there !

Salt Water House Unit 2
Our first time in Inverness and absolutely not our last. This place was incredible! John was a wonderful, responsive host and his home is on the most beautiful property. So peaceful and private with a view beyond words. We also went to 2 of his local restaurant recommendations (The Annex was excellent). Can’t wait to come back.

Moose & Merlin Glamping Cabin
Can't say enough about Jay and this place - this has been one of my favourite AirBnb experiences to date. The property is expansive and stunning, with beautiful walkable charming footpaths through the woods to the ocean, and a real sense that Jay stewards over the land with love. The little cabin feels spacious, cozy, uncluttered, homey, and private. Attention to detail like the tone of the lights/ambience, woodland themes while maintaining a fresh, clean and tidy space. I can see how this place would be a welcome reprieve at any time of year and look forward to returning. Jay's hospitality is second to none as well!!

Raven's Roost at Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins
Absolutely lovely spot to stay. Very unique experience with picturesque surroundings. Seems very well managed with a very helpful / personable host. We could absolutely see ourselves selecting Sally's Brook again on another Cape Breton adventure. 100% recommend if your looking for a cabin experience!

In La Côte (at the shore)
We had a wonderful time in Cheticamp. John was helpful for suggestions about hiking and restaurants. I would highly recommend his beautiful place.

Sky-high yurt with amazing view of the river
We loved our stay in the Singing Bowls yurt. The yurt and surroundings were stunning. Large windows cover a quarter of the yurt and look out over a wide river, where we got to watch the sunrise and eagles flying over head. The inside is beautifully decorated and includes everything you'll need for a relaxing stay. There is a private outhouse a minute from the yurt, and it's got to be the nicest outhouse ever made haha Andrea and Clay are both lovely people. This is our second time staying with them (we were in another yurt last time, which was also gorgeous), and we'll definitely be back some time!

Spruce - Luxury 1BR Cottage Stunning Views Hot Tub
Absolutely stunning - my husband and I stayed here for three nights and couldn’t get over the view. We watched the sunset from three different locations each night … all beautiful. That alone would make this place a must stay, but layered on top are gorgeous accommodations with all the modern touches! Can’t wait to visit again.

Oceanfront Cottage with Panoramic View
Jillian was an excellent host - very helpful and great with communication. The house is close to town and overlooks the water with outstanding views. Lovely special home and spot. You will love your stay here!
Your guide to Cape Breton Island
All About Cape Breton Island
Located in the turbulent Atlantic waters off the eastern shores of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island is known for its rolling forested hills, fishing villages, the expansive and brackish Bras d’Or Lake, and rugged, dramatic coastlines. The remote island has attracted generations of hikers, flyfishers, and kayakers to its vast hinterlands and sprawling seaboards — wild landscapes that shelter enormous populations of moose, black bears, and seasonal migratory whales. Cape Breton’s human residents cluster in several dozen communities scattered across the island, Sydney being the largest.
Museums and art galleries keep the island’s cultural scene current, and several heritage sites invite visitors to learn about the Mi’kmaq people and other Indigenous communities. The island is also famous for its seafood, and you’ll find many restaurants serving up lobster and other locally caught shellfish. As Cape Breton connects easily to the mainland via the Canso Causeway, the broader offerings of Nova Scotia are within reach.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Cape Breton Island
Eastern Canada and the North Atlantic waters around Cape Breton Island are subject to a varied climate, with drastic swings in conditions between the seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, with regular rain showers that create lush, vibrant landscapes. These months are great for hiking, exploring the inland areas, and enjoying the cultural offerings of the local communities. Winters bring frigid temperatures that often fall well below freezing, with heavy snowfall accumulating from November through March. These colder months can still be excellent times to book vacation rentals on Cape Breton Island, as there are plenty of opportunities for cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and nestling up in a cozy cottage in front of a fire.
Most of the island’s festivities and events occur during the summer, when it is comfortable to be outside. All summer long, the Patio Lanterns Festival sees makeshift stages pop up throughout Nova Scotia for free live music and food on patios lit with twinkling lights.
Top things to do in Cape Breton Island
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
This 25-acre historic site in the town of Baddeck perches above the Atlantic waters; its angular architecture and expansive glass walls merit a visit alone. Inside, the museum showcases artifacts, re-creations of historic aircraft, underwater submersibles, the world’s first patented telephone, and other achievements from the life of the famed inventor.
The Big Fiddle
This 60-foot statue honors Nova Scotia’s strong Celtic community and its proud musical traditions. It stands in front of the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney, which hosts concerts throughout the year. The Port Sydney area offers plenty of options for shopping and dining, as well as a waterfront promenade that provides expansive ocean vistas.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
This expansive national park and recreation area sits amid Cape Breton’s northern highlands, coniferous forests, and rugged coasts. Miles of hiking trails through the undulating hills bring travelers to the tops of towering peaks, along winding creeks, and to the beaches of secluded mountain lakes. Flyfishing is one of the park’s popular activities, in addition to spotting eagles, moose, and whales in the wild.
Destinations to explore
- Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine Vacation rentals
- Sydney Vacation rentals
- Inverness Vacation rentals
- Chéticamp Vacation rentals
- Antigonish Vacation rentals
- Baddeck Vacation rentals
- New Glasgow Vacation rentals
- Glace Bay Vacation rentals
- Souris Vacation rentals
- Port Hood Vacation rentals
- Magdalen Islands Vacation rentals
- Cape Breton Highlands Vacation rentals
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- Cape Breton Highlands national park
- Pondville Beach
- Cabot Cliffs Golf Course
- Port Hood Station Beach
- Inverness Beach
- Chéticamp Beach
- Point Michaud Beach
- North Harbour Beach
- Point Michaud Beach Provincial Park
- Bell Bay Golf Club
- Petit Nez Beach
- St. Esprit Beach
- Chéticamp Island
- Eileanan Brèagha Vineyards
- North Highlands Nordic