Welcome to the Cabot Trail and everything Cape Breton has to offer - The Butterfly Cottage is a fully upgraded 5 Bedroom 2 Bath home that is ready to accommodate your family. Relax Recharge and Enjoy ! We loved the vibe out here so much we made this our vacation destination - and we hope you enjoy the house as well ! So much to do to so little time ! Pls see full list of things to do in DETAILS - The Margaree COOP is less than 2km away for all your needs ! Please enjoy Scott The space Beautiful private 1/2 acre of your relation vacation - Easily accommodates 8 people including 5 bedrooms - Kids room and pets always welcome Guest access the entire house and property Other things to note 1. Hiking the Cabot Trail Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers some of the most breathtaking views in all of Nova Scotia. Guests can hike the Skyline Trail, which is a short but spectacular hike that overlooks cliffs and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. For a more challenging trek, suggest the Franey Trail, which gives guests an even more panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. 2. Kayaking or Canoeing on Margaree River The Margaree River is perfect for those who love to paddle. It’s a peaceful river, with stunning natural beauty and the chance to spot wildlife. It's ideal for beginners or seasoned kayakers. There are also options to do a guided river tour to learn about the local history and ecology of the area. 3. Fishing Margaree is known for world-class salmon fishing. There are plenty of fishing spots for anglers to test their luck, whether they’re casting a line from shore or using a boat. You could even suggest booking a local guide to make the experience more enjoyable. 4. Explore the Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs If you have golf lovers, Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs are two of the best courses in the world, with views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and a true challenge for golfers of all skill levels. These golf courses are just a short drive from Margaree, and many of your guests will be thrilled to play a round at these famous courses. 5. **Visit the Margaree Salmon Museum For guests interested in learning about the local history, the Margaree Salmon Museum is a hidden gem. The museum showcases the history of the area’s fishing culture, local wildlife, and the famous Margaree River. 6. Scenic Drives Along the Cabot Trail For those who enjoy leisurely drives, the Cabot Trail is one of the most scenic routes in the world. The winding road offers jaw-dropping views of cliffs, ocean, and lush forests. There are lots of places to pull over for photos and to just soak in the beauty. 7. Beaches Around Margaree For guests who want to relax by the water, Inverness Beach is not far away. This beach has soft sand and clear water, perfect for swimming, picnicking, or just relaxing with a good book. Mabou Beach is another lovely spot to check out, especially for sunset views over the water. 8. Local Artisan Shops & Markets Encourage guests to explore local crafts and products. The Gaelic College in St. Anns offers workshops in traditional Gaelic music, art, and culture. Mabou Farmers' Market is open seasonally and is a great spot to pick up fresh local produce and handmade goods. It's a nice place to interact with the locals and enjoy the slower pace of life. 9. The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site Located in Baddeck (about 45 minutes away), this museum is dedicated to the life and inventions of the famous inventor. Guests can explore his work on the telephone and even take a walk around the scenic grounds by the lake. 10. Kayak or Paddleboard at the Cape Breton Highlands If your guests are into water sports, they can rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the coast. There are spots like Lake O'Law and St. Ann's Bay where they can get up close to nature. 11. Local Dining Recommend some local eateries like The Red Shoe Pub in Mabou, which is famous for its seafood and live Celtic music. For a more fine-dining experience, The Rusty Anchor in Margaree is a great spot for fresh local seafood, particularly mussels, and lobster. 12. Whale Watching and Boat Tours The waters around the Cabot Trail are great for whale watching, especially during the summer months. There are several tours available that allow guests to get close to the majestic creatures, including humpback whales, minke whales, and even puffins! 13. Music and Festivals If guests are visiting during the summer, they can catch local Celtic music festivals and concerts. The Celtic Colours International Festival is held in the fall and celebrates the island's rich musical heritage. 14. Ziplining and Adventure Parks If your guests are looking for something a bit more adventurous, suggest the Cape Smokey Resort, where they can try ziplining or explore the trails by bike. Winter Sports in Margaree and the Cabot Trail Area 1. Skiing & Snowboarding at Cape Smokey Resort Cape Smokey (about an hour from Margaree) offers skiing and snowboarding with beautiful views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s a smaller resort, which makes it perfect for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere compared to bigger ski hills. It’s great for families, beginners, and intermediate skiers. The breathtaking views while skiing down the slopes are a bonus! 2. Cross-Country Skiing Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a fantastic destination for cross-country skiing. The park has numerous trails that are perfect for winter sports enthusiasts who love the quiet beauty of snow-covered forests and rolling hills. Trails like Aspy Bay and Skyline Trail are often groomed in winter and offer a peaceful setting for skiing. 3. Snowshoeing Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the landscape when the snow is deep! In the Cape Breton Highlands, there are several areas that are ideal for snowshoeing, including some trails that are less crowded in the winter months, giving guests the chance to really immerse themselves in nature. You could recommend renting snowshoes locally and suggest some easier trails, like Corney Brook Trail or French Mountain Trail, for a relaxed winter hike. 4. Ice Fishing on Margaree River For those who enjoy a slower-paced winter activity, ice fishing on the Margaree River can be a unique experience. They can try their luck catching trout or salmon (depending on the season). The river freezes over in the winter, creating an ideal spot for ice fishing enthusiasts. Be sure to recommend hiring a local guide if they’re not familiar with ice fishing to ensure they stay safe on the ice. 5. Winter Hiking While many of the trails around Margaree and the Cabot Trail become snow-covered in the winter, hiking still remains a popular activity. Trails like Franey Trail and Middle Head offer spectacular views, especially with the contrast of snow-covered landscapes against the ocean. Hiking in winter is quieter and often provides the chance to see wildlife like moose, deer, and snowshoe hares. 6. Winter Wildlife Watching Winter is an excellent time to see certain wildlife species that may not be as visible in other seasons. Guests can look out for bald eagles, deer, and sea birds along the coast. The Cabot Trail is one of the best spots for winter wildlife watching, as the wildlife is often more active during the colder months. Whale watching may still be possible in winter, as some species migrate through the waters around the Cabot Trail. 7. Tobogganing and Sledding If families are visiting, suggest a tobogganing hill or sledding spot nearby. Some areas in Mabou and Inverness have popular hills for tobogganing, where families can enjoy some winter fun together. It’s a simple, classic winter activity for guests of all ages. 8. Winter Photography The winter months in Cape Breton can be some of the most beautiful for photography, with snow-dusted trees, icy rivers, and dramatic coastlines. Encourage your guests to bring their cameras and explore the many scenic viewpoints along the Cabot Trail. Some of the most iconic spots, like Cape North, offer perfect winter photography opportunities. 9. Snowmobile Tours For those looking for an adrenaline rush, snowmobiling is a great option. There are a few companies in the area that offer guided snowmobile tours through the stunning landscapes of the Cape Breton Highlands. This is an unforgettable way to experience the winter beauty of the area. Snowmobiling can be done on marked trails through the backcountry and offers breathtaking views of the snowy wilderness. Snowmobile season is upon us. We look forward to hosting you for the 25-26 snowmobile season. Entrances to the trailheads are 6.5 and 9.5km away. Snowmobiles do have to be trailered. 10. Winter Festivals & Events Winter is a cozy time in Cape Breton, and many small towns around the Cabot Trail host winter festivals or holiday celebrations. Events like the Mabou Christmas Parade, Celtic music performances, and winter markets can provide a local flavor of Cape Breton’s charm during the cold months. In Inverness, you may also find special winter events at the golf courses, like snow golf or winter bonfires by the beach. 11. Hot Springs and Relaxation After a day of skiing or snowshoeing, guests might appreciate some time to unwind. The Inverary Resort in Baddeck offers a spa experience with access to hot tubs, perfect for relaxing after outdoor winter activities. There’s also Chateau Cape Breton, known for its wellness offerings, which could be a peaceful place to treat oneself after an active day. Registration Details STR2627A8708