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The beaches of Margaree
are exceptional. Sparsely populated even in summer, they are easy to
find and close together, all found on a nine-kilometre stretch of coastline.
Cape Bretoners come from distant points to enjoy them. It doesn't hurt
that the water on the Gulf, or, 'sunset side' of the island is warmer
than the Atlantic side of Cape Breton, allowing you to enjoy the full
measure of these prime Cape Breton beaches.
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MARGAREE HARBOUR
This beach is surrounded by grassy
sand dunes, dramatic cliffs and a working harbour to the north. You
can sun yourself and watch lobster boats return home. Turn off the Cabot
Trail on the (south) Margaree Harbour-end of the bridge, and turn onto
route 219, the Shore Rd.(also known as the Ceilidh Trail) then almost
immediately turn right into the lovely village of Margaree Harbour.
If you are traveling north, turn left into the village; continue on
to the end of the road. Visit and enjoy an old-fashioned general store,
then continue on the gravel road, down the hill, and you'll find parking
below two lovely lighthouses. The beach is just beyond the dunes.
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WHALE COVE
Cradled in a really superb landscape, you'll
find Whale Cove just a few kilometres south of the village of Margaree
Harbour, on the Shore Rd. (route 219). It's in plain sight of the road
and there's parking above on the grass. You'll usually find an anchored
raft for the kids, and there's a beautiful bluff above the beach which
is perfect for a stroll; you'll find some of the most spectacular vistas
on the Cape Breton from this spot.
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CHIMNEY CORNER
This is the choice of local folks not only because
of its sheer size, but also its privacy from the road. This gorgeous,
clean beach is cradled in a cove, and offers safe swimming with long
shallow water areas and great views. It also offers a clean, shallow,
fresh water stream which crosses the beach and empties into the Gulf;
kids love playing in and around it. There's rocky point to be explored,
even in bare feet; the path has been worn smooth by generations of curious
traffic. Cape Bretoners travel from Baddeck and Sydney to enjoy Chimney
Corner's perfection. The gravel road to the beach is located on the
right, at the bottom of a dip (you'll also see a blue bungalow on the
corner, about 8 km. south of Margaree Harbour, just a little south of
the Cape Breton Clay shop and pond). At the end of the road, there's
plenty of parking in a grassy lot beside the beach.
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BELLE COTE
This is a long beach, a mixture
of sand and lovely round pebbles worn smooth by eons of wave action-perfect
for rockhounds. The beach runs on the other side of a breakwater and
continues further north. By the time you walk its great length and back,
you'll be ready for some seafood and refreshment nearby at The Island
Sunset Resort. Located just north of the Harbour Bridge, turn off the
Cabot Trail immediately beside the old Esso gas station, just north
of the Hungry Skipper Restaurant. The easiest foot access to the beach
is at the south end of the breakwater on the northern end of the wharf.
Look for an opening in the boulders, not far from the big anchor.
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