So many Margarees and so little time! Once you
realize there's no hurry, that you can see the National Park enjoyably
over several days, it's easy to stop in Margaree and smell the roses–wild
roses that is, like those which adorn our Harbour. Whatever you're
looking for in Cape Breton, we've got it here.
Seaside:
If you're staying at or near Margaree
Harbour, you might want to take advantage
of the fishing wharf (just
across the big bridge), the beaches
and the safe canoeing and kayaking available there. Enjoy a quiet
paddle from East Margaree or Margaree
Forks downstream to the Harbour. Keep an eye out overhead for bald
eagles, which are plentiful in this
area. Explore the wharf by canoe or kayak or arrive by car. Depending
on season, fishing boats and their crews arrive with their catch around
midday; don't be afraid to say hello. If you need refreshment, there
are spa treatments
at the Island Sunset Resort.
Beside the Margaree
Harbour Wharf at Belle Cote, there is
a long beach
on the other side of the breakwater. Access it by going down to Margaree
Harbour past Laurence's General Store. Even if you are not one for relaxing
on a beach in the sun, you'll enjoy the jaunt down the coast along the
Shore Road a few kilometres to Whale Cove,
where the beach, bluffs and coastline will fill your senses. There is
also a fabulous walking beach at Chimney
Corner, just one kilometre south of Chimeny
Corner Cottages . Look for the gravel road on
your right and drive in to the end!
There is sit-down
dining at the Harbour at the Duck Cove
Inn and in Belle Cote at the Island Sunset Resort, each with stunning
views of the Harbour and coastline. If you can manage it, do make the
twenty minute trip to Margaree Valley for some
of the best music and dancing on the island
at the The Barn (Wednesdays in spring / Fridays in summer) or on Friday
nights, enjoy the music and dancing at St. Joseph's Hall in Southwest
Margaree.
Car Trip/day:
Start in the Margaree Valley area with a visit
to the Salmon Museum,
just off the Cabot Trail. Afterward, head further into the Valley
and visit the historic Fish Hatchery,
about five minutes away. After admiring all the "fish things"
they have to offer, you've earned a little down time; check out Jennifer
MacPherson's painted floor mats
at Two Macs gallery, pottery and photographs
at Cape Breton Clay, Anne Morell Robinson's quilts
and hooked rugs in Big Intervale. Once
you've worked up an appetite shopping, drop by the Big Intervale Fishing
Lodge restaurant for great food
and hospitality or, for take out fare, Ingraham's Store at Margaree
Centre.
If your kids crave excitement, try the Go-karts
or Bumper boats at the Lakes Resort, then sample some seafood
in their restaurant next door (they also have kayaks
and paddle boats) When you leave, you might check out the Lifestyles
hiking trails at nearby Lake O'Law. |
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On your way,
there's Josef McKinnon, who makes folk
art carvings at his roadside Four Winds
Gallery on the Cabot Trail. You'll begin to follow the river as you
head toward the ocean at Margaree Harbour. Don’t miss the Dancing
Goat in Northeast Margaree, a lovely bistro
which serves cappuccinos, fresh-baked goodies, breakfasts and lunches.
Gas, ATM cash, spirits, groceries and visitor
information are on your way, at Northeast
Margaree and Margaree Forks. There is
a funky antiques
shop with plenty to look at and a park
by the river near the Visitor Information
Centre. Nearby, try your luck at the
Old Miller Trout Farm U-Fish.
From the Forks to the Harbour are some of the most spectacular views
of the Margaree River, a famous destination
for salmon fishers. Feel free to drop
by for a tour of the Larch Wood Enterprises mill in East Margaree. Flooring
and lovely juniper cutting boards are fabricated here.
Admire the awesome view
as you arrive at Margaree Harbour but turn left on Route 219 before
crossing the big bridge. As you enter the little village, you'll see
two lighthouses at the very end of the
road and a beautiful beach just beyond;
take it in. If you want more good things, head further south on route
219, also known as the Ceilidh Trail. As you approach Whale Cove,
you'll be dazzled by the coastline and Whale
Cove beach.
For a bigger and more private beach, drive south
toward Chimney Corner beach. There are
accommodations and restaurants
on the coast and also in the Valley. On summer Tuesdays, have steak
& ale with music at the Island Sunset Resort in Belle Cote
or catch the popular weekly concerts and dancing
at the Barn at the Normaway Inn in the Margaree Valley.
Day Trips Further Afield:
Margaree is also a good
central base for seeing some of the
great attractions on Cape Breton. There are some of Canada's finest
golf courses
within easy driving distance in Baddeck, Ingonish, Cheticamp and Dundee.
There's also the Fortress of Louisbourg, which is one of the most
elaborate historical reconstructions anywhere. For
hikers, there is a variety of trails
in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Isle Madame, in Richmond
County, is an under-explored area which makes a lovely day trip, and
the Broad Cove area (only minutes from Margaree), offers some spectacular
coastal vistas. All in all, there is more than enough to make your
trip truly memorable.
Bike Days in Margaree:
This is a leisurely way to enjoy the Valley.
The Salmon Museum and Fish Hatchery
are close enough together to reach comfortably by bike. Check out
the craft shops;
then head over to Margaree Centre, where you'll go over the Margaree
River, and notice people having a good time swimming.
After you have a bite at Ingraham's
Take-out/Irving, turn right and head for the Ingraham Brothers Store
Museum at 2084 West Big Intervale Rd. (open six days/week), a cute
general store
built in 1885, and restored to its original condition. If you turn
left, you can continue toward the Phillips
Mountain Lookoff, a scenic viewpoint
over the valley. When you're back on the Cabot Trail, you could bike
to Margaree Forks,
passing beautiful hayfields, catching glimpses of the river. Enjoy
a few hours of trout fishing
at the Old Miller Trout Farm U-Fish.
When you have completed your leisurely day trip and worked up an appetite,
there are refreshments and accommodations available in abundance in
the Valley and the Forks. Save some energy for the music
and dancing at the Barn on the grounds
of the Normaway Inn. |
