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Community guide

St. Ann’s Area & North Shore

Follow the Cabot Trail from St. Ann’s Bay along the North Shore to Wreck Cove and Cape Smokey.

Photo: Ken Heaton
Image: Ken Heaton, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped for display.

St. Ann’s Bay and the North Shore.

This guide follows the Cabot Trail from St. Ann’s Bay north along the North Shore to Wreck Cove and Cape Smokey. Explore local Gaelic culture, coastal stays, community businesses, and outdoor experiences along the way.

Use this first-pass guide to find practical local stops. Listings link to further information; check current details before travelling.

Places to stay

Stays from St. Ann’s Bay along the North Shore to Wreck Cove.

Wreck Cove Cabins & Highland Bow & Arrow

Three year-round wilderness cabins on 28 acres, with a traditional archery range on the property. Contact Jay for current availability and archery bookings.

Location42321 Cabot Trail, Wreck Cove, NS B0C 1H0

Phone902-233-4750

Visit cabins website ↗

St. Ann’s Motel

A motel and cottage in South Haven overlooking St. Ann’s Harbour, near the Cabot Trail junction.

Location51947 Cabot Trail, South Haven, St. Ann’s

Phone902-295-2876

View tourism listing ↗

Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort

Wilderness resort with cabins and other stays near the Englishtown ferry and St. Ann’s Bay.

Location30 Buchanan Drive, Indian Brook

Phone902-929-2584

Visit website ↗

Sea Parrot Oceanview Manor

Ocean-view rooms and cottages on the Cabot Trail near St. Ann’s Bay.

Location45227 Cabot Trail, Englishtown

Phone902-929-2530

Visit website ↗

Cabot Trail Country Cabin

Self-contained cabin with kitchenette and screened porch near North River Bridge.

Location49070 Cabot Trail, North River Bridge

Phone902-929-2060

View county listing ↗

Trailside Accommodations and Outdoor Adventures

Four year-round self-catering cottages at Wreck Cove, with private multi-use trails and outdoor adventures nearby.

Location41682 Cabot Trail, Wreck Cove, NS B0C 1H0

Phone902-929-2246

Visit Trailside website ↗

Avoca Birches Campground

Seasonal riverside campground with serviced and unserviced RV sites and tent sites. Confirm the operating season when booking.

Location44273 Cabot Trail, North Shore, NS B0C 1H0

Phone902-919-3486

Visit campground website ↗

Englishtown Ridge Campground & RV Park

Seasonal campground with RV and tent sites, cabins, and vacation rentals. Formerly Kluskap Ridge; check the website for current season dates.

LocationSee linked listing

Phone902-929-2598

Visit campground website ↗

Joyful Journeys Oceanfront RV Campark

Seasonal oceanfront campground with RV and tent sites at Jersey Cove. Call or check the website for current availability and season dates.

Location1762 Highway 312, Jersey Cove, NS B0C 1H0

Phone902-929-2267

Visit campground website ↗

River Nest Wilderness Cabins

Five individually designed riverside wilderness cabins in North River Bridge, with a shared sauna and fire pit. Seasonal operation; book directly.

Location645 Murray Road, North River Bridge, NS B0E 1B0

Phone902-929-2628

Visit cabins website ↗

Sally’s Brook Eco-Luxury Resort

Year-round wilderness cabins and seasonal glamping accommodations near Englishtown. Check the booking page for current options.

Location118 Blackhead Road, Englishtown, NS B0C 1H0

Phone902-500-4450

Visit resort website ↗

Chanterelle Inn & Cottages

Country inn rooms and private cottages in North River Bridge. Reservations are available through the inn’s website.

Location48678 Cabot Trail, North River Bridge, NS B0E 1B0

Phone902-929-2263

View rooms and cottages ↗

The Dancing Moose Cabins & Cottage

Seasonal camping cabins and a cottage beside The Dancing Moose Café. Contact the business for dates and availability.

Location42691 Cabot Trail, Birch Plain, NS B0C 1H0

Phone902-929-2523

View cabins and cottage ↗

The White Pine Cottage

Two-bedroom self-contained cottage in Englishtown, available by reservation.

Location45654 Cabot Trail, Englishtown, NS B0C 1H0

Visit cottage website ↗

Food & drink

Local meals and baking along the Cabot Trail.

The Dancing Moose Café

North Shore café serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon treats. Check the website or call for current seasonal hours.

Location42691 Cabot Trail, Birch Plain, NS B0C 1H0

Phone902-929-2523

Visit café website ↗

The Clucking Hen Café & Bakery

A seasonal café and bakery serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and baked goods on the Cabot Trail.

Location45073 Cabot Trail, North Shore (St. Ann’s Bay area)

Phone902-929-2501

View tourism listing ↗

Chanterelle Inn & Restaurant

Seasonal dining featuring local ingredients near St. Ann’s Harbour; reservations are recommended.

LocationNorth River Bridge, St. Ann’s Bay area

Phone902-929-2263

View restaurant details ↗

Cabotto Chocolates

Local chocolate shop and gallery featuring small-batch chocolates in Indian Brook. Contact the shop to confirm current hours and offerings.

Location45943 Cabot Trail, Indian Brook, NS B0C 1H0

Phone902-929-2324

Visit chocolatier website ↗

Groceries & essentials

Groceries and useful supplies in the wider St. Ann’s Bay area.

The Other Cupboard Emporium

A year-round shop with grocery staples, snacks, prepared meals, local foods, and products from local makers.

Location45808 Cabot Trail, Indian Brook

Phone778-242-5659

Visit website ↗

Fuel & automotive

No fuel services at Wreck Cove; the Wreck Cove General Store is closed. Check current fuel options before travelling the North Shore.

More verified local listings can be added here during the community review.

Things to do

Gaelic culture, local craft, and outdoor trails.

Highland Bow & Arrow

Traditional archery range at Wreck Cove Cabins, with seasonal lessons and guided 3D-target outings. Contact Jay to confirm availability and book.

Location42321 Cabot Trail, Wreck Cove, NS B0C 1H0

Phone902-233-4750

View archery details ↗

Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College

A centre for Gaelic language, music, culture, and crafts, with visitor experiences and a craft shop.

Location51779 Cabot Trail, St. Ann’s

Phone902-295-3411

Visit the Gaelic College ↗

St. Anns Provincial Park

A small provincial park with a 500-metre trail beside a salt marsh and bay, with opportunities to watch waterfowl and other birds.

Location51475 Cabot Trail, St. Ann’s

View park details ↗

North River Falls Trail

A challenging wilderness hike to one of Nova Scotia’s highest waterfalls. Plan for a long day and check conditions before setting out.

LocationNorth River Wilderness Area, near St. Ann’s

View protected area details ↗

Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery

Watch glassblowing demonstrations, browse work by Canadian glass artists, or book a workshop. Open seasonally May 1–October 31; call for off-season appointments.

Location45054 Cabot Trail, North Shore, NS B0C 1H0

Phone902-929-2585

Visit studio website ↗

North River Kayak Tours

Guided sea-kayaking tours and packages based in North River Bridge. Seasonal operation; contact the outfitter for current availability.

Location644 Murray Road, North River Bridge, NS B0E 1B0

Phone902-929-2628

Visit kayak tours website ↗

Wildfire Pottery

North Shore pottery studio and shop featuring handcrafted ceramics. Contact the studio or check its website before visiting for seasonal hours.

LocationSee linked listing

Phone902-929-2315

Visit pottery website ↗

Visitor information

Plan ahead for seasonal services and local attractions.

Tourism Nova Scotia: St. Ann’s area

Provincial trip-planning information and visitor resources for Cape Breton Island.

LocationSt. Ann’s, Cape Breton Island

Plan your visit ↗

Before you go

Check ahead.

Seasonal services can change. Contact businesses directly before making a special trip. These guides are being developed with local review, and corrections or additions are welcome.