Here are a few activities to consider during your stay:
Explorer's Cottage offers a private beach, fishing equipment, the use of a canoe, including paddles, and adult and child sized life vests, as well as a boreal forest, birch forest, and orchard, all in a botanical park-like setting. Raspberry Cottage is located in a clearing and features raspberry fields, grape vines, and a much more extensive orchard. Both cottages feature propane tank grills and charcoal grills, with propane and charcoal included.
Nature Experiences
Exploratory nature walks around the grounds at Explorer's Cottage on a paved asphalt pathway will bring you through diverse environments such as moss forests, a boreal forest, a birch forest, and a salt water estuary. Walks around Raspberry Cottage reveal how apples, pears, raspberries, grapes, blueberries, and black currants grow. Both cottages share a private forest road that cuts through over the Boularderie Island, perfect for hikes or snowshoeing or cross country skiing in the winter. The Cabot Trail is just twenty minutes away, where short and long hikes are available, including ranger-led hikes. Guests at Raspberry Cottage have access to a fire ring that they can sit around and watch the stars above in a 180 degree view. The village of Baddeck offers a free pontoon boat "ferry" to Kidston Island, a nearby island with a lighthouse that features nature walks, swimming, and sightseeing.
Fishing
Fishing equipment and the use of a canoe, stand up paddleboard, paddles, and life vests, is available upon request and included with your stay. The Bras d'Or is a saltwater estuary and part of the Atlantic Ocean. In the winter, there are snow tubes, snow shoes, and an old-fashioned toboggan available for guest use as part of their stay. Guests at Explorer's Cottage may fish off the large waterfront deck, while guests at Raspberry Cottage are able to explore Cape Breton, which is home to world-class fishing. The province of Nova Scotia does not require a fishing license in saltwater. Canadian fishing seasons and bag limits apply. A fishing license is required for those over 16 who fish in freshwater, such as lakes and rivers. Guests can speak with, or partner with, a local to tour the best fishing locations.
EXHIBITS, LOCAL LECTURES, and Guides
Explorer’s Cottage has an exhibition space on the first floor where photos from the region and other northern geographic areas are shown, as well as rotating art work such as drawings and paintings. The included local lecture series includes lectures or guided tours of practical information about the area, wildlife, local way of life, and local history. Locals can also provide guests with information about the best fishing spots for certain fish. Custom sightseeing itineraries can be created for guests interested in photography.