Margaree Lodge
- Day Trips -
The Margaree Lodge is ideally located for scenic and picturesque day trips throughout Inverness, Richmond, Victoria and Cape Breton Counties. Indeed, you are sitting on the front porch of the most awe inspiring country in the world. Cape Breton's most famous resident, Alexander Graham Bell travelled the world from the Rockies to the Alps, but for simple scenery he raved about the Cabot Trail, which is one of your day trips. Regardless of your destination time,spring, summer, fall or winter the Cabot Trail is an adventure. In the fall, with the pallette of God's creation, the colours are a true masterpiece with the orange, reds, and yellow of the sugar maples and hardwood. Indian summer offers a tranquil time to experience the various hues of creation.
No rush or timed schedule dictates your day trips around the County. The only agenda is your enjoyment and peace of mind. On a sunny day the most obvious place to be with the kid's is the beach enjoying the fresh air, pounding surf and comraderie over a picnic lunch or beach cooked hot dogs. The simple fare tastes like a five star restaurant alongside the pounding of the surf. Beaches are located at Margaree Harbour, a short 15 minute drive from the Margaree Lodge, across the bridge at Belle Cote and along the Cabot Trail, Chimney Corner along route 219, Dunvegan on route 19, and Inverness which boasts several fine beaches, one of which is supervised by the Nova Scotia Lifeguards. Beaches abound for you to relax on and enjoy. The salt water eases the tension and rewards the soul.
If you wish to go trout, salmon or fly fishing the well marked pools are within walking distance of your accommodations. From the dining room window of the Margaree Lodge you can view the Forks Pool as the angler's attempt to land the big one. Check at the front desk for license requirements, guide service and a map of the river. To guarantee that your fishing is pleasant and carefree bring a lunch because when you pick your spot, I assure you, you won't want to leave for anything. The river seems to lull and add peace to the environment for you to enjoy. If you wish to experience a day trip fishing other streams and rivers we can accommodate your wishes. An excursion may be made to the Bras D'Or lakes where many species of fish can be caught and enjoyed. Other day trips for fishing can be arranged for the Lake O Laws, Lake Ainslie, Middle River, The Cheticamp River, Mabou River, The Highlands, North River and St. Ann's. Flytying and tackle shops are located in the Margaree's as well as expert craftsmen in the art. Arrangements can be made for you to view these at work on your flies.
For the history buff in the family, the Ceilidh and Cabot Trail boast a myriad of local exhibit centers and historic monuments for you to view, visit and appreciate. As you travel the lane from the Margaree Lodge turn right on The Cabot Trail and meander towards North East Margaree and the
Margaree Salmon Museum which houses exhibits related to salmon angling on the Margaree River, in a former schoolhouse. As you retrace your voyage to The Cabot Trail drive though the Margarees, Middle River and connect to the Trans Canada at the Red Barn to complete your daytrip in Baddeck at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum which is operated by Parks Canada. This daytrip brings you home to The Margaree Lodge exhausted and in time for a late supper in the well appointed dining room.
Your tours of the local Museums continues the next day as you turn left from The Margaree Lodge lane to enjoy the hospitality of the Margaree Bicentennial Museum which is a treat for the genealogist. At Margaree Harbour is the Marion Elizabeth Schooner Museum which tells an interesting story of the schooner which was launched in 1918. Across the Harbour Bridge you travel in the Acadian area of the County, amongst friendly folk who relate their story in Les Trois Pignons, The Acadian Museum and the impressive St. Pierre Church. If you feel particularly adventuresome,
tackle the Cabot Trail, a 181 miles trek of some of the most inspiring scenery in the world.
Another day or time you may travel to Inverness and the Inverness Miner's Museum on Lower Railway Street where the history of the area, both social and mining is related through exhibits,photography and video. This Museum is located in a railway station built in 1899 by the Inverness Railway and Coal Company.
Traverse The Ceilidh Trail on to Mabou and the An Drochaid which is located on Main Street and is a veritable depository of information. In Port Hood is the Chestico Museum which relates the story of Port Hood from its founding to the present. At the end of the Ceilidh Trail in Port Hastings is The Port Hastings Museum which houses an archives and a vast photo collection.
Mac Donald House Complex located at East Lake Ainslie on route 395 is a treat with animated school days, square sets and a restored 150 year old Gothic style farmhouse.
From The Margaree Lodge you may partake of exciting whale tours which leave the Harbour and Cheticamp wharf daily, or deep sea fishing with friendly people and well informed captains.
A community of hiking trails begin in Cheticamp and traverse the Canadian Trail system for an exceptional view of vistas and land formations. Check the Nova Scotia Hiking Guide for routes and pertinent information which would fit into your particular daytrip.
The majestic soaring of the eagles can always be seen along the Margaree River, Lake Ainslie and the Bras D'Or river system. Cape Breton boasts a large population of nesting eagles and nesting pairs are located on the Margaree Lodge property for you to enjoy and appreciate. These hunters are renowned for their fishing skills. Drive along with a view for these majestic hunters.
The festival summer season brings ex-patriots home as well as visitors seeking the home spun frollicking and toe tapping cadences of the Scottish,Irish and French reels, hornpipes, and jigs. Everywhere in the
County a dance, festival or celebration takes place, so ask at the desk of
the Margaree Lodge for information on the summer festivals before you set out on an adventure from your home base.
If you wish to try your luck at the machines, blackjack or the roll of the dice then you have to make tracks to Sydney and the Casino which will entice you from your money pouch. Once you have cashed in your chips you can spend the day shopping in the many craft, clothing, footware, sports or jewellery stores. Sydney has some of the finest shops on the island and they are awaiting you to make your purchase and are eager to serve you during your visit with us.
We have presented a few variations for daytrips from The Margaree Lodge for the family or individual to enjoy as others in the party enjoy fishing the famous Margaree River for the majestic salmon. So, enjoy and take care on your travels on the island.
