Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort

After skiing at Cape Smokey, less than a 30-minute drive away, it was lovely to return to a clean, cozy space and warm up in our own private hot tub. We were a group of friends staying three nights at Cabot Shores and had an amazing weekend. Paul was a fantastic host and made everything easy from start to finish. The executive chef made an incredible dinner, and a real Cape Breton kitchen party was a great way to end the night. We can’t wait to come back!

The food was delicious, and the old lodge has plenty of character, but the website for both the wilderness lodge and bistro didn’t match what we found when we arrived for lunch. The road was dirt and opened onto unkempt grounds and an outdated, unkempt lodge. The website photos don’t show the current state of the “resort.” At first we wondered if we’d taken a wrong turn, since private residences seemed to be mixed in with a small community. We even thought we might have entered an indigenous reserve by mistake, until we saw the lodge. The menu was very limited. Cleanliness was a real problem. The downstairs hallway to the bathroom was filthy, with dirt and leaves everywhere. The bathroom had a shower inside and someone’s used personal towel lying in the sink. I almost didn’t use it, and left without washing my hands because I would have had to move the towel. It felt unsanitary, like walking into someone’s house and using their dirty bathroom, and I just wanted to get out. I didn’t take a photo because I didn’t think anyone would believe me. After I told my husband, he waited to use the gas station washroom down the road. The place has potential. Awards and stickers on the door suggest it was once a great spot, and we enjoyed the food, but I think the websites still show what it used to be rather than its current state.

We were there during a day of rain that lasted through most of the night, but our yurt didn’t leak and we could still use the hot tub under its roof. The yurts were warm and comfortable, and the staff were friendly and helpful. My wife found having to go outside to get to the washrooms difficult, though the facilities were clean and easy to access. The location is beautiful, with nice trails to explore. Breakfast and supper were very tasty, and the service was excellent.

We practically had the place to ourselves in the offseason, and the hospitality was excellent, with some special attention too. In November, the cozy wood stove in the Raven Dome was necessary. Sleeping there was a unique experience, with the cedar hot tub and a view of the stars at Cabot Shores. We’re already scheming about a return, maybe in another season and a different dome or yurt. I’d recommend this spot to other visitors to Cape Breton Island.