Family Adventure in Cape Breton Highlands

A Day Among Giants
Today was a day of embracing the serene beauty of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. We set out to explore the famed Corney Brook Trail, a path promising a gentle hike through Acadian forests and a rewarding waterfall at its end. It was a day filled with nature's wonders, delicious food, and the warmth of family, making it a perfect addition to our autumn adventure.


An easy, family-friendly hike through Acadian forest to a charming waterfall in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at The Arduaine Restaurant and Lodge. The open concept dining room, with its exposed beams and cathedral ceiling, offered stunning views of North Bay. It felt luxurious, a wonderful way to start our day. We fueled up with a delicious meal, knowing we had a moderately challenging hike ahead. Alessia was particularly excited, chattering about seeing a real waterfall – something she'd only seen in books and cartoons. Pieter and I enjoyed the views, sipping our coffee and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere before the day's adventures truly began.


Discover exquisite Western cuisine at The Arduaine Restaurant and Lodge in scenic Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia – where culinary delight meets stunning views.

With backpacks packed and spirits high, we drove to the Corney Brook Trailhead. The parking lot was conveniently located across from the Corney Brook Campground. The crisp air was invigorating, and the fall colors were starting to pop, painting the landscape in hues of red, orange, and gold. I made a mental note to bring my paints the next time we came. Perhaps I could capture the beauty of this place on canvas.

The Corney Brook Trail itself was a delight. As we started our hike, the trail wound gently through a lush Acadian forest. The path was well-maintained, with clear signage that made it easy to navigate. The sound of the brook flowing alongside us created a serene and immersive nature experience. Alessia loved crossing the two bridges along the trail, pausing to throw leaves into the water and watch them float downstream.

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.

The hike wasn't too strenuous, with only a moderate elevation gain. It was perfect for a family outing, allowing us to enjoy the surroundings without feeling too tired. Pieter, ever the attentive husband, made sure we took plenty of breaks, especially for Alessia, who was determined to keep up with our pace. I appreciated his thoughtfulness, and it made the experience even more enjoyable.

After about an hour of leisurely hiking, we reached the Corney Brook Waterfall. It wasn't a massive cascade, but it was beautiful nonetheless. The water tumbled down the rocks, creating a refreshing mist in the air. We spent some time admiring the falls, taking photos, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the spot. Alessia was thrilled, exclaiming that it was even better than she had imagined.

We even ventured up a higher path to get an impressive view of the falls. It was a bit steeper, but the panoramic perspective was well worth the effort. From there, we could see the forest stretching out before us, a sea of vibrant colors under the autumn sky. It was a moment of pure bliss, a reminder of the beauty and wonder that nature has to offer. I felt grateful to be sharing this experience with my family, creating memories that we would cherish for years to come.

As we hiked back, we continued to soak in the beauty of the Acadian forest. The sunlight filtered through the trees, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor. We spotted a variety of birds, their songs filling the air with melodies. Alessia, with her keen eyes, even pointed out a snowshoe hare, camouflaged against the fallen leaves. It was moments like these that made the hike so special, a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the simple things in life.

By the time we returned to the trailhead, we were all feeling a bit peckish. Luckily, our next stop was the Belle View Restaurant Ltd for a delicious lunch. While perhaps the name is a little generic, the food was not. It was the perfect way to refuel after our hike, and we enjoyed a relaxing meal while reminiscing about our favorite moments from the trail. I was particularly fond of the seafood chowder, a creamy and flavorful concoction that warmed me from the inside out.


Experience authentic Nova Scotian cuisine with breathtaking views at Belle View Restaurant Ltd along the iconic Cabot Trail.

With our bellies full and our spirits lifted, we decided to explore more of what Cape Breton had to offer. We drove along the Cabot Trail, stopping at scenic overlooks to admire the breathtaking coastal views. The vibrant fall foliage was truly stunning, and we couldn't resist taking countless photos to capture the beauty of the landscape. It's no wonder the Cabot Trail is considered one of the most beautiful drives in Nova Scotia; it's a feast for the eyes, a symphony of colors and textures that captivates the senses.

As evening approached, we made our way to Sydney, where we had reservations for dinner at Fitzgerald's Restaurant. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a lovely view of the Bras d'Or Lakes and Kelly's Mountain. We indulged in homemade meals and seafood dishes, savoring the flavors of Cape Breton. Pieter raved about the roast beef, and I couldn't get enough of the seafood pasta. Alessia, of course, opted for her usual – a plate of chicken nuggets and fries, which she devoured with gusto.


Discover fresh local cuisine at Fitzgerald's Restaurant in Boularderie - a true taste of Nova Scotia.

To cap off our wonderful day, we decided to visit The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse. We enjoyed some traditional Irish music and a pint of local beer. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and we felt right at home among the friendly locals and tourists alike. It was a perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking and exploring, a chance to relax and enjoy the camaraderie of good company.


Experience the warmth of Ireland at The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse, where traditional flavors meet lively entertainment in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

As we sipped our drinks, I couldn't help but reflect on the day's adventures. We had hiked through Acadian forests, admired a beautiful waterfall, savored delicious food, and enjoyed the warmth of Irish hospitality. It was a day filled with simple pleasures, a reminder of the beauty and wonder that can be found in the natural world. I felt grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family, creating memories that we would cherish for years to come.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore the Cape Breton Tourist Scavenger Hunt, which should be a fun way to see more of the area. We'll start the day with breakfast at Clucking Hen Cafe & Bakery, followed by lunch at The Arduaine Restaurant and Lodge. For dinner, we're heading to Kiju's Restaurant, and we might even do some shopping at Tartans and Treasures. I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow holds!

Back at our cozy rental cabin, Alessia was already fast asleep, dreaming of waterfalls and woodland creatures. Pieter and I sat by the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa and reminiscing about our favorite moments from the day. We talked about the beauty of the Acadian forest , the thrill of reaching the waterfall , and the warmth of the Irish pub. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day, a reminder of the joy and connection that travel can bring.

As I write this, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Cape Breton Highlands National Park has exceeded all of my expectations, offering a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences that is truly unique. I'm so glad that we decided to come here as a family, and I can't wait to see what other wonders await us in the days to come. Perhaps we'll spot a moose, or discover a hidden beach, or simply enjoy another breathtaking sunset over the Cabot Trail. Whatever happens, I know that we'll be creating memories that will last a lifetime. This trip is not just about seeing new places; it's about connecting with each other, appreciating the beauty of the world, and living in the moment. And for that, I am eternally grateful. Ciao!