Yarmouth to Cape Breton Island

Cape Forchu

After having some breakfast at our hotel, we set out to explore Yarmouth. While checking out, the staff suggested visiting Cape Forchu. It is about a fifteen minute drive outside of Yarmouth on an outcropping of rock. Surrounding the lighthouse are some trails that take you along the coast and along some rugged rocky landscapes too. The Parental Minions and I spent some time walking the trails and exploring the waterfront.

After walking the area around the lighthouse, we take the steps up to the lighthouse itself. Unfortunately, due to the season most of the buildings were closed. But after doing some research there are some interesting activities to do here when it’s open. There is a lightkeepers dwelling that can be toured and you can climb the lighthouse itself. While we didn’t get a chance to do this, we still enjoyed exploring the complex.

Digby

Since today is intended to be a travel day, we decided to take a more “scenic” drive along the coast to Digby. It takes a little longer but its a pleasant drive through small Acadian towns. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to take any photos since I’m the driver. But would recommend the drive if you have the schedule flexibility to do so.

Upon arriving in Digby, we park in the centre of town and stroll through the waterfront. One of the things Digby is famous for is its Scallops. So at the top of our list is to find a restaurant for a late lunch.

The Crow’s Nest

There are several restaurants along the water, and we settle on one called The Crow’s Nest. We opt for one of their patio tables. Then we proceed to order a plethora of seafood dishes, making sure there are ample scallops. The food is very good. All the individual elements are amazing and its all very tasty. Though, I will say that for my meal in particular, its just a little too much deep fried seafood. I think in retrospect, I would have ordered a lighter option but its really hard to complain about this bounty!

After lunch, we walk around a little bit more before getting back on the road. From Digby it’s another two to three hours back to Halifax. The drive itself is fairly uneventful, and the now common (yet still beautiful) fall colours are particularly stunning as we drive in the late afternoon. Soon enough we are pulling back into our hotel and settling down after our day and a half away from Halifax.

Man Bean

Because of our late lunch, we didn’t really have a huge desire to get a fancy or big meal for dinner. In fact Mama Minion wasn’t feeling dinner at all. So Papa Minion and I set out for food and let Mama Minion hang out at the hotel to rest. We were actually feeling something a bit less heavy and maybe something more “comfort”. So I found a Vietnamese restaurant called Man Bean, and we both order a bowl of beef noodle soups for dinner. Its really hard to go wrong with Vietnamese noodle soups and this place is no exception. The broth is hot and flavourful and the noodles really hit the spot!

After dinner, Papa Minion and I decide to walk off the meal a little and explore the Dalhousie University area on our way back to our hotel. Soon enough we get back to our hotel and start packing as tomorrow we would be driving to Cape Breton Island.

Driving to Cape Breton Island

In the morning, we check out of our Halifax hotel and set out for Cape Breton Island. The drive from Halifax to our AirBNB in Cheticamp is around four and a half hours. For the most part its pretty normal highway driving. However, once we get close to Cape Breton Island, we arrive at the Canso Causeway. It’s the only road bridge from the mainland to the Island and also allows ship traffic through. Upon arriving at the causeway we had to wait for a ship to go through, which allows us to take a few photos of the area.

Glenora Distillery

After crossing the causeway, we have one stop before checking into our accommodations. One of the places on my list is the Glenora Distillery. Being a bit of a Whisky nerd. Glenora is recognized as Canada’s first malt whisky distillery. Traditionally Canadian whisky’s are made with rye, so this is a more traditional Scottish method.  How could we not make a stop right?

The distillery itself is feels pretty secluded and with the fall colours in the background, has a very “mystic” type mood.

We sign up for the distillery tour, and soon we get to walk through their production area. Our guide explains the process and some of the unique elements that they have built into it. Most importantly though, we get to sample a few selections! I’m happy to report that the whisky tastes great and I picked up a bottle to bring home and add to the collection!

Cheticamp

Our original plan is to get food at the distillery restaurant. However, it wouldn’t open for another few hours. After a long drive the desire is to settle into our accommodations. So instead, we decide to drive onward to our AirBNB and pick up a few supplies on the way for our own dinner. You can never go wrong with some homemade macaroni in soup!

While it isn’t a super eventful day, it did take a bit of energy with the long drives. We have a fairly packed day tomorrow as we will try to explore as much of Cape Breton Island as we can. So we decide to turn in early looking forward to tomorrow.