Hiking, Goats, and Ice Cream!

We woke up in beautiful Dingwall and had a nice breakfast before we headed out for our first adventure and one of the best stops on the journey, White Point. We parked by the Port Authority and it was about a kilometer walk to a spectacular viewpoint looking out over the Gulf of St Laurence and the Atlantic Ocean. Zorro was in heaven with all the fresh smells and another day of hiking. In addition to the fantastic views White Point is also a great spot to bird watch and we even saw some whales off in the distance. Such a cool spot. 

After exploring White Point we worked up an appetite. Lucky for us our next stop was Neil’s Harbour and Lighthouse, because it is also the home of the world-famous Chowder House. The Chowder House does offer more than just chowder but we were told it would be the best in Nova Scotia so we had to try it. It did not disappoint and was delicious. We sat inside as the wind was blowing and rain was a possibility but if it is a nice day I would recommend sitting outside as you will have a view of the lighthouse and the waves breaking. 

The next stop was another hike on Jack Pine Trail. This is a short, about 2km, loop trail that has nice lookouts. There are two parking lots, the first is by the trailhead the second a little lower down at Black Brook Cove Beach. There is a waterfall in between the two lots but it was really hard to see.

We spent the night in Ingonish at the Knotty Pine Cottages. It was a good location with a view of Ingonish Harbour. The drive down from Jack Pine Trail was interesting as this crazy thick fog rolled in. You could not see your hand in front of your face but the truck drivers still want to travel at the speed limit. We managed to make it to our cottage in one piece. The next day we did a short backtrack to the Groovy Goat. The Groovy Goat is a unique business in that it is a soap shop with goat milk soap bars, a goat milk gelato shop, and a full-on goat farm where you go and feed the goats, chickens, and ducks. It is a crazy cool and groovy spot to stop, highly recommend it. 

After playing with goats and filling up on gelato we needed to go for another hike. Luckily Middle Head Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands Park was just a few minutes ahead. The access to the trailhead takes you past the historic Keltic Lodge and Golf Course. Very beautiful lodge in a unique area. Middle Head Trail is a short out-and-back that offers some amazing views of the Atlantic. The rest of the day we chilled back at the Knotty Pine Cottages as it was super rainy. 

Our next blog brings us to the end of the Cabot Trail as we head to Baddeck for the day and stay in a nice Airbnb just outside Sydney. 

Thanks for following along.