Pack your bathing suit and waterproof cellphone case, we’re heading to Cape Breton’s South Coast! What is there you may ask? Only a kayakers paradise and the endless coastal beauty of Isle Madame! Here’s how we explored this awesome spot that will have you adding it to your summer bucket list :
1. First on our list was Delorier Island. A peninsula that stretches out between West Arichat & Janvrin Island. It is composed of a rocky shore with beautiful rough Atlantic water on one side and calm harbour water on the other. To get here we parked at the gravel lot where Janvrin Harbour Rd intersects Delorier Road and followed the coastline out.
2. We made an absolute beach day out of this trip and enjoyed floating in the turquoise water while being blown away by the aerial drone views from above. It is a rocky hike out so bring some good hiking shoes to keep those ankles safe. This would be a simply incredible spot to plan a kayaking trip, with so many little Island coves to tuck into and enjoy. Experienced kayakers can embrace the challenge the open ocean brings, while novice kayakers can paddle smooth waters inland.
3. We ate at two different places while on Isle Madame : The Groundswell & La Goélette à Pépé Café.
The Groundswell was actually OUR FIRST restaurant we have dined at since well before February and oh my did we ever have a great time. They had ice cold local Big Spruce beer on tap, an impressively full menu to choose from, and were practicing all the public health measures to make sure we felt safe while there. This included face shields, distanced seating, a clean dining area both indoors and outdoors, and sanitizer always nearby. This place is also a B&B along with a hotspot for kayak rentals!
La Goélette à Pépé Café had a lovely assortment of cafe options for us to choose from and we indulged in all the sweet things including ice coffee, cheesecakes, cinnamon rolls, and more. They also had full public health measures in place with socially distanced seating inside and outside. Their cute gift shop area is another reason to add them to your list!
4. We stayed at The Vipi Lodge on the Isle Madams western coast - Janvrins Island. It is everything you expect when you picture a rustic summertime getaway and so much more. Each of the property’s six cabins are tucked away in the woods, out of sight from each other, for a quiet escape in nature. Their motto is "Slow down living" and it really is just that. It is also an absolute vibe straight out of the 80’s, how neat! We were cozy and With water access we enjoyed a magical evening in their light up screened in gazebo, and were able to have a sunrise paddle the next morning since they have canoe/kayak rentals. The owners, Ingo Vollmer and his mother Maria are the absolute sweetest! If you visit here please take the time to talk to them, they will make sure your stay is the absolute best.
5. Tips we would have when visiting Isle Madame is to simply embrace the coastal beauty! With so much coastline to just stop and drop your kayak in, the adventures are endless. There are friendly people, cozy accommodations, wildlife, incredible local food, and enough exploring to keep you going from sunrise to sunset - both of which look spectacular here. For us, it was an adventure photographers dream spot and not to be overlooked this summer!
