Cape Breton Wilderness Clifftop Retreat

This private clifftop cabin overlooking the warm summer waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence is off the grid and sandwiched between the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the Pollets Cove / Aspy Fault Wilderness Area which begins at a trailhead just a short walk from the door. This is a nature lover's paradise with whales and seals regularly going by just offshore, and if you keep sharp you could even see Minke or Humpback whale breach. Eagles fly back and forth along the clifftop and frequently roost in the snags across the brook. There are terrific hikes just out the door, a Buddhist Monastery up the road, and all the sightseeing you want along the Cabot Trail and the CB Highlands National Park just up the road. It's a terrific base for exploring the National Park, but even better for going nowhere and just soaking up the sun, sea, and the dramatic wilderness coast and letting them all recharge your batteries.

Make no mistake it's also a rustic experience, meaning "outhouse" rustic, cabin rustic, and no electricity rustic. Cooking is on propane stove inside, or on a gas grill outside. There's cold running water at the kitchen sink, and an outdoor on-demand hot shower and tub in the woods with an ocean sunset view. The kitchen has dishes, pots, pans, utensils, etc., basic stuff that you don't need to bring. The one bedroom (queen) is ideal for adventurous singles and couples, and there's a futon (full) in the lookout that can sleep kids or a second couple, 4 people makes things a bit tight since the tower room is otherwise common space. It should be clear that "rustic" and "off-grid" means no TVs, blow dryers, dishwashers, or other plumbed or electric conveniences. Refrigeration is by cooler with ice available at the general store a few miles back on the Cabot Trail.

Connectivity at the Lookout is minimal. There is a basic landline but no cell service in Pleasant Bay or the surrounding National Park, you'll have to drive over a mountain in either direction for cell service in Cheticamp or Cape North. For browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, visit one of the local restaurants or harbour Wi-fi hotspots about 5 miles away. For some folks that's a major inconvenience, and they probably won't be happy here. What the Lookout offers is a simpler and more natural lifestyle, awesome sunsets over the ocean, a lack of white noise, wildlife all around, huge and amazing skies both day and night. But you can't doomscroll here even if you wanted to. The guests who love it most are those who specifically come for a week or two of digital detox.

Guests need to be propane savvy and self reliant. You'll have to make your own bed. You may have to change a propane tank. You may see a mouse. You have to leave the place tidy for the next guests. There are instrux for troubleshooting anything and a phone number to call if you get stymied. Just don't come with the same expectations you would when renting your typical B&B or motel because you will definitely be disappointed. This is more like a rich camping experience in a magical landscape with a sturdy cabin and tower built to withstand hurricane-force winds, and for drinking up a private spot where the highlands crash into the sea. I genuinely wish guests enjoy a good storm over the Gulf with a 360º view!

For more photos and info please visit the website at http://www.phillipaugusta.com/CapeBreton/index.html

Bookings are by the week only, weeks run from Saturday 1pm to noon the following Saturday.
Weeks available:
August 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
September 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th

The rate is CAD$1000 per week or US$750 for 1 or 2 people.
Add CAD$200/week per additional person.
A 50% deposit is required to take your week off the schedule.
Pets ok with damage deposit.

$ 1000 In stock 2026-08-27 https://ohmy.ca/st-georges-de-beauce/vacation-rentals/canada/nova-scotia/cape-breton-wilderness-clifftop-retreat_1981969.html

5/ 5customer reviews