Cape Breton Wilderness Retreat
Description
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 may very well see Minkes or Humpback whales 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. In the summer months the ocean is 20ºC+ (70ºF+) for swimming, not to mention a choice of cool freshwater waterfalls and swimming holes you can hike to, including the waterfall on the cobble beach just below the Lookout. 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 recharge your batteries.
Make no mistake it's also a rustic experience, meaning "outhouse" rustic, cabin rustic, no electricity rustic. Cooking is on propane stove inside, or on a gas grill or campfire outside. There's cold running water at the kitchen sink, there's an outdoor hot shower and tub in the woods with an ocean sunset view. The kitchen has dishes, pots, pans, utensils, etc., 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, but that makes things a bit tight since the tower 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. We are in the process of transitioning from propane refrigeration to solar.
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 restaurant 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 not 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. There are instrux for everything and a phone number to call if you get stymied. But don't come with the same expectations you would when renting your typical B&B or motel, because you will be disappointed in your expectations. This is more like a luxury camping experience in a magical landscape with a sturdy cabin and tower built to withstand the frequent hurricane-force winds and for drinking up the ocean views.
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 11am the following Saturday.
The rate is $800CAD per week (roughly $600US) for 1 or 2 people.
Add $200/week per additional person.
A 50% deposit is required to take your week off the schedule.
Pets are allowed with a damage deposit.
Starting Saturdays for the coming season are
June 24th
July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22rd, and the 29th
August 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
September 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
October 7th, 14th,
- Bedrooms: 1 bedroom and den
- Vacation Type: Seaside
- Pet friendly: 1
- Ad Type: Offering
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum nights: 7
vacation rentals | Canada | Ontario
2023-07-04