Ingonish Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ingonish which includes a sandy beach and a house
Ingonish
Ingonish showing a beach
Ingonish which includes rocky coastline
Ingonish which includes a house
Famous for its beaches, lakes and hiking trails, this community on the northeast coast of Cape Breton Island is also a gateway to a national park.

Gorgeous scenery, hiking trails, year-round sporting activities and wildlife spotting lure visitors to Ingonish. This collection of five communities is spread around a picturesque bay on the northeastern coast of Cape Breton Island.

With its coastal location and lakes and rivers, visitors can enjoy both sea and freshwater swimming. Spend long, lazy summer days on Ingonish Beach, which gets washed away by the Atlantic in the winter and is reformed during the spring. Swim in the crystal-clear water of Freshwater Lake and fish for salmon and trout in lakes, rivers and the sea. A good fishing spot is Dunphys Cove at Ingonish Harbour. Join a boat trip and go in search of dolphins, seals and whales. June to October is the best time for whale watching.

Ingonish is also a popular destination for golfers. Play 18 holes at Highlands Links, designed by the famed Canadian golf course architect Stanley Thompson.

Rent a car or bike and explore the Cabot Trail, a renowned scenic highway that circles the northern peninsula of Cape Breton Island for approximately 186 miles (300 kilometres). Stop at viewpoints and admire the sweeping coastlines, dramatic cliffs and forested mountains of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Visit the park to hike along its trails and to look for wildlife such as moose, deer and numerous bird species.

Find more hiking and wildlife spotting opportunities at Cape Smokey Mountain, which is also along the trail. When the winter snow arrives, try skiing and snowboarding at Ski Cape Smokey.

During your drive along the trail, stop by some of its communities to sample fresh crab and lobster at their pubs and restaurants. Visit handicraft stores for leather goods and glassware made by local artisans. Stay overnight at one of the many campgrounds, cottages, guesthouses and resorts situated along the Cabot Trail.

Ingonish is a 2-hour drive from Sydney and about a 5-hour drive from Halifax. Get here via rented car and combine your visit with tours of other parts of Cape Breton Island, such as Baddeck and Louisbourg. Whether in the sun-drenched summers or snowy winters, Ingonish is a destination for year-round adventure.

Sea Breeze Cottages And Motel
Sea Breeze Cottages And Motel
2.5 out of 5
36104 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS
The price is £94 per night from 2 May to 3 May
£94
includes taxes & fees
2 May - 3 May
Stay at this hotel in Ingonish. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Groovy Goat Farm and Middle Head Trailhead are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (70 reviews)
Worth a stay en route to north cape breton
"Great stay for husband and I and our dog. Quiet, peaceful. Cottages are dated but clean. Queen mattress was wonderful. Did not givev 5 stars because hot water knob in shower was barely useable, ready to fall off. Kitchen faucet also flimsy. Floorboards are soft. Oven door could only be opened 10 ..."

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2024

Sea Breeze Cottages And Motel
Glenghorm Beach Resort
Glenghorm Beach Resort
2.5 out of 5
36743 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS
The price is £94 per night from 16 May to 17 May
£94
includes taxes & fees
16 May - 17 May
Stay at this beach hotel in Ingonish. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a private beach. Popular attractions Franey Mountain and Groovy Goat Farm are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (225 reviews)
"We loved our stay at Glenghorm! We had a suit that overlooked the ocean and it had such beautiful views. The staff were friendly and the food was good!"

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2024

Glenghorm Beach Resort
Ocean Breeze Relaxing Ocean Front
Ocean Breeze Relaxing Ocean Front
Ingonish, NS
The price is £147 per night from 1 May to 2 May
£147
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
Enjoy a beach locale, patios and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Franey Mountain and Highlands Links are located nearby.
Superbe! Thank you!
"Superbe! Thank you!"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2025

Ocean Breeze Relaxing Ocean Front
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ocean Breeze Relaxing Ocean Front
Ocean Breeze Relaxing Ocean Front
Ingonish, NS
Enjoy a beach locale, patios and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Franey Mountain and Highlands Links are located nearby.
Superbe! Thank you!
"Superbe! Thank you!"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2025

Ocean Breeze Relaxing Ocean Front
Yellow Birch Camping Pod
Yellow Birch Camping Pod
Ingonish, NS
Stay at this holiday home in Ingonish. Enjoy an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Groovy Goat Farm and Middle Head Trailhead are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
Magical
"We stayed for only one night, which was far too short, but our stay was magical. The Yellow Birch pod was a perfect place to rest our weary bones for the night. We were surprised at how roomy the pod was and how absolutely comfortable the beds were. A very quick walk to Salty Rose's capped off the ..."

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2024

Yellow Birch Camping Pod
Maude's Place. Idyllic seaside property in beautiful Ingonish, Cape Breton.
Maude's Place. Idyllic seaside property in beautiful Ingonish, Cape Breton.
Ingonish Beach
Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Groovy Goat Farm and Middle Head Trailhead are located nearby.
House by the sea
"House was very clean and comfortable. The view of the ocean and nearby beach were fantastic. The location let us explore the Ingonish area in comfort."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2024

Maude's Place. Idyllic seaside property in beautiful Ingonish, Cape Breton.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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