Kidston Island

Baddeck is one of the most widely visited villages in Cape Breton.  People from all over the world come for the sailing, fine dining, shopping and world-class resorts.

The arena in the center of town is a popular gathering place in the town and many people have often wondered where the little motorized raft that scoots back and forth across the bay is going.  I used to be one of those people until I finally asked about it.

I discovered that the little passenger ferry was run by the local Lion’s Club and was taking people to Kidston Island.  My curiosity got the better of me and I paid a couple of dollars to board that little ferry and sail away to the little island across the bay.

The crossing only took 5 or 6 minutes.  I disembarked onto a rocky shoreline and found a cozy little area with picnic tables, washrooms and maps showing what was located on the island and how to get to various parts of the island.  There was one long walking trail that went all around the island but it was possible to just do smaller segments of the trail.  I decided to do the whole trail.  It didn’t take overly long to go all around the island and the trail was well-marked and easy to walk on with benches and rest areas at various points.  There were lots of nice views and visitors can walk right up to and around the lighthouse.  Towards the end of the trail was the beach which was a great place to swim and relax on a warm summer day.  Instead of hopping back on the ferry right away, I decided to stay on the island and relax until the last run later that afternoon.  I found a cozy spot in the shade in the picnic area and read my book for a while.  There were hardly any people around and it was almost as if I had the island all to myself.  Peaceful and quiet … a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon in Baddeck.

———————–
Andrea MacEachern is a freelance travel writer and amateur photographer living in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. anotherdayforgrace.blogspot.ca