Mabou and Area

Mabou is a small village in Western Cape Breton, not far from the town of Inverness.  The village is surrounded by rolling hills and forest and the ocean not very far away.  Mabou is mostly known across North America for being the hometown of the famed musical group, The Rankin Family.  The main street in the town is lined with little shops and restaurants including the famous Red Shoe Pub which is actually owned and operated by several members of The Rankins.  Live entertainment by well-known and emerging artists, delicious homemade meals and desserts, friendly staff and a down-home atmosphere make the pub a popular stop for travelers visiting the town of just passing through.

For visitors wishing to spend a day outdoors, West Mabou Beach Provincial Park is a great place to sunbathe, beachcomb or take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Northumberland Strait side.  The water is warmer and safer here than anywhere else in the area which means is the perfect place for families with small children. There are also a number of hiking trails in Mabou and surrounding area including the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, Cape Mabou Trails and the West Mabou Hiking trails. MacFarlane Woods Nature Reserve is a great place to learn more about the natural history of Mabou.

The Glenora Inn and Distillery offer tours of the distillery where Canada’s only single malt whisky is made and four-star accommodations and a restaurant that has been added to “Where to Eat in Canada” which is a comprehensive list of the best places to eat in the country.

There are a number of other fun and popular activities to do in the area including bird and eagle watching, fishing, kayaking and sailing.
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Andrea MacEachern is a freelance travel writer and amateur photographer living in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. anotherdayforgrace.blogspot.ca