Pleasant Bay

Along the Cabot Trail between Cheticamp and Ingonish is the small and scenic village of Pleasant Bay.  The village is surrounded by mountains and ocean which is why, I assume, it received it’s name – the area is quite pleasant!

Pleasant Bay is a popular stopping area along the trail because there are a number of restaurants and gift shops in the village.  The Rusty Anchor is a popular restaurant serving up all sorts of popular local fare.  Cardinal Points Gift Shop and Mountain View Gift Shop are great places to find some unique and local souvenirs.  Folk Art Enthusiasts love to browse the Reed Timmons Folk Art Gallery.  Pumpkin Patch Products specializes in organic body care products.  A visit to The Whale Interpretative Centre will tell you everything you want to know about the whale species that make the waters around the area their home.

When it comes to the outdoors, there is no shortage of hiking trails around Pleasant Bay.  The Skyling Trail and Pollett’s Cove are just two of the spectacular trails located in the area.  Whale watching tours are also available from several local companies in the village.

Probably the unique attraction in Pleasant Bay is Gampo Abbey, a Buddhist monastery located down a side road just outside the village.  Visitors can walk around the grounds of the monastery and there are guided tours provided every afternoon during peak season.
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Andrea MacEachern is a freelance travel writer and amateur photographer living in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. anotherdayforgrace.blogspot.ca