The world-class Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links golf courses have turned Inverness into a tourism hot spot from spring until fall, and had a positive impact on the local economy. Employment has increased and new residential construction is up. But the number of visitors declines once the snow flies.  

Inverness MLA Allan MacMaster says local amenities and scenery are impressive for the remainder of the year too. He is one of many working towards welcoming another breed of sports enthusiasts during the winter season -- snowmobilers.

"Snowmobiling has become a significant draw in Cape Breton," says MacMaster. "The best area is the one I know best (Inverness), on the western side of Cape Breton, but also up into the Margarees and into the Highlands.”

Inverness MLA Allan MacMaster

MacMaster says volunteers and the various levels of government are already working to create the needed trail infrastructure which could see Cape Breton tourism operators getting new business during the off-season.

“Snowmobilers own expensive machines. They will come here with a lot of money, and they will spend it. It’s perfect for us, because we are a tourism leader in the province.”

Photos submitted by Richard Jamieson

For more information, visit the Snowmobilers Association of Nova Scotia website.