Either spent by the pool or with friends near a campfire this is summer. By the time we know it the cooler weather is rolling in and the “nice breeze” turns into needing a jacket. What will you do this summer? Do you like to soak up the sun or are you the getaway type? Well if both intrigues you, you’ll want to hang this on your fridge. Gypsum Mines – The Gypsum Mine operated in the 1900’s closing the year of 1939. The quarry is located in Cheticamp that now remains a beautiful moderate trail leading to the open pit mine in which is now a lake. It is known for it’s perfect circle of turquoise water, swimming in the summer & a great place to drop a puck in the winter. Nothing on the island is comparable to this location, if you haven’t already check it out. Crystal Crescent Beach- About 4.5 hours from Cape Breton Island there’s a beach that IS comparable to the tropics. Crystal Crescent Beach actually has three beaches and about 13km of trails through the park. Apart from the clear blue water, white sands and sunny skies when walking trails you may actually get more of the view you’re looking for, the third beach being nude. Kauzmann Trail- This hidden gem is located near Bay St Lawrence. If you are driving a smaller vehicle you will have about 10km of a walk to the trail head and from the trail head it’s about 2km to your destination. This is not a hike I recommend anyone to do alone due to safety reasons specifically wildlife but then again I am scared of a fly. Once you’ve reached the 360 view point, approximately 1000 feet up looking down to the ocean and tree tops it’s truly surreal. Meat Cove Campground- Spend the night on the northern tip of Cape Breton Island at the Meat Cove Campground. The road is very windy and creeps up on you like a roller coaster but don’t be alarmed it was actually fun, and the views along the coast will make you want to stop to take a photo at every tree clearing. Glamping- Following the urban dictionary to glamp is to camp in style, comfort, and/or luxury while still experiencing the great outdoors. You are able to experience the outdoors but do it comfortably & not freak out about what is where. Loosing things in a tent is like looking for Waldo, glamping is not being picky it makes sense for people who have the same stress tolerance!! Marsh-mellows, spider dogs & beer are all still welcome. Here are some types of glamping options you can do in Cape Breton. The Yurt– Traditional Yurts consisted of an expanding wooden circular frame carrying a felt cover. Experience the Geodesic Domes– Elevated on a deck that gives you a great view of the stars & nature Air Bnb– Comes in handy when trying to find affordable cottages. Cocoon Tree Bed– Like the name, this looks like cocoon and is made of canvas on a steel frame and sways gently in the breeze about 20 feet above the ground, attached to several trees with tight wires. Share your dreams with the birds. Otentik– A twist between a cabin & a tent this is great for a family camping trip found on Ingonish Beach and other areas. Pollett’s Cove- It is a wilderness estuary on the coast of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia besides boat, trail is the only other arrival option. Known for the islands horses roaming freely (not wild) , and scenic views this is the one of the best hikes Nova Scotia offers. The hike is back-country and is 18km pack lightly but large it’s recommended to stay overnight do take flashlights, there are no plugs in the wild. Point Michaud- You don’t need to be in Cali to catch a wave, at Point Michaud Beach surfing is available. An individual lesson is $40 + $20 for wet-suit/board and includes an hour and a half of instructions & lessons in the water. Be sure to call before planning your trip to make sure the surfing program is operating on that day. To bring more business, and add to your fun, make it a group trip of four for only $30 each. Cape Clear- The view makes up for how little the hike actually is, at an elevation of 1500 feet you are able to see rolling mountains, Margaree river and wild life. Cape Breton Clear is located on the Highland Road which is a dirt road used for machinery & automobiles about 8km on your left you should see a Cape Clear sign marking direction. It is a great place to clear your mind and roll out a yoga mat, have lunch or simply another X off your list. Luckett Vineyards- Because Wine not? Grab the girls and let’s go tasting. Located in Wolfville Tangled Garden- After visiting the vineyards, stop at the Tangled Garden for a breathtaking guide through. They also do weddings ladies. Highland Bow & Arrow – Starting her business because she was lending her everyone her bow, she decided to create skip lending and make profit. You can shoot arrows at balloons, 3-D object trails, and attend specific arrow events. This is fun for the whole family. Check the website for upcoming events. Goat Yoga- Visit the Goat Farm while passing Ingonish just across from the Seagull Restaurant. What is more cuter then baby goats?!?! They’re adorable and just SO CUTE. Everything in store is 100% handmade with natural goat’s milk. They carry skin care ( I Seriously recommend their mask), soaps & lotions. Visit their page and stay up to date for their next yoga with goats class! North River Kayak Tours- Out of all the tours I’ve done, I mean i really haven’t done many but this was worth every cent. This year is actually their 26th year in business, so if you haven’t been yet it’s about time you go. The full 6 hours day tour included a home-made healthy meal cooked in the woods by your instructor, we also seen a waterfall and wildlife. Gampo Abbey Monastery – Visitors are always welcome to walk the trails and explore the grounds of monastery. Don’t forget to snap a photo! Visit the Farmer’s Market– Who doesn’t like fresh fruit to go along with a beach day? Not only will you find fresh foods but many other types of local vendors are set up as well. There focus is local and encourages people to purchase local and support the business’s in our communities. What’s neat is they don’t allow anything imported into the market so everything is 100% produced in Cape Breton. Every Saturday from 8:30am – 2pm you can pop in to their location on 15 Falmouth Street in downtown Sydney. Support your community by telling someone you stopped in this summer ! Cabot Trail- Spend a day or two on the trail, fill up the trunk with tents, blankets & “fly-dope”. Make it a mission to stop in every shop along the way. Ingonish Beach- Summer is not complete without at least 1 Ingonish trip! Ingonish beach is one of my favorites however, North Bay is my next choice when it’s over-crowded. Tube the Margaree River- Plan a weekend get away to Margaree to tube the river. This takes about 3 hours to complete and they drive you back to your vehicles (thank gosh! right?) This is not a dry experience, bathing suits & towels are necessary. Tubers have the option to spend the night ‘glamping‘ operated by Live Life In Tents. If your team is over 10 people it is recommended to call ahead of time. Dusk til Dawn- Not many places still have drive-inns Cape Breton is lucky to still have this. What’s better then spending your summer outside for a movie rather than in a movie theater eating popcorn? Nothing just make sure you turn your headlights off, or the guy in front may have an issue. Skyline Trail- The Highland’s popular trail with elevation between 950 – 1330 feet you can steal a bird’s eye view of the trail, deep blue ocean, some claim to see whales, my eyes however aren’t that great. To add to your trip, whether it be “amoosing” or scary you could see one or two during your walk as they’re many sightings reported. Paddle Boards- Stop at Ollie Around and rent a board and leave the destination up to you ! Image result for north river falls cape breton Google.com North River Falls– The 18km hike to Nova Scotia’s tallest waterfall (105 feet) can be found across from the Kayak river tours before Tarbot. This trail is 9 km each way and right when you’re convincing your self you’ve had to of passed it, you’ve arrived. The trail is threw the trees, across the river and back threw the trees again- this being said foot wear with your bathing suit is a must. Cross a water fall shower off your list also, take your shampoo if you got room ! I’ve heard people setting camp here. Rollerskating- Make it a date and go rollerskating in Whitney Pier Rink… or if you have them go threw town! Post rollerskating I’ve realized it was much easier when i was younger, hills are actually huge & half of town seen my wipe out. Flat surfaces were great though (yay me) ! Strawberry patch- Visit a strawberry patch to U-PICK! Make a batch of jam for your family and friends! Image may contain: night, fire and outdoor Beach Fire– You’re not going to end your summer without a fire and s’mores are you? Spend this one on the beach! Tenerife Mountain- Mark this one down and highlight it ! This hidden gem needs more credit, hashtag it when you reach it!