Take Me to the Beach!

Being mostly surrounded by water, it’s no surprise that there is a beach around every corner in Nova Scotia and why we’re known as Canada’s Ocean Playground. Here in Cape Breton, we are not only blessed with the ocean but we also have the beautiful Bras D’Or Lake (an inland sea of partially fresh/salt water), offering visitors endless options for fun water adventure.

If you love hitting the beach when you travel, here are 5 beach daytrips you can easily schedule into your itinerary during your stay at The Clairestone Inn.

1. Pondville Beach (Pondville Beach Provincial Park)
219 Pondville North Road, Pondville

Distance from The Clairestone Inn: 5.7 kms, 6 minute drive

Pondville Beach is a must visit on Isle Madame. 1km of soft sand, gentle dunes, a fantastic sand bar, a swimming hole, picnic tables, and washroom facilities. Perfect for swimming, kayaking, SUP, kite flying, sandcastle building, skimboarding (at low tide), relaxing, and walking. The beach is mostly sheltered and the slope into the water is gradual (no big drop-offs). Water temperature tends to be warmer in August/September averaging 17 Celsius. The sun rises on the water side, making it ideal for an early morning meditation or yoga session. Finding a spot to lay your towel is never an issue at this rarely crowded beach.

Concierge Tip: Pack sunscreen, hat, snacks, drinks, blanket, beach towels, sand toys for kids, and your favourite water sport gear. There are no shaded areas, so bring a beach umbrella for those who seek shade. We can loan you many of these items for your beach day, so please inquire with staff.

2. Lennox Passage Provincial Park,
2313 Highway 320, D’Escousse

Distance from The Clairestone Inn: 10.3 kms, 10 minute drive

Martinique Park (as it’s known by the locals) is great for those who want both beach and grassy lounging areas (bring those lawn games). A fantastic spot for swimming and paddling, the park features plenty of shaded areas, 2 kms of forested hiking trails with ocean views, a lighthouse, washroom facilities, and picnic tables scattered throughout for your lunchtime picnic.

Concierge Tip: It’s always a good idea to have bug spray (mosquitos) in your beach bag and water shoes are recommended for swimming. Take the trail on the right and you’ll be able to scoot down to another sandy part of the beach in a sheltered cove.

3. Dundee Beach
1812 West Bay Road, Dundee (at the end of Black River Road, turn left and you will see the beach on your right)

Distance from The Clairestone Inn: 33 kms, 31 minute drive

Experience the Bras d’Or Lake! With an average summer water temperature between 24-27 Celsius, this sandy beach makes for a great swim day. It’s located roadside with limited parking, (you may need to park on the side of the road, but it’s a very rural area with minimal traffic). This beach also features a boat launch (we used it last year to launch our Seadoos and at the time, it was in pretty rough shape but manageable if you take your time).

Concierge Tip: There are no washroom facilities or shaded areas, so pack/prepare accordingly. Bug spray is recommended for those pesky little sand flies that can sometimes visit. Pick up snacks and drinks before heading out as there are no convenience stores nearby.

4. Marble Mountain Beach
102 William McInnis Lane, Orangedale

Distance from The Clairestone Inn: 55 kms, 48 minute drive

A white sand/gravel beach backed by a beautiful cliff and turquoise waters, Marble Mountain beach is an unexpected find in a place without palm trees! On warm summer days, you will see pleasure boats anchored out not far from shore. The water is usually warmer than the ocean and is crystal clear by the shore.

Once a bustling marble quarry (you can read about the history of the quarry and the town here), it is now very quiet and the perfect place for some R&R.

Concierge Tip: There are no washroom amenities or stores nearby, so pack your lunch/snacks and prepare accordingly. Shade is limited. Bring a floatie for some lounging fun!

5. Point Michaud Beach Provincial Park
3796 Point Michaud Road, Fourchu

Distance from The Clairestone Inn: 56 kms, 46 minute drive

This 3km sandy beach is a dreamy paradise. Backed by gentle dunes, it also features picnic tables, a boardwalk, and washroom and change room facilities. Great for surfing or boogie boards: there are always waves rolling. Lots of space to spread out and low tide is phenomenal. Walk the beach, lounge with a book, or play in the surf.

Concierge Tip: Surf lessons and rentals are available from the Surf Hut July 5 - Aug 29 (please call ahead 902-587-2988 to confirm as things can change with Covid restrictions). Pack snacks or pick up take out in the town of St. Peter’s on the way through.

See video footage of Point Michaud Beach @daveyandsky here.

So there you have it - endless opportunities for fun in the sun! Please remember to follow water safety rules that come with open water swimming.

Pondville, Lennox Passage, and Point Michaud beaches are beautiful and enjoyable whether you visit in Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter, so don’t worry if you’re not able to make it during the summer months. If you’re interested in exploring these beaches and so much more on Cape Breton’s South Coast, book your stay at The Clairestone Inn. If you have any questions, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help with your travel plans.