25 Ways to Make the Most of a Rainy Day on Isle Madame
We get it. When vacation days have been meticulously curated by endless hours of online research to find the perfect beach, kayak route, or patio dining, rainy days can be disappointing. As someone who tries hard to just “go with the flow”, I will admit that a change in plans can derail even the best of moods.
Here are 25 things you can do that will help brighten a rainy day during your stay with us:
#1 LAZE
The obvious choice is to take this opportunity to sleep in. Stay in bed. Do stay in bed things. Wrap yourself in our guest bath robe and enjoy an in room coffee. Take a nap.
#2 HIT THE GYM
Located behind the Inn, the Isle Madame iFit Center is our local gym and we’ve partnered with them to offer guests a free day pass during their stay. Whether you choose cardio, strength training, or tuck yourself away in a little corner of the studio with a yoga mat, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and your body will thank you.
#3 VISIT THE LENOIR FORGE MUSEUM
Visit one of the oldest stone buildings on Cape Breton Island. "The Forge," built between 1780 and 1800, was an important enterprise on Isle Madame. Step back to a time when shipbuilding flourished and local captains sailed all over the globe. Experience a working forge, and peruse a collection of tools and artifacts that tell some of the stories of Isle Madame. The LeNoir Forge Museum is part of the LeNoir Landing site, which also houses a genealogy center, community archives, a boat barn containing displays and information on our seafaring past, a gift shop, and other shanties used for exhibits. Chat with bilingual interpreters and take part in on-site programs and activities.
#4 TOUR OUR LIGHTHOUSES
Nova Scotia is home to the largest number of lighthouses in Canada, but none are more historic or picturesque than those of Isle Madame. The Guiding Lights of Isle Madame lighthouse tour is a driving and walking tour that showcases our lighthouse sites. Ramble along coastal trails to lighthouses past and present; hear stories from the lightkeepers, of shipwrecks, and John Paul Jones’ visit to Arichat. This tour also provides a fantastic roadtrip around the entire island.
#5 THEMED MOVIE MARATHON
Even on vacation, our agenda can be crammed with back-to-back activities that rival a corporate executive’s day. Why not use a not-so-nice day to just close the curtains, kick back with a multiple movie lineup (I will forever be an 80s girl: The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, Dirty Dancing, Top Gun), and snuggle. Order takeout from a local restaurant and have it delivered to your room or stop in at a convenience store for your favourite movie snacks (don’t forget your favourite movie beverages).
#6 BREAK OUT THE BOARD GAMES
Paul and I take a backgammon game on every trip (local or international). It’s a sleek silver case and feels very 007, but most importantly, it fits perfectly in my beach bag for easy transport to the beach, pool, or bar. We play rain or shine (and usually with a fun cocktail or beer in hand). From Battleship to Scrabble, we have a stack of board games available at the Inn for all ages. Hang in our licensed guest lounge, treat yourself to an afternoon coffee or a canned beverage from our bar, and hunker down at a table for an afternoon of fun minus the sun.
#7 SIT OUTSIDE ON OUR COVERED VERANDA
Throw on a hoodie, wrap yourself in a blanket, and enjoy the ocean view while listening to the rain play percussion on the metal roof above. Use this time to catch up on some reading. Don’t have a book? Loan one from our “take one, leave one” library.
#8 SEND POSTCARDS
Feel like writing instead? Head over to the front desk and purchase postcards (only $1 each) and stamps. Everyone LOVES getting postcards in the mail, so why not send a few to family and friends (wish you were here!). Take them to the local post office or leave them with us to send off.
#9 PLAY IN THE RAIN
Ignore the rain and get outside anyway! Dress appropriately and head to the beach to skip rocks, search for seashells or sea glass, or take a walk through a muddy forest trail and enjoy that unique earthy smell that only happens when it rains. If there’s a good breeze blowing, make your way to Little Anse to watch the waves crash against the rocky shoreline.
#10 HIT THE ROAD
Ask for one of our local maps and set out on a self-guided tour of the island by car. Challenge: complete our Photo Scavenger Hunt!
#10 HANG IN A CAFE
Visit our neighbours at La Goelette a Pepe and enjoy a specialty coffee, tea, or baked good. Grab a seat and take in all the coziness. Browse the gift shop and learn about our Acadian culture and families.
#11 TAILGATE PICNIC AT A LIGHTHOUSE
Order a picnic lunch or pick up snacks/takeout from a local convenience store or restaurant and head to Lennox Passage Provincial Park. Drive to the end and park so that the back of your vehicle is facing the lighthouse/ocean. Throw on some tunes, pop the trunk of your SUV, climb into the back, and tailgate picnic.
#12 LISTEN TO A PODCAST
With so many interesting topics, listening to podcasts is a relaxing and entertaining way to spend a few hours.
#13 LEARN FRENCH
Hit up our bilingual staff or download the Duolingo app and learn a few french words - then go practice with the locals.
#14 MEET NEW FRIENDS
As folks hang out indoors, take the time to meet a few new people. Some of our best conversations have been with fellow travellers.
#15 WORK ON YOUR TRIP ITINERARY
Plans can change along the way as you chat with locals and discover new areas to visit. Take the time to review your itinerary and add your new discoveries.
#16 DOODLE
Find your inner artist. It’s as simple as asking or a sheet of paper and a pencil. Sit on the covered deck and sketch “en plein air”, doodle, or hit up YouTube for a tutorial.
#17 JOURNAL
A travel journal is such a great way to document your journey and capture emotions. You’ll enjoy reading it later (as will your children/grandchildren one day).
#18 KNIT OR CROCHET
This creative hobby is so portable and a great way to relax while still feeling productive. Why not pick up a set of needles and a ball of yarn and give it a go?
#19 LISTEN TO MUSIC
Browse our record collection (from my grandmother’s era to present day) and spin a few tunes in our guest lounge.
#20 WRITE REVIEWS
Take the time to write reviews for places you’ve visited so far. Reviews are important an appreciated by businesses and they also give great insight for fellow travelers.
#21 PLAY AN INSTRUMENT
Learn or play a tune on our piano or ask if there’s a guitar lying around (there usually is!).
#22 JIGSAW PUZZLE
Is there anything that can suck you in like a jigsaw puzzle (“just one more piece…”)? We have a stack of them so simply ask and we’d be happy to set you up.
#23 DO LAUNDRY
Not exciting or fun but rainy days can be a great opportunity to reorganize your luggage for the next part of your journey. Guest laundry facilities are available onsite.
#24 ENJOY A LEISURELY LUNCH
Whether you dine locally or decide to visit a neighbouring town, make lunch your main meal of the day. Start with a beverage. Share an appetizer then order your main. Play a conversation game while you wait (or ask if there’s a board game or deck of cards). Wrap it up with dessert and coffee or tea.
#25 DAYDREAM
Let your mind take you to all the dreamiest places, think about the future, make a bucket list.
While it is our sincere hope that it only rains at night during your vacation, Nova Scotia weather can sometimes be a mishmash. Fortunately, there are still plenty of fun things to do on a not-so-sunny day. We hope you will explore and enjoy all that Isle Madame has to offer.