Cape breton hostel

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The Cabot Trail Hostel

Book your adventure vacation now.

Highlands Hostel

 Phone: 1-902-383-2371

Winter at the Cabot Trail Hostel

Ski and Stay package

Check out our Ski and Stay package. We have teamed up with our friends at North Highlands Nordic ski club, to offer you this fantastic ski/stay package, so you can enjoy more time skiing and relaxing and less time traveling.

We are open 12 months of the year,so you can take in the summer hiking and swimming plus The Celtic Colours,the skiing,snowshoeing , plus many other winter activities.

We can accommodate up to 25 so book your group summer and winter getaways now.

Or traveling on your own enjoy the company of other like minded travelers using Nova Scotia Hostels.

Highlands Hostel
"Remember one night is never enough"
"Book one night and you won't regret it, book 3 or more nights and you won't forget it"

Our favourite quotes from Guests.

Here’s what Gordon wrote

You absolutely need to stay here. This is the best hostel on the planet. Whether you're looking for family-friendly or vagabond skater vibe, the family running this place puts their soul into making it the best experience in so many ways. Being an old church, I was surprised to find it's also THE CLEANEST hostel I had ever been to. I will be coming back no doubt, and I know now why so many do.

ere’s what Chris wrote

Staying with Patricia, Bricin, and the kids was like stopping off to spend a night with family. I was motorcycling the Cabot Trail but what I’ll remember most is the warm welcome, the fun family atmosphere, and the restful sleep. You will wish you had more time to spend with these folks in their beautiful establishment.

Here’s what Nilly wrote

I don't usually review places but this place is absolutely insane. Bricin and Patricia and their kids are the most welcoming family I've met. They will make you feel like an extension of their family. Insanely clean and welcoming environment. I'd drop everything and live here if I could. Calling it a unique experience would be an understatement. Amazing location, the price is amazing too, these people deserve your business, please support them. Bricin and Patricia, love what you're doing with your lives and love how you're raising your kids. I'll absolutely be back and spreading the word. A+++ 💕

"The hosts are so welcoming, easy going and relaxed...it’s like staying with old friends that you just haven’t met yet. Very highly recommended!!”

“This is not just a place to stay...this is an experience! A must do in Cape North!”

Incredible stay!!! Such a strong community bond - haven’t had an experience like this in a hostel within Canada ever! Also- photos DON'T do this place justice - super clean and well kept! Will come back FOR SURE!

"What an amazing experience at Highlands with Bricin and Patricia. They are just two lovely authentic people who do their absolute best to maintain a beautiful and clean hostel for their many guests. I have stayed in many hostels across the world and this must be one of the best. It feels like home and I can give no higher praise than that! Our family stayed in the family room with my elderly mother and our friend’s young daughter and we all loved the place. Thank you Bricin and Patricia for our wonderful stay with you!"

Here’s what Oscar wrote

I booked three nights and by the end I wish I could've stayed at least a couple more weeks! Ideal location right in the middle of the national park, perfect to do a whole day east and a whole day west, or just to drive the loop for a night. Close to stores and restaurants, beaches, hikes, everything. The Cape Breton style repurposed church is amazing, the grounds are excellent, everything is laid out to make guests comfortable, from solo travelers like myself to entire families with children. But the best part is the people. Bricin, his family and his hostel family are not only welcoming and accommodating, but just cool people. Ask them for advice on what to see during your stay, or just share a night next to the fire or playing the piano. I cannot recommend enough that you stay here as long as you can! I look forward to back soon.

Here’s what Katherine wrote

This is really an amazing place. I was skeptical at first, of being in a large dorm as I like my privacy at night - but it is the nicest dorm I've ever seen, and with 2 large bathrooms and thoughtful layout and guidance for fellow guests, it did not feel difficult to share with others.
I was also skeptical of the price at first ($50 for half a bunk bed?!) but once you see what you are getting for that, you will realize it is a fabulous deal. 3 cheers for the Highland Hostel! I will be back!! Ps make sure to make time to go hang out in a hammock in the bell tower with a 360 degree view of the highlands and ocean :)

full cell coverage

Winter in Cape North at the Hostel

The hostel

Cycling the Trail

Then make us one of your stops

Aiden and Chandler spent the night with us on a 6 day tour of the Cabot Trail. Well rested,fed and entertained and now ready for the hills to Cheticamp.

Cycling friendly hostel

Musically inclined then our Jam room is a must

Jam room

You may be lucky to enjoy one of our movie nights, by the fire pit or inside

Out door movies
Indoor movies

Want some quiet time to reflect and relax then our bell tower or garden hammocks are waiting for you

Bell tower
In the hammock

You want beaches, we are surrounded by them

Cabots landing
Grandpas beach

If you want hiking, we are surrounded by some of the worlds best hiking, just ask Bricin to pin these to your cell phone

Tenneriffe
Family hike

Stress relief - By nature.

We truly mean this, everybody is welcome at our family friendly house, backpackers, hikers, bikers, trail bike riders, it is for everybody looking for that place to stay they will call paradise at our Cabot Trail Hostel - The best pace to stay.

If like many you are trying to find a place to unwind and shed the year of stressful city and corporate life, then this is the place.

If you don't go back rejuvenated after a stay with us then we and the beautiful island we live on clearly have not done their job because there is nothing that comes close to the scenery in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the mountains are beautiful but what makes it even more majestic is on every turn you see the wide-open Atlantic Ocean. The mountains meet the ocean and along with the sound of the surf, it is breathtaking. There are great walking trails, beautiful sandy beaches (Black Brook is one), kayaking, and an unlimited number of outside activities. The towns and fishing villages along its way are unique and picturesque such as Cheticamp, Neil's Harbour and Ingonish. The Cabot Trail winds in and out of the park and it is a breathtaking drive in the fall when the leaves are changing colours.

So come for a stay and leave with memories that will last a lifetime or until your next visit.

Hotel or Hostel

Why pay for a hotel when a hostel offers you much more, you meet a special group of people, who all have special stories to tell of their travels, you will have memories that will last a lifetime.

Fresh Lobsters or snow crab cookout on our local beach

Fresh Lobster or snow crab (In season) beach boil here in the Cape Breton Highlands!!! These four lobsters were just a snack before we cooked six more for dinner!!!

Can you picture yourself here? On the beach or at our fire pit at the church.

Don't worry we will show you how to cook them and eat them.

When booking your bed ask if Lobster or snow crab are available fresh off the boat, you wont regret it.

COME VISIT!!!

Lobsters on the beach
wood burning fireplace

Our Winter wonderland, on our back door step

Highlands Hostel snowshoeing
snowshoeing
NHN snow shoeing
Grandpas snowshoeing

What do you think of us so far, did you remember to breathe, these pictures really do no justice to the magnitude of the scenery you will see on every corner you take, they will literally take your breath away.

cabot trail hostels

You may be lucky to be entertained by Shawn or Hugh and Hector

The rich history and breathtaking scenery of the Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail, named one of the best road trips (185 miles - 298 KM) in the world by Lonely Planet, is a trail that winds through stunning landscapes, along the Margaree River, a Canadian Heritage Salmon River, and through spectacular rugged highlands of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada.

The history of the Cabot Trail is a long and interesting one. The trail was named after Italian explorer John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) who reached our shores in 1497, sailing on a mission for King Henry VII of England. The name also celebrates the meeting of Cabot and the Mi'kmaq people, the original inhabitants of Cape Breton Island, at Aspy Bay over 500 years ago.

The Cabot Trail, completed in 1932, joined previously isolated fishing villages along an approximate 300 kilometre loop. Today the Cabot Trail connects eight major communities with intriguing histories, ranging from the Acadian Region to Irish and Scottish settlements. These vibrant communities are gateways to outdoor adventures and cultural festivals. Allow several days to explore and experience this magnificent area.

Summer
The Cabot Trail comes to life in the summer. Playing a round of golf or splashing in the surf, there is something for everyone. Wander the villages, hike the trails, enjoy the festivals and explore the living tradition that is unique to the communities along the Cabot Trail.

A visit to the Cabot Trail is a multi-day (3-5 days) experience.

Enjoy our culture, our music, and countless outdoor activities. Participate in our festivals, our special musical events, the ceilidhs, and kitchen parties that happen all around the Cabot Trail. To replenish yourself, enjoy fabulous local seafood at our great restaurants.

Cape Breton Cabot trail hostel