18 Best Hotels in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Easily the most luxurious stay on Cape Breton Island, the contemporary and beautifully designed lodge rooms and golf villas at this resort are exceptional. Each room has pillow-topped beds with goose-down pillows and duvets, a comfortable sitting area, and spacious bathrooms with a walk-in rainfall shower. The views out over the greens and beach beyond each room are spectacular. The golf villas are built for entertaining, with full kitchens and plenty of space for lounging. Dining options at the resort include the upscale Panorama restaurant specializing in local, fresh seafood and grilled entrees, which has the slightly more casual Cabot Bar downstairs, and Whit's Public House serving pub grub along with a great selection of local craft beers. Resort concierges are available to arrange luxury excursions such as heli-fly fishing and trips to Sable Island. 

Built to resemble an oversize beach house, this stylish waterfront property is the closest to the Fortress of Louisbourg, with an enticing view across the bay. Some of the bright suites have balconies and full kitchens, and some more spacious apartments have Jacuzzis. The casual restaurant serves amazing homecooked breakfasts. 

Quite possibly the most luxurious—and most without a doubt most architecturally stunning—cottages in Cape Breton sit on a clifftop overlooking pretty Chimney Corner Beach. There are currently four cottages, two one-bedroom (one fully accessible) and two two-bedroom (with bunk beds in a neat alcove and two king beds), each fitted out in everything you need to feel at home—if your home was posh enough to grace the pages of Architectural Digest. Cottages have full kitchens, outdoor showers, woodstoves for ambience, and in-floor heating to keep things cozy, supremely comfortable beds and fine linens, and beautiful spaces for lounging. Planning to bring your dog? They'll provide dog beds and treats.

The ultimate glamping experience, these large and tastefully outfitted geodomes overlooking the bay come complete with king-size beds and pull-out sofas, and bathrooms with a shower. Each dome has a private deck with a hot tub and BBQ, several have private barrel saunas, and fine linens, towels, and robes are supplied. Sunsets from this location are intensely beautiful, and you can spend time at the communal firepits in the evening. 

Four cozy, beautifully outfitted chalets sit atop a hill overlooking the bucolic Margaree Valley. The only noise you'll hear is the birds chirping—or the hoot of a resident owl, and cows lowing in the farms below. One chalet has a Jacuzzi tub. 

Since town sites are within walking distance, this 1860s B&B serves as a good base for touring, but just relaxing on the sunny deck, with views of the Bras d'Or Lakes, is a pleasant pastime, too. Rooms, though not spacious, are well decorated and well equipped—all, for instance, have flat-screen TVs, en suite bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. Three have four-poster beds and a fourth boasts a private entry off the garden patio. A full breakfast, complete with home-baked muffins, is included in the rate.

Linked to Le Portage Golf Club by a private pathway, these ocean-side chalets work well for golfers and anyone wanting more than a mere hotel room. One- and two-bedroom units have covered decks with gas barbecues, and some have fireplaces. The three-bedroom country suite also has a washer, a dryer, and a dishwasher. All units are decorated with pine furniture and have full kitchens, which is handy since there isn't a restaurant on-site.

On Aspy Bay, just off the Cabot Trail and with glorious sea and mountain views and two beaches just a short walk away, this cozy bed-and-breakfast makes a great base for exploring the North Cape. Country-style bedrooms are individually styled, with queen-size or twin beds, and all have en suite or private bathrooms. Two rooms have private entrances. Breakfasts feature a different dish every morning.

Clean, cozy rooms overlook the ocean, mountains, and valley at this hilltop inn, and there's a top-floor patio along the length of the cedar house that takes full advantage of the view. Inside you'll find handmade wooden furniture, paintings by the innkeeper, and comfy quilts. A free (and substantial) home-cooked Acadian breakfast is provided, and there's a grill for use if you want to pick up some fish for dinner.

Well positioned for exploring the bay area, this 37-acre lakefront property is ideal for strolling, though at the end of the day there's a lot to draw you indoors. Rooms and an open-concept cottage are tastefully themed with art, artifacts, and color schemes. A full breakfast is included; with 72-hours notice, a four-course, set-menu dinner is also available for in-house guests, except on Sunday and Wednesday.

North America's first single-malt whisky distillery adjoins this whitewashed inn north of Mabou, making it easy to sample a wee dram of Glen Breton Rare. You can tour the distillery for free, enjoy fine regional cuisine at the inn's restaurant, and daily in season hear Cape Breton music played at the pub. Three buildings contain guest rooms, and handsome log chalets (complete with whirlpool baths, woodstoves, and kitchens) sit on the steep hillside behind.

Rooms are distributed between several buildings dotted around this 11-acre lakeside resort, with options including cottages, suites, efficiency units, and a modern building. Down by the water, the Lakeside Adventure Center offers summertime activities from boating to nightly bonfires. There's also a playground, tennis courts, spa treatment rooms, indoor pool and hot tub, and a full-service restaurant. Packages include golf and kayaking.

These charming cottages sit right on the water at Ingonish Harbour—some have decks over the water so you can hear the sea lapping at the shore. Half the cottages are more rustic with pine paneling and furnishings, while half are bright and modern. They come in various configurations; some are perfect for families with full kitchens and two bedrooms, and others are cozy and romantic designed for two.

Hearing the surf is no problem at this intimate property because the six cottages are just steps from a private 3-km (2-mile) beach that is ideal for quick dips and nightly bonfires; firewood and beach toys are supplied. Five of the tasteful cottages have two bedrooms; the sixth is a one-bedroom unit with a whirlpool tub. Each comes fully equipped, including patio furniture and barbecue, and has a covered veranda. Guests in the main house have a large patio overlooking the beach and a shared living room. All units are spotless and modern.

The central location of this grand, former sea captain's residence means it's just a few minutes' walk to the Louisbourg Playhouse, Main Street, and the harbor. The century-old building is immaculately maintained and features gorgeous oak woodwork and a balcony overlooking the water. Rooms have high ceilings and some have balconies and four-poster beds. If the inn is fully booked, its sister property—Louisbourg Heritage House—is a good alternative.

Set on 60 acres overlooking the wild Atlantic, these well-maintained cottages offer a perfect escape in the most beautiful setting. Accommodations range from one-room log cabins to four-bedroom fully equipped cottages perfect for families. The resort sits on a long, private beach, and there's often live music through the summer months. 

These beautifully located and luxuriously appointed geodomes offer a superlative glamping experience. Outfitted with heat pumps for climate control, a fully stocked kitchenette, bathroom, seating area, and a deck overlooking the water, they offer a perfect, very private feeling retreat for couples and singles. The views from the domes out over the water and surrounding mountains is just stunning.

You can put yourself in the center of Sydney's waterfront action by staying at this comfortable mostly suite hotel. Each room has a separate living room area, and some of the spacious one-bedroom and studio options directly overlook the harbor—even better views can be enjoyed from the rooftop deck. The hotel's casual restaurant, Trio, serves full breakfasts, and dinner.