Cape Breton,Nova Scotia
 

Have a few questions:<BR>Is water warm or cold on Ingonish beach?<BR>What is the better place for whales watching: Halifax or Cape Breton?<BR>What are good places to stay in Baddeck and Cheticamp (~US$80-100)?

I believe Cape Breton is better for whale watching although I have also heard people rave about a tour that leaves from Halifax Harbour.<BR><BR>In Baddeck, try http://baddeck.com/. In addition to what is listed on the accommodations page, I highly recommend the Inverary or Castle Moffet but they are a little pricey. Also try this website http://www.cbisland.com/index.php.<BR><BR>I'm not sure about Cheticamp accommodations but you should also look at the Markland Resort. It is in between Baddeck and Cheticamp but closer to Cheticamp. http://www.marklandresort.com/main.html Hope this helps - and have a great trip!<BR>

Water this year probably won't be very warm until August and then some people may find it still chilly.<BR><BR>Whale watching - probably doesn't matter, however, Pleasant Bay in Cape Breton has a whale interpretation centre and I know you can take charters from there. Relatives said they saw pilot whales from the shore driving the Cabot Trail. Also last year in Halifax Harbour whales were spotted - probably chasing fish into the Harbour. Murphy's on the Halifax Waterfront has daily tours and will tell you what they are spotting that day. <BR><BR>For accommodations try MacNeil House in Baddeck.

Thanks everybody<BR>Booked Silver Dart Lodge in Baddeck.<BR>It sounds nice.<BR>What are the good places to stay in New Glasgow, close to the beach?

I would recommend Harbourside Cottages which are about a 5 minute drive to Melmerby Beach. They are located overlooking the harbour. 902-755-2089 or www3.ns.sympatico.ca/harbour.side $69-109/night fully equipped.<BR><BR>There is also Pictou Lodge outside of Pictou. Or try Braeside Inn, Consulate which overlook Pictou Harbour. None are on "swimming" beaches.

I took my wife and two small daughters to Baddeck last June. We enjoyed our stay at Inverary resort.There was plenty to do,(kayak and boat rental) and great clam chowder at the restaurant by the boat house. Enjoy

BEing a Cape Bretoner, I can tell you that as of right now, the ocean is COLD!!!! We haven't had the summer weather yet. If you are a local you could probably handle the water, if not good luck!!<BR><BR>In Cheticamp, try Laurie's Hotal, BAddeck try the Inverary Resort.<BR><BR>Cape Breton is definately the place to see Whales - even without a tour. You can see them as you drive the Cabot Trail. Wesley's in Pleasant Bay has great Whale Watching - 100% quaranteed. They een take you out in a zodiac - this in itself is great. If passing through INgonish try Seaquarium or Sea Visions - this is a sail boat so no fumes !!!<BR>