Pictou area
 

Would like any recommendations for the best place to stay in this area (within 15 miles or so). We will be arriving in Halifax around 1:30 PM and then traveling this route to Cape Breton and thought this might be a good stopping place for the night. We had considered traveling the Marine Drive but thought it would take too long to reach Port Hawkesbury at a reasonable hour. Is this correct? Any other recommendations? Thanks for your help.

Pictou is a lovely area if you wish to spend the night (or even a few days). It is about 1 hour twenty minutes from the airport. Several spots in the Town of Pictou to stay, Consulate Inn or Braeside. Home to the Ship Hector (replica of the original ship which landed with the first Scottish emigrants. Nice beaches in Pictou County and plenty of good food. What time of year are you travelling?

From the Airport to Cape Breton you are about 3 to 3.5 hours. Another hour would take you into Baddeck (lovely spot). So you could do a direct drive?

The Marine trail would take you about 40 minutes to reach from the airport. Nice drive. Could stay at Liscombe Lodge just outside of Sherbrooke. Would be about one hour to enter Cape Breton island from there.

Tanya, We will be arriving early August. My husband likes to take lots, and I mean lots, of photographs. I had considered Baddeck but was concerned that we would arrive very late in the evening if we took the Marine Drive. From your post it doesn't sound like that would necessarily be the case. Opinion? Another place my husband thought looked good was Glenora Inn. Again, I was afraid it would take too long to get there with many stops along the way. This vacation if for our 25th anniversary. Suggestions appreciated.

The Marine Drive would be a fair distance to cover to get to Cape Breton that evening. As suggested, you could take the rest of the day, and stop in Liscombe for the night. The lodge there is quite beautiful. Right on the water with a great restaurant. They also have cabins which are lovely. You can also hike back to the Trout Ladder, quite a beautiful spot with a small suspension bridge, etc. If you like to take pictures, it is a great spot. Just a few miles away is historic Sherbrooke Village - good way to pass a few hours.

It sounds as though the Marine Drive has caught your attention. I would recommend you take it. If you like beaches, stop at Clam Harbour for an hour and relax. Great beach!

As for Cape Breton, the Glenora is a great spot. I believe there is a small pub on site which I hear has some great music. I would also highly recommend for your anniversary, a night at the Normaway. You won't be disappointed. The Keltic has absolutely breathtaking scenery. Your husband will have plenty of picture opportunities along the Trail. Some of the lookouts are awesome!

If you are only taking in Cape Breton, take your time. Plenty to see and do. Baddeck is a very beautiful little village. Louisbourg is a must - you won't believe your eyes as you get closer to the historic site! Amazing! Pleasant Bay, Cheticamp, Port Hood, Ingonish - all breathtaking in my opinion.

We stayed at the Customs House Inn which is a 4 star. It is a 3 minute walk from the boat/museum at the harbour. It was an old customs house so it is a big, imposing stone building. The rooms have high ceilings and have been remodeled with care and expense. We would definitely recommend staying here. There is a popular restaurant downstairs which was closed when we went because we arrived just before the season began. It is run by two brothers who went out of their way to accomodate us. Check Frommers site for a review because that's how we found out about it.We also ate at the Braeside Inn which was quite good but more of a distance away.

We just got off the phone with the Customs House. The "Old Stone Pub" never opened this year. They said it was due to tourism being down.