11 Best Hotels in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

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.

You can put yourself in the center of Sydney's waterfront action by staying at this comfortable all-suites 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 room rate includes a free continental breakfast; the hotel's casual restaurant, Trio, serves full breakfasts, along with lunch and dinner.

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.

Spread across the sea cliffs, this resort has glorious views of Cape Smokey and the surrounding highlands. Rooms in the historic main lodge have charm and character, and although the same can't always be said for those in the newer Corson House, where the rooms are larger and more modern. Cottages with fireplaces and verandas are also available. Aside from golfing the Highlands Links, activities include guided hiking, tennis, swimming, and being pampered at the full-service spa. Seafood is the star in the Purple Thistle Dining Room, and a lounge offers nightly entertainment and light meals.

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.

Built to resemble an oversized 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.