Cape Breton Cabot Trail Relay Race

Posted on February 8, 2012 by admin

In just three short months, Cape Breton Island will be filled with thousands of runners and their supporters. The annual Cabot Trail Relay Race takes place May 26th and 27th this year. The 17-stage relay race is a 185 mile (276.33 km) course and is to be completed in a 24-hour time span.

The course takes the participants around the beautiful scenery of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. It begins in Baddeck, continues over steep mountains in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and through many small communities around the famous Cabot Trail to Margaree Valley.

In 1988 the idea of holding a relay race around the Nova Scotia Cabot Trail was created, 6 teams of 17 runners per team tested out the idea. The Cabot Trail Relay Race is known as one of the largest and most popular running events in Eastern Canada. More than 1000 runners travel the Cabot Trail which offers some of the most challenging and spectacular terrain in North America.

The race is organized by a dedicated group of volunteers who work hard to ensure that this event is truly memorable for all runners from recreational to highly competitive. It will be organized and run in a manner that supports the sense of community and economic development of the Cape Breton Cabot Trail.

To find out more information about the race, take a look at Cape Trail Relay Race website here.

After the race, kick off your sneakers and relax at our Cape Breton Resort. Continue your Nova Scotia exploration at the opening weekend for Keltic Lodge Resort & Spa. Enjoy the spectacular views of Cape Breton from our property! Click here to book your Nova Scotia vacation for our 2012 season.

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History of Our Cape Breton Resort

Posted on February 2, 2012 by admin

The Keltic Lodge opened in 1940 after the province of Nova Scotia took over the land from the Corson Family. Henry Corson was a wealthy rubber mogul from Akron, Ohio. He and his wife Julie settled here because she had tuberculosis and her doctor ordered up some fresh Cape Breton air. They were close friends with Alexander Graham Bell and his family.

The Corson’s were aboard their yacht en route to visit Alexander Graham Bell and his family in Baddeck when they came upon Ingonish. Stormy weather required the Corson’s to anchor in South Bay. When the fog lifted the couple was captivated by the beauty of Middlehead. The wealthy Americans had found the perfect site for their summer home. In 1890 the province granted them the land for $30 and his family built a small home and farm. In 1899 another 75 acres was sold to the Corson’s for $650.

The Corson's summer home

On the high rugged cliffs of Middlehead, the Corson’s build their incredible log palace. Their summer home included massive oak doors, hardwood floors and paneling, many guest rooms, large kitchen and library. An enormous fireplace dominated the main room along with a ceiling of wooden beams. The Corson’s entertained guest on the verandah overlooking the beautiful views of Cape Breton.

The Carson estate was surrounded with vegetable plots and orchards that thrived about the property.

After their death in the 1930’s, the federal government hoped that a fine hotel would attract more Cape Breton vacations. They were right. They wanted to keep up the Scottish and Celtic theme and so called the resort the Keltic Lodge. This was a misspelling but the name still stands today.

The Keltic Lodge continues to play a major role in the community of Ingonish as a source of employment and as a major attraction, drawing tourists to the area. The charm of the Keltic Lodge is enhanced by its prime location on the famous Nova Scotia Cabot Trail, within Cape Breton Highlands National Park and by its proximity to Highlands Links, the number one golf course in Canada.

There is much more to our Cape Breton Resort Story. Please stay tuned for more chapters in the life of the Keltic Lodge.

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Where to Dine in Cape Breton Nova Scotia

Posted on January 26, 2012 by admin

Are you visiting Cape Breton Nova Scotia in the near future and need some good places to get a Nova Scotia cuisine experience? Here are some suggestions:

Cape Breton haddock at our Nova Scotia resort

  1. Main Street Restaurant and Bakery specializes in fresh Nova Scotian seafood and Italian food, especially pastas. Their large menu serves everything from fresh lobster, crab, scallops and tiger shrimp to burgers and fries. Being fully licensed they have a large wine selection, spirits and several different domestic and imported beer.
  2. The Seagull Restaurant overlooks North Bay and the Keltic Lodge. Their patio has views of the ocean and gives a rustic, casual feel! It’s known for their perfect Northern Cape Breton environment. If you are a family or a couple who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on delicious Nova Scotia cuisine, this is the place to go. Fish & Chips or Haddock are highly recommended.
  3. The Costal Waters Restaurant & Pub located directly on the Nova Scotia Cabot Trail in the heart of beautiful Ingonish, just minutes away from all major attractions.  Their extensive menu specializes in local and traditional dishes. They offer pub nights a few times a week with nightly entertainment!
  4. Last but not least be sure to experience fine or casual dining with a focus on local ingredients and seafood at our Cape Breton resort. Our Purple Thistle Dining Room has surrounding views of the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic highlands. It includes breakfast buffets and fine dining experiences. The Atlantic Restaurant features views of the Highlands across the North Bay along with outdoor patios and a children’s outdoor playground. This casual dining experience serves pub foods, takeout items and ice cream services.

Nova Scotia salmon at Keltic Lodge

These are just few of many places to dine in the beautiful island of Cape Breton Nova Scotia. We hope to see you in our 2012 season dining at Keltic Lodge while you relax, unwind and breathe in the beauty as you experience our versatile Maritime dining options!

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