The Dancing Moose

Here when there's snow on the ground? Carry on along the coast up to Cape Smokey (20 minutes' drive) if you're after cross-country skiing in a spectacular location. For more time immersed in nature, you could also head out for a driving tour of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a well-preserved wildlife haven approximately half an hour away by road, or buckle up for a jaunt to the gorgeous Mary Ann Falls (55 minutes). Other options include casting off to explore the open ocean with Ingonish Whale Watching (30 minutes), an experienced local tour operator that will do its best to showcase some of the Atlantic's biggest mammals. Once back on dry land, it's up to you whether you opt for a brief spell in Baddeck (50 minutes), a superbly scenic town on the Bras d'Or lakes, or look to learn about Nova Scotia's rich history at the Giant MacAskill Museum (40 minutes) or North Highlands Community Museum (an hour and five minutes). And what better way to round off your trip than with a refreshing round of golf, perhaps at the dramatic Cape Breton Highlands Links (30 minutes)?