This Canadian Ski Resort Is One of the Few Places You Can See the Ocean From the Slopes

Nestled in North America’s picturesque landscape lies Cape Smokey, a gem on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. This stunning location is steeped in natural beauty and offers a unique experience where the ocean’s vastness meets the thrill of the slopes.

Cape Smokey Provincial Park, positioned on the apex of Smokey Mountain, forms a crucial part of the famed Cabot Trail, renowned for its panoramic ocean views and lush greenery.

Since its establishment in the 1970s, it has captivated visitors with its exceptional skiing opportunities that stretch from the mountain to the ocean, making it one of Canada’s most scenic and beloved destinations.

The park’s landscape is characterized by its dramatic granite cliffs, rising about 900 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Smokey’s distinct feature is the opportunity it provides to observe the Atlantic from the slopes, a rare and exhilarating experience. 

This fusion of oceanic and mountainous landscapes makes Cape Smokey not just a place for skiing or hiking, but a destination where memories are made, blending the thrill of adventure with the tranquility of nature.

When to Go

Cape Smokey, a year-round destination, offers different experiences across all seasons. During winter, it transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

The snow-covered slopes provide an exhilarating experience for winter sports enthusiasts. For those looking to embrace the frosty season, this is the ideal time to visit.

As the snow melts away, spring and summer bring a new life to Cape Smokey. This period is excellent for hiking and exploring the trails, which offer stunning vistas of the landscape. Kayaking and paddleboarding become popular activities, particularly from June to September, allowing visitors to enjoy the water in the warmer weather.

Fall, with its spectacular display of colors, is another great time to visit Cape Smokey. The changing leaves create a picturesque setting, ideal for hiking and taking in the scenic beauty of the area. The milder temperatures and the colorful landscape make it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Where to Stay

When planning a stay near Cape Smokey, there are several excellent accommodation options to consider, each offering its unique charm and convenience. They all provide a unique way to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Cape Smokey area, ensuring a memorable stay

Knotty Pine Ocean Front Cabin – Adults Only

Located in Ingonish Beach, this property provides an exclusive and tranquil experience. It’s only a short walk from Ingonish Beach and is well-reviewed for its comfort and scenic views. This spot is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat close to the ocean​​​​.

Skyline Cabins

Situated near Ingonish, these cabins offer a wonderful balance of comfort and access to nature. They are renowned for their excellent service and provide a great base for exploring the Cabot Trail and Cape Smokey Provincial Park. The convenience and comfort of these cabins make them an ideal choice for families and groups​​​​.

Castle Rock Country Inn

This Inn is near the Cape Breton Highland National Park and is known for its beautiful views and soundproofed rooms for maximum privacy. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for a quiet and comfortable place with easy access to outdoor adventures. Plus, they offer a complimentary breakfast buffet to start your day right​​.

Where to Eat

When visiting Cape Smokey, you have several great dining options to choose from, each offering a unique taste of the local cuisine. The resort’s restaurants offer a range of culinary experiences, from casual dining to more refined options, making sure there’s something to satisfy every palate.

The Dancing Moose Cafe

This cafe, located in Birch Plain, is a favorite for its Dutch and Canadian dishes. Known for its delicious crepes and stunning views, it offers a cozy and enjoyable dining experience. It’s a bit further from Cape Smokey but worth the trip for its unique offerings and delightful ambiance​​.

Main Street Restaurant

Situated in Ingonish, this restaurant is a great spot to savor seafood and Canadian cuisine. It’s known for its amazing burgers and is a fantastic place for a satisfying lunch. Its proximity to Cape Smokey makes it an accessible and convenient dining option​​.

Coastal Restaurant & Pub

Also located in Ingonish, this restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including seafood and Canadian specialties. It’s a great spot to enjoy a meal in a comfortable bar setting. The combination of good food and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular choice for visitors and locals alike​​.

Where to Après-ski

After a day on the slopes at Cape Smokey, there are a couple of great spots for après-ski where you can unwind and relish the local vibe.

The Keltic Lodge

The Keltic Lodge at the Highlands is a prime choice for après-ski relaxation. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s an experience in itself. Here, you can enjoy amazing winter packages that include cozy accommodations and access to the ski areas. It’s a spot where you can indulge in the scenic beauty of the coast and enjoy a comfortable, warm environment post-skiing​​.

Salty Rose’s and the Periwinkle Café

For a more casual yet equally charming après-ski experience, head over to Salty Rose’s and the Periwinkle Café. This café is known for its welcoming atmosphere and features a variety of home-baked goods, delicious sandwiches, and local seafood dishes. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy some live local music, making it an ideal setting to conclude your skiing adventure.

Off-mountain Activities

Cape Smokey isn’t just about skiing with ocean views. There’s a world of activities off the mountain too. Fancy some hiking? Hit the numerous trails weaving through Cape Breton’s breathtaking landscapes.

Wildlife enthusiasts can spot eagles, moose, and more in their natural habitat. For a cultural touch, dive into the local music scene with ceilidhs and live performances – a true Nova Scotian experience.

Don’t miss exploring the scenic Cabot Trail, famous for its dramatic coastal views and charming communities. Water lovers can kayak or paddleboard, enjoying the unique perspective of the coastline from the water. Each activity adds a distinct flavor to your Cape Smokey adventure, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

How to Ride

Riding at Cape Smokey is a seamless and enjoyable experience. To start your adventure, you can purchase various tickets online, including full-day passes, afternoon passes, and snowshoe passes.

The adult day pass is priced at $69.99, while combining it with rentals costs $109.98. If you’re just looking for an afternoon of fun, the afternoon pass costs $59.99. For those who prefer a more tranquil activity, a snowshoe pass is available for $49.99.

Cape Smokey also offers a comprehensive rental service for all your skiing and snowboarding needs. The rental packages include everything you need: boots, skis or snowboards, poles, and helmets.

The rental for an adult day pass is $49.99, and if you want to include the pass as well, the total cost comes to $109.98. The process is designed to be convenient, with all purchases and reservations available online, ensuring that you have everything ready for your day on the slopes.

Skiing and Snowboarding Info

Skiing and snowboarding at Cape Smokey offer a range of experiences suitable for all skill levels. The resort, surrounded by stunning mountains and Atlantic Ocean views, features 15 unique runs that vary from easy to challenging, catering to both beginners and advanced enthusiasts.

Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the thrills of gliding down these slopes, each offering a unique experience with the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.

For those who want to make the most of the winter season, Cape Smokey offers a Winter Season Pass. This pass provides unlimited access to ski, snowboard, and snowshoe throughout the winter.

Conveniently, pass holders can skip the lines and head straight to the gondola, which transports them to the top of the mountain for easy access to the slopes.

Children’s Winter Season Passes come with an added benefit – six weeks of lessons available on Saturdays or Sundays. This is an excellent opportunity for young skiers and snowboarders to hone their skills under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Final Thoughts

Cape Smokey stands out as a unique skiing destination, where the thrill of the slopes meets the serenity of the ocean. Its diverse trails cater to all levels, from beginners to seasoned skiers and snowboarders.

The Winter Season Pass offers unlimited access, with lessons for young learners. The resort’s combination of breathtaking ocean views, diverse runs, and comprehensive facilities make it more than just a ski destination.

It’s an experience where every turn offers a new, stunning perspective of Cape Breton’s natural beauty. Whether it’s the adrenaline of the slopes or the tranquility of the surrounding landscapes, Cape Smokey provides an unforgettable winter adventure