Visitor Information

Surrounded by endless beauty each season of the year, the Pilot Whale Chalets and B&B are located closely to some of Cape Breton's most well known scenic attractions.

In St. Joseph du Moine be sure to visit the mask gallery at Le Centre de la Mi-careme and learn about the mask-making traditions and the history behind the Acadian tradition of “mi-careme”. In Chéticamp, be sure to visit the beach at Plage Saint-Pierre, the magnificent stone church Eglise Saint-Pierre, or take some time to learn about the rug hooking traditions at the Elizabeth LeFort Gallery in Les Trois Pignons, or do some hiking in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park before setting out for your scenic tour of the Cabot Trail.

Chéticamp boasts two full months of cultural activities including dinner theatre, music, dance, concerts, parades and much more during its Festival de l'Escaouette. Or if you’d rather a calm evening walk, take a stroll along Chéticamp’s boardwalk and watch the glowing sunsets.

Rain, snow, wind or shine, there are opportunities for adventure whatever the weather. The seasons present various opportunities for new adventures, including hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, swimming, and much more. Every fall season brings a wonder of autumn colours in the mountains and the sounds of the International Celtic Colours Festival.

You can learn more about Nova Scotia’s most beautiful attractions and outdoor adventures at www.novascotia.com.

How to Find Us

Chéticamp’s beautiful Pilot Whale Chalets are conveniently located along the Cabot Trail Highway at 15775 Cabot Trail Highway. The Pilot Whale B&B is just ten minutes south from the village of Chéticamp, at 77 Bazile Road, St Joseph du Moine.

The Pilot Whale Chalet’s and B&B are suitably located for travelers coming and going from the Halifax International Airport or the Sydney Airport. Just a five-hour drive from Halifax (where you will cross the Canso Causeway which connects our Island to the Mainland) or two-hour drive from Sydney, we are easily accessible to all Cape Breton visitors. If you are traveling over the Cabot Trail you can enjoy the beautiful scenery beginning at St. Ann’s or start your stunning journey by taking the well-known Englishtown Ferry. For those that are coming from or going to Newfoundland, they can reach the Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal in North Sydney in just under two hours.

Outdoor Adventures

Whether you enjoy whale watching, bird watching, hiking, swimming, golfing or sea kayaking, there is something for every nature enthusiast in Cape Breton. Both nature lovers and advanced hikers can stroll or trek through a variety 27 walking trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Anyone looking to get in a few rounds of golf while in the area should look no further than Le Portage Golf Club, one of the members of Golf Cape Breton's group of award-winning courses. The other three members, the Dundee Golf course, the Highlands Links and Bell Bay, are only a short drive away from Chéticamp.

Cultural Experiences

Chéticamp, rich in cultural history and tradition, provides a quick glimpse of what a small Acadian village may have looked like back in the 18th Century. Built from a culture of strong French Acadian descent, the town has carried on many great traditions, including music, cuisine, art, and much more. As a visitor to our community, you have an opportunity to experience these traditions and cultural expressions.

You can also explore Chéticamp’s prominent past at Les Trois Pignons, an information and geneological centre featuring various artifacts and art pieces by local artisans and the Elizabeth LeFort Gallery. St. Peter’s Church, built in 1893, still stands as a long-lasting landmark that draws visitors from near and far. A celebration of Acadian culture and heritage happens every year during July and August when Le Festival de l'Escaouette comes alive. Visitors can join in the festivities that include parades, concerts, gala shows, dinner theatres, dances and the largest musical in Atlantic Canada “Le Grand Cercle”.

Local Cuisine

Food and camaraderie are never short in abundance in scenic Chéticamp. A location built from strong tradition, Chéticamp still prides itself on offering up a fresh catch of seafood at any of the local restaurants. For visitors interested in tasting local Acadian cuisine, ask for chiard or pâté at one of the local restaurants.