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The Highlands Chalet on the Cabot Trail, Modern-Rustic Haven with Sunset Views

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A bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, a wall-mounted music-themed decoration, and three lit candles.
A living room with a fireplace, a television, and a balcony with a view of the sunset.
A room with two chairs, a small table, and a view of a sunset through large windows.
A two-story house with a balcony, a deck, and a view of green trees and mountains.
A bedroom with a bed, bedside lamps, a window with a view, and a bookshelf.

Reviews

4.8 out of 10
Overlooking the ocean, this 3-bedroom vacation home accommodates 8 guests and features 3 bathrooms. It includes 1 hot tub and a patio for outdoor enjoyment. Enjoy nearby hiking, biking, and birdwatching activities. The property is pet-friendly and situated in a village in the mountains, close to the beach and marina.
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Spa pool on site
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View map
Pleasant Bay, NS
  • Place, Whale Interpretive Centre
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Pleasant Bay Beach
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
    ‪15 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Back Lower Level Suite

1 Double Bed

Front Lower Level Suite

1 Queen Bed

Main Floor Suite

1 King Bed and 1 Double Murphy Bed

3 bathrooms

Back Lower Level Ensuite

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Front Lower level Ensuite

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo

Main floor Ensuite

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

The Highlands Chalet on the Cabot Trail, Modern-Rustic Haven with Sunset Views

Your Ultimate Cabot Trail Getaway: A Modern-Rustic Haven with Sunset Views

Escape to the breathtaking shores of Cape Breton and immerse yourself in the natural wonder of one of the world’s most scenic drives. Nestled directly along the iconic route, our character-filled, rustic-meets-modern retreat offers the perfect blend of historic soul, coastal charm, and contemporary comfort. Whether you are planning a memorable family vacation, a multi-generational reunion, or a getaway with your closest friends, this home provides an unforgettable backdrop for your island adventures.

From the moment you pull up the driveway, you will feel the deep peace of the East Coast. This is not a sterile, cookie-cutter rental property; it is a deeply loved, authentic family home with a rich history and a warm, lived-in energy.

🌅 The Main Attraction: Unobstructed Sunset Views
If there is one thing that truly defines the experience of staying here, it is the light. Because of our elevated, premium positioning on the trail, our home boasts incredible, entirely unobstructed sunset views that will take your breath away evening after evening.

As the afternoon fades, the entire sky transforms into a dramatic canvas of fiery oranges, soft pinks, and deep purple hues reflecting off the water.

Morning Magic: Wake up early, brew a hot cup of coffee or tea, and watch the morning mist rise over the rugged landscape.

Evening Serenity: After a thrilling day of hiking, whale watching, or exploring local artisan shops, gather everyone together on the deck or by the large windows. Pour a glass of local Nova Scotian wine, share stories of your day's adventures, and watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon. It is a daily ritual you will never tire of.

🏡 The Layout: Beautifully Distinct Spaces to Unwind
We understand that traveling in a group requires a delicate balance. You want spaces where everyone can gather comfortably for big family meals and lively board game nights, but you also need quiet corners where you can slip away, read a book, and enjoy a moment of solitude. Our home’s thoughtful, multi-level layout is uniquely designed to provide exactly that. With separate suites on different floors, multiple couples or branches of a family can enjoy maximum privacy.

🛏️ The Main Floor Suite (The Family Hub)
Designed with flexibility, comfort, and togetherness in mind, the main floor layout is ideal for those who want to stay close while maintaining a sense of personal space.

The Primary Area: Features a spacious, beautifully styled bedroom anchored by a luxurious King-size bed outfitted with crisp, comfortable linens to ensure a perfect night's sleep after a day of sea air.

The Connected Murphy Room: Directly attached to the primary bedroom is a secondary, cleverly designed sleeping space featuring a comfortable Murphy bed.

The Partition: To give you the best of both worlds, these two spaces are connected but separated by a thoughtful partition. This makes it the absolute perfect setup for parents traveling with younger children, or anyone who values proximity but wants an extra layer of privacy.

En-Suite Convenience: This entire main floor suite has access to its own private bathroom, making your morning and evening routines completely seamless.

🛏️ The Front Lower Level Suite (The Cozy Hideaway)
Step downstairs into the basement suite, a beautifully finished, cozy lower-level sanctuary that feels like a private boutique apartment all its own. If members of your group love to sleep in, want an extra layer of quiet, or appreciate their own dedicated amenities, this is the ultimate spot.

The Bedroom: A quiet, restful sleeping area featuring a comfortable Queen-size bed, perfect for sinking into at night.

Private Sitting Area: No need to head upstairs to watch the morning news or enjoy a quiet space to read. This suite includes its own dedicated sitting area, giving you a secondary living space within the home.

The Ultimate Relaxation Spot: The lower-level bathroom is a true highlight of the property, featuring a private, deeply relaxing jacuzzi tub. It is the absolute perfect place to soak tired muscles, recharge your batteries, and indulge in a little self-care after trekking the Skyline Trail or exploring the rugged coastline.

🛏️ The Back Lower Level Suite (The Private Haven)
Step into this guest suite at the back of the lower level, a beautifully finished, cozy sanctuary that feels like a private boutique apartment all its own. If members of your group want an extra layer of quiet, appreciate their own dedicated space, or are looking for a restful retreat, this is the ultimate spot.

The Bedroom: A quiet, restful sleeping area featuring a comfortable double bed, perfect for sinking into at night after a long day of exploring.

Private En-Suite Bathroom: This suite features its own dedicated bathroom with shower, giving you complete privacy and convenience. It is a true highlight of the space—the absolute perfect place to wash off the day, recharge your batteries, and enjoy a little self-care.

✨ Authentic Charm, History & Character
We take immense pride in the character of our home. It is a structure that wears its history beautifully on its sleeve, showcasing natural aging, gorgeous architectural details, and unique elements that give it a true sense of place. We want our guests to love this space as much as we do, so we always like to share a few of the property's authentic, historic quirks right upfront to ensure it is the perfect match for your vacation style:

🪜 The Staircase
The staircase leading to the upper level of the home is a beautiful architectural feature—it is steep, open, and overlooks the main living area below, creating a wonderfully airy, loft-like aesthetic.

A Note for Families & Pet Owners: We absolutely love hosting families, and we happily welcome children and your furry, four-legged family members! However, because of the open and steep design of these stairs, children and pets will require close, attentive supervision around the staircase area at all times to ensure everyone stays safe and happy throughout the trip.

🔥 Decorative Fireplaces
Throughout the home, you will notice several classic, stunning fireplaces.
Please Note: These fireplaces are entirely decorative only and are non-functioning but the character they add to the living spaces is undeniable and contributes significantly to the cozy, rustic-meets-modern ambiance of the entire house.

🗺️ Your Basecamp for Cape Breton Island Exploring
When you stay here, the very best of Cape Breton is right at your doorstep. The Cabot Trail is globally renowned for its dramatic coastal cliffs, sweeping ocean vistas, and vibrant cultural heritage. From our front door, you are perfectly positioned to dive into everything the region has to offer:

World-Class Hiking: Spend your days exploring the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Whether you want an easy, panoramic stroll along the world-famous Skyline Trail, a challenging climb up Franey Mountain, or a peaceful walk through the lush Acadian forests to hidden waterfalls, the trail networks are unparalleled.

Local Culture & Music: Immerse yourself in the rich Celtic and Acadian traditions of the island. Catch a lively live fiddle session or a traditional square dance at a local parish hall, visit community ceilidhs, and experience the warmth and hospitality that Cape Bretoners are famous for.

Artisan Shops & Fine Dining: Take a leisurely drive and stop at the numerous pottery studios, leather workshops, and galleries scattered along the trail. When you get hungry, indulge in the freshest Atlantic seafood imaginable—from world-class lobster and snow crab to locally caught halibut and traditional seafood chowder.

Outdoor Adventures: Book a whale-watching cruise to see pilot whales and humpbacks breaching in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, launch a kayak into the calm waters of the Bras d'Or Lake, or bring your clubs to play a round at world-renowned golf courses like Highlands Links.

🗒️ Amenities at a Glance
To make your stay as effortless as it is memorable, our home comes fully equipped with all the essentials and comforts you need for a stress-free vacation:

Panoramic Windows: Strategically placed to maximize the view of the water and those legendary sunsets from the comfort of the indoors.

Fully Equipped Kitchen: Ready for everything from quick breakfast scrambles before a hike to elaborate group dinners utilizing fresh, local ingredients.

Linens & Towels: High-quality bedding and towels provided for all guests, including the main floor King and Murphy beds, and the lower level Queen and Double Beds

Outdoor Space: The perfect vantage point to breathe in the fresh, salty Atlantic air and listen to the birds.

High-Speed Wi-Fi: Stay connected with family at home, stream your favorite shows in the evening, or look up local trail maps and restaurant hours.

💌 A Personal Note from Your Hosts
We believe that a great vacation is built on a foundation of comfort, beauty, and peace of mind. We have poured our hearts into this home so that it honors its historic roots while providing the modern comforts today's travelers expect. It is a place to slow down, unplug from the frantic pace of everyday life, and reconnect with nature and each other.

Whether you are watching the sky turn to gold from the main suite, soaking in the lower-level jacuzzi after a day in the highlands, or planning tomorrow’s drive around the kitchen table, we know you will fall in love with this magical corner of the world just as we have.

We invite you to step inside, make yourself at home, kick off your shoes, and let the magic of the Cabot Trail wash over you. We cannot wait to host you and help you create memories that you will talk about for years to come. Book your stay today and start counting down the days to your perfect island retreat!

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 19

Check out before 11:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 1 total

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Gather used towels

Turn off the lights

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number STR2627D8365
Property # 20283521
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Pleasant Bay

Located in Pleasant Bay, this holiday home is in the mountains and near the beach. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Whale Interpretive Centre, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Pleasant Bay Beach. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including wildlife walks, hiking/biking trails and whale watching.
Map
Pleasant Bay, NS

What's nearby

  • Whale Interpretive Centre - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Pleasant Bay Beach - 2 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Cape Breton Highlands National Park - 15 min drive - 23.1 km
  • Skyline Trail - 16 min drive - 25.2 km
  • Cheticamp Visitor Centre - 29 min drive - 44.6 km

Getting around

  • Sydney, NS (YQY) - 175 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mountain View Motel & Restaurant - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Rusty Anchor - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Highlands Chalet on the Cabot Trail, Modern-Rustic Haven with Sunset Views pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total).

How much is parking at The Highlands Chalet on the Cabot Trail, Modern-Rustic Haven with Sunset Views?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Highlands Chalet on the Cabot Trail, Modern-Rustic Haven with Sunset Views?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Highlands Chalet on the Cabot Trail, Modern-Rustic Haven with Sunset Views?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Highlands Chalet on the Cabot Trail, Modern-Rustic Haven with Sunset Views located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Whale Interpretive Centre and Pleasant Bay Beach. Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Skyline Trail are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

4.8
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 11 reviews

5.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

10/10

Location

4.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
The location is very nice but the place needs some work. The lawn was mowed but not trimmed so the grass at the foot of the steps was higher than the bottom step. The steps to the house were solid but the railing was not, which is rather concerning when you’re carrying luggage up the steps.The house was pretty clean but as another reviewer mentioned, there were a few cobwebs and there was definitely some slope upstairs.The upstairs toilet is REALLY slow to refill and the cold water in that bathroom is just a trickle. Melissa was very responsive when we sent her a message about this so I do give her props for that. She came over to the house just a few minutes after I sent the message. Oddly enough, the hot water and the shower in the upstairs bathroom work like a champ. If you have serious business though, you’re gonna want to use one of the downstairs bathrooms.The back deck is a nice place to relax but it could definitely use a facelift - paint the chairs, replace a few boards with holes, etc.Short-term rentals in this area are hard to find so I wasn’t too bothered by the nightly rate but I would say it’s a bit overpriced when you take into account the various issues. Overall, the place just feels a little tired.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay at Highland Breeze. Melissa is an excellent host. I think older folks should be aware of the numerous steep stairs inside and out. The location was perfect even though the weather didn’t cooperate for our whale watching experience. I’ll have to come back sometime. The Cabot Trail is an amazing magical place!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026

About the host

Hosted by Melissa

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Languages:

English

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