Maggie's Place on the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island

Popular amenities

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Check out the area

Skir Dhu, NS

Ski Cape Smokey23 min drive
Cape Breton Highlands National Park28 min drive
Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal71 min drive
Sydney, NS (YQY)95 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Separate dining area

Outdoor play area

Garden

About this property

Maggie's is a charming century-old 3-bedroom farmhouse on the Cabot Trail. It is located in Skir Dhu near Wreck Cove on the Atlantic Ocean side of Cape Breton Island. It includes numerous hiking trails, streams and two large ponds yet is close to numerous craft shops, restaurants and beaches. It is ideally located on the Cabot Trail between the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in the town of Baddeck.

Much like Maggie's, the community around it is very unique and it makes a great home-base while you visit the neighboring artisans (glass blowing, iron art, leather etc) or hike in the Highlands National Park. The house itself is built on a secluded knoll surrounded by mature silver Birch and sugar Maples. Maggie's has been carefully restored so as to keep its original charm yet is equipped with modern appliances, a fully equipped modern kitchen and high-speed Wifi. Walking trails on the property lead to two large pond, (Smith's Ponds) numerous streams and waterfall. There are many private and public beaches nearby. Kayaking, cafe's, a general store numerous artisan shops and an archery range are all nearby.

This part of Cape Breton was settled by Scottish homesteaders between 150 and 200 years ago. The son of the original settler, Angus Smith, built the house from wood cut, milled and planed by hand for his bride Maggie. Since she outlived her husband by many years the property became know as 'Maggie's Place'. We are proud to continue the tradition.

Guests will have the use of the entire house, including WIFI, modern appliances and cookware, dishes, linens and towels. Enjoy full use of the yard and trails on the property. There is a gas station nearby. Closest towns are Ingonish and Baddeck.

Property manager

Uli or Cathy Nikolai

Premier Host

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Amenities

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Cozy two bedroom cabins on the Cabot Trail, Wreck Cove, Nova Scotia

Kitchen

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Access to barn, attic and cellar not permitted.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.

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

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

Property Registration Number RYA-2023-24-03011411568545702-43436

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Skir Dhu

Located in Skir Dhu, this farm stay is in a rural area and by the sea. Great Bras d'Or Range Rear Lighthouse and Munroe Point Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Cape Smokey Provincial Park. Discover the area's water adventures with water tubing and windsurfing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting and cycling.

Skir Dhu, NS

What's nearby

Cape Smokey Provincial Park - 16 min drive
Ski Cape Smokey - 23 min drive
Cape Breton Highlands National Park - 28 min drive
Highlands Links - 31 min drive
Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal - 71 min drive

Getting around

Sydney, NS (YQY) - 95 min drive

Restaurants

Clucking Hen Cafe - 8 min drive
The Dancing Moose Cafe Inc - 3 min drive
Mermaid Seeker Restaurant - 15 min walk
Cal's Resturant & Grill - 15 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Maggie's Place on the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Maggie's Place on the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Maggie's Place on the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Maggie's Place on the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island located?

Located by the sea, this family-friendly farm stay is 10.2 mi (16.5 km) from Cape Smokey Provincial Park and 11.7 mi (18.8 km) from Saint Anns Bay. North River Provincial Park and Ski Cape Smokey are also within 20 miles (32 km).

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

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9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Maura M.

27 Jul 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A charming and authentic Cape Breton cottage home

Maggie’s place is a quirky historic wooden house, having been hand built 120 years ago. It is also very comfortable and well-equipped. We had everything we needed for our three night stay in Cape Breton, and very much enjoyed the local area with kayaking, whale watching and beaches in easy driving distance. A great place for a family break.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Roberta Phillips p.

25 Oct 2012

Dreamy Sanctuary

When my family and I arrived at Maggie's it was warm and cozy from wood burning in the stove. We felt safe, taken care of and welcomed immediately by the owners who provided tonnes of information and were approachable. We were looking for a relaxing home away from home and Maggie's offered just that and then some! It was easy to find (even in the dark), the property was stunning, the interior was immaculate and accessible; from the bathrooms to the fully functional kitchen (even more than in my own home) to the beautiful comfortable and clean beds. We brought our own food to cook, went on a hike to the gorgeous beach, took in the spectacular colourful Fall leaves, and breathed-in fresh air. We cannot wait to come back many times (with family or friends) and would recommend Maggie's to anyone who appreciates a dreamy sanctuary with loads of love inside and out.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

9 Jul 2011

Maggie's - An Old World Home

Our stay at “Maggie’s” on the Cabot Trail was a highlight of our time in Nova Scotia. Maggie’s is a charming cottage, tastefully modernized to preserve its feel of a bygone era. We felt it was like being able to stay at Green Gables while the family is away, like we had stepped back in time and we had this beautiful historic house all to ourselves. This is a home where you can feel not like a tourist but like a local for a while, feel like you belong. The house is old enough to have character, and modernized enough with plumbing, electricity and heat for 21st century people to be comfortable and not inconvenienced. The option of using the wood stove, which can be used with doors open as a fire place, is so cozy we spent a good deal of our time in the kitchen. The comfortable lounging area on the second floor was also a favourite spot to read or nap. Our daughter fell in love with the place, the feeling of history and the fascinating story of Maggie who lived there so many years and whose gravesite one can go to visit nearby. Past the gravesite is a lovely spot to stroll or sit on a sunny day and experience the natural beauty of the North Shore. There are many other beautiful coves and trails by the ocean along the Cabot Trail but this is one spot you can be alone for a while. From Maggie’s north or south along the amazing Cabot Trail are beautiful coves to explore or have a picnic and numerous artisans, painters, metal art, clay works, etc. Hosts Cathy and Uli were friendly and helpful, welcoming us to the area, full of information about Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail and only a phone call away if we had a question. David, Linda & Dena Edmonton, Alberta

10/10 Excellent

shawn s., Ontario, Canada

22 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our stay at Maggie’s Place

Beautiful old farm house with great character, brings back memories of some of the older homes growing up I visited. Hope to return again soon.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Monica F.

18 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay at Maggie's

Maggie's Place is a quaint, cozy and a delightful place to stay. It's well equipped and the beds were very comfortable. It's situated on a lovely property with a perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee. We would not hesitate to recommend Maggie's to others. And, look forward our next visit.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

About the host

Hosted by Uli or Cathy Nikolai

The owners, Uli and Cathy Nikolai, are retired from many years of working in international schools. They live 1 km away and are happy to tell you about hiking trails and other great places to visit along the Cabot Trail if you request their assistance.

Why they chose this property

Staying at Maggie's is more than the usual holiday experience. To quote one of our reviews, "It was like we had stepped back in time and we had this beautiful historic house all to ourselves. This is a home where you can feel not like a tourist but like a local for a while - you feel like you belong."

What makes this property unique

Skir Dhu is in the heart of the what has been described as the "best maintained lobster grounds on the Atlantic". In season and with prior notice you can purchase lobsters and crab from the nearby harbour and government wharf at Little River - 5 minute drive from Maggie's. If you are adventurous, we can help arrange for you to accompany a crew on their very early morning fishing rounds.