Whales are a major attraction in Pleasant Bay and can sometimes be seen right from the beach! On a calm, clear day, there were so many of them that they were spotted right from our deck about 1/2Km away! Several species visit but the Pilot Whale is the most common. There are four Whale Tour Operators within walking distance of Highland Breeze in the tiny harbour of Pleasant Bay. This is a busy spot in the summer. Fishermen are going about their businesses and the tourists gather there to book and board the numerous Whale Tour Boat. Here are links to the Whale Tour Operator of Pleasant Bay.

Cabot Trail Whale Watching  

Captain Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise 

Fiddling Whale Tours 

Wesley's Whale Watch

PLEASANT BAY FAMILY CENTER AND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION (CAP SITE)

The Library houses the CAP site, small community run library, video and DVD collection and family resource centre.  Tourists are welcome to go to the library to check their emails or browse the web. They also offer fax, print and copying services.  The fees are quite reasonable and basically help with the operating and ink costs.

HIKING TRAILS IN THE CAPE BRETON HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Hiking is a very popular activity for many tourists. The Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers 25 hiking trails all within its boundary. A map showing the location of those trails can be seen here. There are also many trails in Pleasant Bay, just ask your hosts for directions.

THE FISHING INDUSTRY

For generations the fishing industry has been and continues to be the main employer in Pleasant Bay. Lobster fisheries start on the first of May and continue to the end of June, while the Snow Crab fisheries start in the first half of July and continue until quotas are caught. Ground fish is also fished from spring to fall. Some fishermen sell fresh lobster or crab to anyone looking for the freshest of seafood.

THE MAJESTIC MOOSE

Moose are also very popular. Lucky travelers driving through the French, McKenzie and North Mountains will very often come across this majestic animal. Unfortunately, vehicle/moose collision are common so motorist should be aware of their presence at all times, especially at night when they are difficult to spot. To the delight of our lucky guests, moose often visit Highland Breeze where they lazily walk the perimeter of the property as they do through out the rest of Pleasant Bay. See them in our Photo Gallery.

THE GAMPO ABBEY BUDDHIST MONASTERY

Pleasant Bay is also home to the Gampo Abbey, a Buddhist Monastery, founded in 1984. For more information you can visit their web site here.

FIRST OF JULY CANADA DAY BOAT PARADE

On Canada Day, local boat owners decorate their boats to celebrate. An hour before dusk, they, their families and guests gather at the harbour for the Canada Day Boat Parade. Names are put in a hat for the draw that decides the number in which they are in the parade. The first name drawn has the honor to lead the remaining boats out of the harbour and along the Pleasant Bay coast with each boat following in the wake of the one before. If you happen to be here on Canada Day, don't be surprised if you are invited to participate by boarding one of the boats. Many riders jump ship and swim to shore before their boats re-enter the Harbour. The parade is a local celebration that shows our love of the sea and our love for our Canadian way of live.

THE LOCAL BUSINESSES

Restaurants:

Andrea's Cafe & Bakery, The Black Whale Restaurant, The Highland Heart Restaurant,

The Mid-Trail Restaurant, Mike's Place, The Mountain View, The Rusty Anchor

General Store/Post Office:

The Timmons' Store

Gift Shops /Folk Art Studio's:

Cardinal Points Gift Shop

Timmons' Folk Irt Shop