The Clairestone Inn

03/07/2025

Fire in the sky. We have several favourite sunset spots on Isle Madame and we’ll happily share them with you when you visit. 🌊

03/05/2025

Sometimes, Acadian words are the same or similar in English - like this one: moppe.

03/04/2025

We could describe it to you, but we’d rather have you experience it for yourself. visitcapebretonisland

03/02/2025

Experience a variety of cultures in Cape Breton with this 5 day itinerary. Hot tip: you’ll wish you’d added more days. :)

Dive into the vibrant cultures of Cape Breton Island with our 5-day itinerary! Experience Mi'kmaq, Acadian, Gaelic heritage. History, food and fun await you!

02/26/2025

In Acadian French we say débarquer instead of descendre which can also mean ‘come down from [something]’. The opposite is embarquer!

Photo: sunrise over the Acadian village of Petit de Grat on île Madame.

02/25/2025

New on the blog: Discover the ultimate motorcycle getaway on Isle Madame, Nova Scotia! Ride scenic coastal roads, explore charming fishing villages, and experience biker-friendly hospitality at The Clairestone Inn this summer. With smooth open roads, breathtaking ocean views, and a laid-back vibe, Isle Madame is a must ride destination and a great add-on to your Cabot Trail road trip. 🏍️🌊

https://www.theclairestoneinn.com/blog/2025/2/25/coastal-curves-and-the-open-road-discover-the-perfect-motorcycle-getaway-on-isle-madame

02/24/2025

With so much beauty to explore on Isle Madame, we know you won’t be spending too much time in your room while staying with us. That doesn’t mean we won’t pamper you with comfort.

✨ comfy beds
✨ fresh white linens
✨ soft towels
✨ in room Keurig with coffee and tea
✨cozy bathrobes and spa slippers
✨ mini fridge
✨ cable tv
✨ air conditioning
✨ soothing and relaxing decor

Prefer to socialize before retiring for the night? Chat with other guests in our guest lounge, front patio, or the backyard firepit.

Add Cape Breton’s South Coast to your visitcapebretonisland itinerary! Book online or call us at 902.226.2200. 🌊

02/22/2025

Anyone planning their summer motorcycle riding itineraries yet? We are biker friendly! I’ll be sharing more motorcycle related content as we head into riding season, but I thought it might be fun to “get in front of the camera” and give you a bit of an inside scoop on the person who mostly stays behind the camera, always (shamelessly) asking people to visit Isle Madame.

Hi! 👋 I’m Shauna, owner of this lovely little hotel. My love for motorcycles started at a very young age (that’s me laughing my head off with my dad, circa 1977ish).

I got my motorcycle license when I turned 16 and spent my high school summers bombing around with Dad’s Honda Elite 250 (which maxed out at 120 km/hr on the highway - kinda impressive, actually). I could fill the tank with $2.25. Miss those days. I’d mostly ride between Arichat and Louisdale, but sometimes further (sorry, Dad!🫣).

I didn’t own a bike until I was 39 (had kids instead!). My first motorcycle was a Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 and I LOVED that machine. My next was a Dyna Switchback. Clocked many miles on rural roads in NS and beyond. The feeling of freedom and exhilaration when riding can only be experienced behind those handlebars. I sold the bike a few years ago to buy a little boat. There are days when I miss it, so who knows - maybe I’ll ride again someday.

The last pic is my Mom on her Heritage Softail. She got her license at age 50 and had no problem keeping up with Dad on the highway. Not bad for a grade 1 teacher. 😉

Looking forward to meeting our riding guests and chatting about motorcycles and epic rides! If you ride, drop a comment with your very first bike!

02/19/2025

You may hear this Acadian word while sitting around the campfire on a beautiful summer night on Isle Madame. Acadians say ‘boucane’ instead of ‘fumée’!🔥🌊

02/15/2025

ATVing on Cape Breton’s South Coast! Did you know that you can travel by ATV from Isle Madame to Louisdale to St. Peter’s (and Dundee) with access to gas and restaurants?

02/15/2025

Authentic, peaceful, wildly beautiful, friendly… how would you describe Isle Madame? ❤️🌊

Explore Nova Scotia, 📍Isle Madame, Cape Breton

Isle Madame, located off Cape Breton Island's southeastern coast, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, even during the winter months. Here are some activities to enjoy:

1. Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking
Explore the island's scenic trails blanketed in snow. Lennox Passage Provincial Park features 2 km of walking trails, ideal for snowshoeing amidst serene winter landscapes.

2. ATV Adventures
For thrill-seekers, Isle Madame's groomed ATV trails offer an exciting way to experience the island's natural beauty. The Clairestone Inn provides packages for self-guided ATV tours, with trails starting directly from the property.

3. Visit LeNoir Forge Museum
Delve into local history at one of Cape Breton Island's oldest stone buildings. Experience a working forge and explore artifacts that tell the story of Isle Madame's shipbuilding past.

4. Warm Up at La Goelette à Pépé Café
After outdoor activities, relax with a hot beverage at this cozy café. Enjoy Acadian pulled toffee and browse local crafts, soaps, and pottery.

5. Beachcombing and Sea Glass Hunting
The island's numerous coves and beaches are perfect for leisurely walks and searching for unique sea glass treasures, even in winter.

Before heading out, check local weather conditions and trail statuses to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Embrace the tranquillity of Isle Madame this winter and discover its hidden gems.

Where to stay: The Clairestone Inn

02/12/2025

It’s freezing! In Acadian French, we say “frette” instead of “froid”. When you visit Isle Madame, you may hear locals say French words that make you go 🧐! Acadian French includes many unique words and phrases that are not found in standard French. Today’s word seems appropriate! ❄️ 🌊

02/06/2025

Cape Breton’s best motorcycle tour. These folks take care of everything so that all you need to do is show up and ride. Fantastic tour and a great time!

https://www.cabottrailbiker.com/the-lobster-tour

I’ve had 3 guests over the years come on my Tour to celebrate their 50th - and this tour is my year! It’s a perfect year to join, especially with the low Canadian dollar it’s pretty much 30% off. Please share with a biker you think would like to join! Just a few spots left to fill. Gonna be epic! Ask any questions in comments.

https://www.cabottrailbiker.com/the-lobster-tour

02/03/2025

01/18/2025

Always a popular weekend, so we suggest booking your room in advance! www.theclairestoneinn.com

C'est officiel! It's official!

10/08/2024

Good morning. ☕️

10/04/2024

Exclusive access to The Clairestone Inn!

Looking for the perfect getaway with friends, family, or a special group? Now’s your chance to enjoy exclusive access to the Clairestone Inn – we’re giving you the run of the house!

What’s Included:

- 7 guest rooms in the main Inn (accommodates up to 22 guests)
- Cozy guest lounge for relaxing & socializing
- Outdoor firepit area for unforgettable evenings under the stars
- Spacious front patio for chilling around the fire table
- Delicious light breakfast every morning
- Optional private dining experience tailored just for you
- Option to add up to 9 extra rooms to accommodate even more guests!

Perfect for:
✨ Family Reunions
✨ Small Weddings
✨ Bachelorette Parties
✨ Girl’s Getaway
✨ Corporate Retreats
✨ Wellness Retreats
✨ Creative Retreats
✨ Holiday Parties

All this – and the main inn is exclusively yours for the duration of your stay! 🙌 Ready to plan your private retreat?

Contact us today to reserve your dates and create memories that last a lifetime! Available Nov 1 - May 15. Visit www.theclairestoneinn.com/gatherings for more info.

09/09/2024

We enjoy your little “Love Notes” so much that we’ve dedicated a special space in our guest lounge to share the love!💕🌊