Baddeck’s Best Hotels & Inns on the Cabot Trail
Baddeck is considered by many to be the beginning and end of the spectacular Cabot Trail. But don’t make the mistake of just passing through. The beautiful little town is worth a couple of days stay all on its own.
Set on the shore of Bras d’Or Lake, Baddeck is about 2 hours from where I live on the northern part of the trail, but I spend a few days here every summer. The town is home to a lovely waterfront, has fantastic restaurants, pretty shops, great hikes, and so much more.
It’s also the perfect place to enjoy a traditional ceilidh. Pronounced kay-lee, these social gatherings have their Baddeck origins in Scotland, and feature music, dancing, and storytelling.
You shouldn’t leave the trail without experiencing one! They’re one of many favourite parts of being in Baddeck.
There’s no shortage of great places for you to stay in the area. Below is a list of the very best hotels and inns in Baddeck. If you have a hard time deciding, try one coming onto the trail and one when you’re done!
Great Accommodations in Baddeck
#1 – Silver Dart Lodge – 4 Star Hotel
- RATING: 9.0 out of 10 Stars — with 1000 reviews
- Open: from May through Mid-October; no minimum stay
- Breakfast: full breakfast available for a fee
- Location: 257 Shore Rd, Baddeck, NS, on the southwest edge of town
- Accessibility: no elevators
- 🐾 Pet-friendly? Yes! Cats and dogs are welcome
What’s special about Silver Dart Lodge:
The Lodge is near the edge of town, away from traffic and crowds. The heart of Baddeck is just a few moments away, but that’s easy to forget as you take in the views and enjoy the green space surrounding the property.
The lodge has a great selection of outdoor fun – basketball and volleyball, free bicycles to borrow and a pool in season. There are hiking and biking trails nearby and a playground for the young ones. Perfect for families.
If you’re more in the mood for a lazy afternoon, there are books and games for you to enjoy and a cozy fireplace in the lobby. The snack bar and vending machine are handy if you’re feeling snackish.
There’s even a barbeque and picnic area for meals in the beautiful Cape Breton outdoors. And be sure to hit the gift shop before you leave. I can never resist a good gift shop.
If you decide you love it too much to leave, book a day trip around the trail, see the best parts, and come right on back.
At Silver Dart Lodge you get:
Full bathroom – with bathtub, hairdryer, toiletries
Rooms – A/C, blackout curtains, coffee/tea maker, mini fridge, iron/ironing board, TV/cable, fantastic views in water-facing rooms
Laundry – laundry facilities area available
Indoor fun – free wifi, gym, fireplace, books, games, computer station,
Outdoor fun – access to a barbeque, picnic area, and terrace; pool with sun loungers and umbrellas, playground, basketball, volleyball, bicycles free for use.
Pets – dogs and cats are allowed in specific rooms for a fee of $20 per pet for each night of your stay. Service animals are welcome free of charge. Call the lodge directly for a pet room.
Location – right near the edge of town, the lodge is set well back from the road. Close enough to walk to the center of the town in about 15 minutes, but it has everything you’ll need for your stay.
What a past guest has to say:
“A hotel with good sea views in a pleasant village. Well-appointed rooms, efficient, friendly staff and excellent food at very reasonable prices. Well worth staying here if you are in this area.”
— Verified traveller (see more reviews)
#2 – Lynwood Inn, a 2.5 Star Inn
- RATING: 8.8 out of 10 Stars — with 461 reviews
- Open: year-round; no minimum stay; restaurant has seasonal closures
- Breakfast: Cooked-to-order breakfast for a fee
- Location: 441 Shore Road Baddeck, NS
- Accessibility: no elevators
- 🐾 Pet-friendly? No, service animals only
What’s special about Lynwood Inn
As well as standard hotel rooms, Lynwood Inn offers suites, rooms with balconies, and a 2 bedroom cottage next to the main inn. It has a full kitchen, living room, and a patio with your own barbeque.
The pretty inn is in the ideal location if you want to be close to where everything is happening. Walk to the main shopping area, just minutes away, and wander through fun shops like the Flying Kite Artisan Shop and Baddeck Celtic Gifts & Tartans
It’s also less than a 10-minute walk to the ferry over to Kidston Island, a picturesque little spot with walking trails, a beach, and a lighthouse. A must-visit in Baddeck. Many other attractions are nearby, too. Your hosts are happy to help!
At Lynwood Inn you get:
Full bathroom – with jetted tub, hairdryer (on request), toiletries, lake views in some rooms
Rooms – A/C, coffee/tea maker, microwave, mini fridge, iron/ironing board, TV/cable
Laundry – none
Indoor fun – free wifi, restaurant and patio bar
Outdoor fun – close to hiking and walking trails, Kidston Island, the Baddeck Waterfront, local museums and entertainment
Pets – only service animals are permitted
Location – right near the center of town. Walk to shopping, recreation, and the local grocery store
What past guests have said:
“Loved it!! Restaraunt awesome! Rooms had nice whirlpool tubs- comfortable and clean location was great- highly recommend.”
— Lois (see more reviews)
#3 – Telegraph House, a 3 Star Inn
- RATING: 8.6 out of 10 Stars — with 487 reviews
- Open: available all year; the Cable Room restaurant open 5pm-8:30pm, July-October
- Breakfast: not offered
- Location: 479 Chebucto St, Baddeck, on the main shopping street
- Accessibility: no elevators
- 🐾 Pet-friendly? No, pets are not permitted
What’s special about Telegraph House:
Telegraph House is right on the main shopping street in Baddeck. You’re just steps from boutiques, cafes, and a selection of restaurants, and a short walk to the waterfront.
Once a boarding house, Telegraph has a selection of room styles and sizes, and their restaurant is a favourite in town.
At Telegraph House & Motel you get:
Full bathroom – toiletries and hair dryers; larger house rooms have whirlpool baths; cabin rooms have deep soaker tubs
Rooms – ceiling fans; a variety of rooms are offered in the main lodge, the motel, and the cabins, sleeping up to 5 people
Laundry – none
Indoor fun – free wifi; TVs with cable channels
Outdoor fun – close to hiking and walking trails, Kidston Island, the Baddeck Waterfront, and local museums and entertainment
Pets – Pets are allowed
Location – On the main street of Baddeck, steps from shops, restaurants, and recreation
What a past guest has to say:
“The Telegraph House is like a home away from home with the air of a Victorian era mansion. The dining and menu options in the Cable Room was exceptional.”
— Dwayne (see more reviews)
#4 – Auberge Gisele’s Inn – 4 Star Inn
- RATING: 8.6 out of 10 Stars — with 1000 reviews
- Open: seasonal – closed from October 23, 2024 – May 23, 2025
- Breakfast: available in the restaurant for a free
- Location: 387 Shore Rd, Baddeck
- Accessibility: elevators equipped
- 🐾 Pet-friendly? No pets allowed
What’s special about Auberge Gisele’s Inn
As well as standard hotel rooms, Lynwood Inn also offers suites, rooms with balconies, and a 2 bedroom cottage next to the main inn. It has a full kitchen, living room, and a patio with your own barbeque.
The pretty inn is in the perfect location if you want to be close to where everything is happening. Walk to the main shopping area, just minutes away, and wander through fun shops like the Flying Kite Artisan Shop and Baddeck Celtic Gifts & Tartans
It’s also less than a 10-minute walk to the ferry over to Kidston Island, a picturesque little island with walking trails, a beach, and a lighthouse. A must-visit in Baddeck. A lot of other attractions are nearby as well.
At Auberge Gisele’s Inn you get:
Full bathroom – deep soaking tubs, hair dryer, toiletries
Rooms – rooms and suites, sleeping up to 4; A/C, blackout drapes, coffee/tea maker, TV/cable channels, mini fridge, iron/ironing board; the Huntley House King Suite has a kitchette and fireplace
Laundry – facilities available
Indoor fun – free wifi; TV/cable; restaurant and patio bar
Outdoor fun – gardens, picnic area, close to hiking and walking trails, Kidston Island, the Baddeck Waterfront, and local museums and entertainment; RV/bus/truck parking
Pets – no pets allowed
Location – near the heart of town. Walk to shopping, recreation, and the local grocery store
What past guests have said:
“Lovely hotel! Beautiful view, great room, comfy leather easy-boy in room, great staff, yummy restaurant! One of the nicest hotels we’ve ever stayed at. Would highly recommend.”
— Colleen (see more reviews)
#3 – Cabot Trail Motel, a 2.5 Star Accommodation
- RATING: 8.6 out of 10 Stars — with 534 reviews
- Open: closed between October 16 and May 19
- Breakfast: available in the restaurant for a fee
- Location: 8448 Trans-Canada Hwy #105, Baddeck
- Accessibility: single-level property
- 🐾 Pet-friendly? Service animals only
What’s special about Cabot Trail Motel:
The motel is the farthest from town of any on this list, about a 5 minute drive from town. There’s a big beautiful green space for you to enjoy the stunning views from.
The motel has its own beach – make sure you have your swimsuit and stock up on marshmallows for roasting over a fire. There’s also a heated pool if you prefer.
At Cabot Trail Motel you get:
Full bathroom – bathtub, hair dryer, toiletries
Rooms – lake views and partial lake views, A/C, coffee/tea maker, deck/patio, free local calls,
Laundry – none
Indoor fun – free wifi; TVs with cable channels
Outdoor fun – seasonal outdoor pool, open June to September; picnic area, barbeque; the property is on the lake with a beach for swimming
Pets – Only service animals are permitted
Location – About 4 km southwest of the center of town on a large grassy property, just across the road from the lake and small beach and gazebo. Great for shoreline bonfires – the essence of summer!
What a past guest has to say:
“Fantastic spot to stay when on the road, easy to find at night, it’s also scenic with breakfast and dinner available at the restaurant.”
— Sonya (see more reviews)
Baddeck Map
Favourite Activities in Baddeck
▶ Sampling Local Eateries & Shops – I’m a sucker for browsing boutiques full of local crafts and gifts, before I grab a bite at a restaurant with fresh regional flavors. From seafood at the Bell Buoy to sweet treats at Julias Bakery, there’s always something irresistible.
▶ Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site – I never get tired of the stories behind Bell’s inventions and experiments here. It’s fascinating to see the original sketches and personal artifacts that show how much more he did than just invent the telephone.
▶ Walking the Baddeck Boardwalk – I love an evening stroll along the waterfront when the sun starts to mellow in the sky. It’s peaceful, with just enough happening in the harbor to keep things interesting. (I hear mornings are nice too😉).
▶ Bras d’Or Lake Boat Tours – There’s nothing quite like cruising across the lake and taking in the incredible scenery. I’ve even spotted eagles soaring across the sky. They’re always bigger than I remember.
▶ Kidston Island Lighthouse & Beach – Take a quick ferry ride to Kidston Island and you’ll find a pretty shoreline and a picturesque lighthouse. I usually pack a sandwich and snacks and spend some time on the beach.
▶ Bell Bay Golf Club – I’m not exactly the world’s greatest golfer, but I can’t say no to the beautiful course and the lake vistas at a few holes. It’s a solid mix of challenge and scenery that keeps me coming back.
▶ Local Baddeck Ceilidh – One of my favorite ways to soak up local culture is to attend a ceilidh. Between the fiddle music, dancing, and friendly banter, it’s an experience that always makes me happy to be here.
You can see that Baddeck is worth at least an overnight stop! And if you’re travelling with camping friends, have them check out the Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground. It’s my favourite place to park my van with my dog when we’re in the neighbourhood.
There are actually several incredible campgrounds around the trail, especially in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, at the north end of the park. And if you’d like to see more top-rated accommodations on this epic road trip, click over to a page dedicated to them.
Happy road tripping!
Keep Reading:
🍵 Cabot Trail Maple Cream: The Famous Route’s Signature Liqueur
🔄 Cabot Trail Road Trip Dilemma: Clockwise or Counterclockwise?
🏞️ Canada Park Pass to Explore the Cabot Trail
🏘️ Cabot Trail’s Cape Breton Highlands National Park Towns
🛣️ Explore the Cabot Trail
