Does the idea of sleeping under the stars and listening to the crickets hum as you fall asleep get your heart racing? Are you wanting a Canadian getaway that leaves you feeling refreshed and relaxed?
If so, you might want to think about visiting the Blue Bayou Resort. This unique vacation spot is the perfect place for a truly Canadian getaway where you can get some much-needed R&R.
So, are you ready to pack your bags and hit the road? Here's everything you need to know about the Blue Bayou Resort.
The Blue Bayou Resort is a stunning resort located in South Harbour. The campground is near both Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Cabots Landing Provincial Park, providing you with access to the great outdoors.
The resort, unlike many vacation sites these days, is centred around living off the land. It offers glamping-style accommodations that let you relax and unwind without missing any of the creature comforts of home.
On the property, you'll find a 24-hour front desk where you can get all the support you need during your stay. You'll also be able to enjoy a smoke-free picnic and grill area before settling down in one of the 20 furnished camping units.
The property offers self-service parking so that you can come and go as you please. Plus, each unit has heating and cooling options so that you can visit in any season you like!
If you pay a visit to Cape Breton Island you'll love the ecosystem in the area. This area is known for its cool summers and long winters. It's the perfect place for a cozy winter getaway or for a break from the hot summer sun in other provinces.
The area has sparse, low-growing forests and kalmia heath. Its sheltered slopes make for the perfect environment for trees such as white spruce, white birch, and balsam fir trees.
Apart from the forests in the area, there are some unique peatlands on Cape Breton Island. In those areas, you'll enjoy seeing plants such as tamarack and black spruce.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy the many animals that frequent the area, too. When visiting Cape Breton Island keep an eye open for moose, black bears, lynx, and snowshoe hares.
Getting to Blue Bayou Resort
So, you're ready to hit the road and head out to Blue Bayou Resort? To help you out, here's some important information about getting to the area.
Location
Blue Bayou Resort is located in South Harbor, Dingwall. It's settled in the heart of the Cape Breton Highlands, which is why it's such a great place for viewing wildlife or taking nature walks.
The resort is located just a few minutes from the nearest bakery and bistro. Gas stations and markets require just a quick 10-15 minute drive to access, making it a convenient place to camp.
Transportation
If you're ready to head to Blue Bayou Resort you have a few options for transportation. The resort is located a convenient 53 miles from the nearest airport.
Or, if you prefer to head there by car, you can get there by driving from Dingwall. Dingwall is just 2.1 miles away from the resort, making it easy to get to the area.
Types of Accommodations
No matter what kind of vacation you're looking for, there are plenty of options at Blue Bayou Resort. You can choose from more rustic camping options such as tipis or rest and relax in one of their furnished cabins.
Geodesic Domes
One of the coolest glamping experiences out there has to be the geodesic domes offered at Blue Bayou Resort. You can choose from one of the seven king-size suites or ten two queen-size suites.
No matter which you choose, you'll get to enjoy amenities that make you feel right at home. Each dome comes with a private bathroom, a private BBQ, towels, bedding, electricity and hot water, and a fire pit.
King suites are perfect for sleeping two guests. You can either book one of the waterfront domes or you can enjoy a night further inland in one of the standard domes. Waterfront rentals cost $220 per night while inland rentals cost $200 per night.
Queen suites are great for anyone wanting a family getaway. These suites sleep four people and cost $220 per night. You can add any additional camper aged 6-years or more for just $25 per day.
If you book this option just remember that there is a minimum stay of two nights.
Shacks and Park Model Trailers
Another unique glamping experience offered at the resort is the retro 70's camper. This camper comes with its own bar-style gazebo and private bathroom.
Plus, you can enjoy making use of a picnic table, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen. It costs just $200 per night, but you can add extra guests ages 6 and up for only $25 per night.
If you don't want such a retro-feeling vacation, you can always stay in the resort's Model Dutchmen RV. This RV is 37 feet long and comes with all the amenities you need to stay comfortable on your vacation.
While staying in this camper you'll enjoy a covered awning, kitchen with a fridge and stove, two queen size beds, and two bathrooms. It costs just $200 for a 2-3 night stay, $180 for a 4-6 night stay, or $160 for stays lasting 7 days or longer.
Once again, you're welcome to bring along extra campers. You'll just pay $25 per night for every additional camper over six years old that accompanies you!
Tipis
Whether you're wanting a private camping experience in a rustic setting or you're wanting to plan a group getaway, the Tipi village is a great accommodation option. The entire village boasts 7 tipis and offers enough space for up to 42 guests total.
The tipis measure 18ft in diameter and are around 25ft tall. They are big enough to sleep six people at a time, making them the perfect choice for families!
Each Tipi comes with its own firepit, enabling you to create a cozy experience like no other. You can also enjoy using the nearby BBQ and covered picnic area to whip up tasty meals at the end of a long day!
It only costs $120 per night to rent a tipi, making it one of the most affordable camping options at the resort.
RV Sites
Aside from the tipis, campers can enjoy sleeping in one of the 10 RV sites on the resort. These sites all have 30amp plugins, making them perfect for winter or summer stays.
Each three-way amp site is available for just $50 a night. Each site has a maximum of four campers, and additional campers over 6 years of age will cost $15 per night.
Cabins
If you're wanting to spend the wintertime at Blue Bayou, the cabins are the best choice. The Homestead is one cabin option that is available right on the waterfront.
The Homestead sleeps four guests, with additional campers over 6-years incurring a charge of $25 per night. You can rent the cabin for two nights or more at a cost of $220 during the week and $250 over the weekend.
Remember, a stay in this cabin comes with $80 in cleaning fees. That way the resort can keep it sparkling clean for when you arrive!
Aside from the Homestead, the resort offers two cozy cabins. These cabins are perfect for anyone wanting to stay for a longer period of time as they come with tons of amenities.
In these 6-person cabins, you'll enjoy a kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave, two bedrooms, a fire pit, and a picnic table. There is a diesel furnace in the cabins for keeping you cozy on cold winter nights.
To rent a cabin for 2-3 nights you'll pay $220, for 4-6 nights you'll pay $200, and for stays of a week or more just $180. These sites are priced for four people, but you can add extra campers for just $25 a night.
Things to Do Around Blue Bayou Resort
You won't be bored for a moment at the Blue Bayou Resort. There are tons of amazing activities in the area that you can take advantage of, no matter what you enjoy doing.
Canoe, Kayak, and SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) Rental
For anyone who loves getting out on the water, there are plenty of watersports activities in the area. Enjoy renting a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard and getting your feet wet in the cool water.
Cape Breton Highlands
One of the major appeals of visiting this part of Canada is its close proximity to Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and watersports while paying a visit to this area.
Whale Watching at the Cabot Trail
Another fantastic activity to participate in while staying at the Blue Bayou Resort is whale watching! You can spot dolphins, whales, and seals on one of the two-hour tours off the coast of Cape Breton.
Skyline Trail
One of the many reasons people travel to Nova Scotia is to check out the beautiful skyline trail. This trail takes hikers along the south side of Mount Rainier and provides some beautiful views.
The trail stretches several miles and is located near Alberta. You'll want to pack good footwear, however, as the elevation gain on this trail is quite steep.
Nearby Amenities
If you want to venture off the resort property you'll be able to enjoy some local amenities. You can visit one of the area's restaurants, fill up on gas, or pick up some groceries for your stay.
Gas Station
The gas station is located just 10 minutes away from the resort. That makes it easy for you to fill up on fuel while staying in the area.
Restaurants
Want to grab a bite to eat off the resort property? You can either take a zipline to get to Danen's Bistro and Bakery or go for a 2-minute drive to reach the property.
For anyone who would prefer more of a sit-down meal, there are some nearby options as well. Just head 15 minutes off the resort property to either Markland or the Chowder House in Neil's Harbour.
Grocery/Liquor Store
If you need to grab groceries, you can head to one of two nearby food markets. The COOP in Neil's Harbour is just 15 minutes away while the Cabot Trail Food Market in Cape North will take you 10 minutes to get to.
Best Time to Visit
While the Blue Bayou Resort is open year-round, there are some months that are better than others. That's because of the area's climate and what types of activities you'll be able to enjoy.
If you want to visit the area for some skiing opportunities you'll want to head to the area during January or February. The snow tends to be thick enough to hit the slopes during these months.
However, if you're wanting to take advantage of hiking and water activities, the summer months are a better choice. July and August are the hottest months in the area, meaning you can enjoy outdoor activities.
By the time September rolls around, the weather is cooling down. If you plan to visit during the Fall, we recommend bringing warm clothing so that you can bundle up at night.
What Are You Waiting For? Go Glamping Today!
Blue Bayou Resort is an incredible location for anyone wanting to get outdoors and explore. Whether you're into rugged camping or a getaway with creature comforts, this is an amazing place to visit.
If you're ready to go camping, make sure to take out a travel insurance policy first! Get in touch with Insurdinary and we'll help you set up an insurance policy that keeps you safe on any adventure.
