Hiking and Learning about the History of Isle Madame

I love exploring Cape Breton. I like to think I am very knowledgeable about the island and its history and that's mostly true since I've explored every corner of it for the last 40-some years...but excluding one region, which for some reason, I've never really explored much at all.  I'm talking about Isle Madame and the southernmost coast of Cape Breton Island. 

I try to go to as many of the community events hosted by the Celtic Colours International Festival each October.  It just so happens that a tour I've been wanting to do for several years was finally available on a day that I was off work. 

The tour, Guiding Lights of Isle Madame, takes guests on a driving tour (with some hiking involved) of Isle Madame and its little communities with a focus on the historic lighthouses that once guided ships through the area's waterways.  

I arrived at the meeting spot in Lennox Passage Provincial Park and embarked on a three-hour adventure to explore an area that was pretty new to me.  Along the way, I met some people from all over Canada and the United States, I learned the history of the region and its lighthouses, I saw some spectacular scenery and I got enough of a taste of Isle Madame to guide me on my future adventures of the island.  And there will be more trips to the area for sure!

 It was still early after the tour and I didn't want to go straight home after traveling all that distance.  I called my friend in St. Peters to see if she wanted to go for a coffee or a hike.  We met in Louisdale where I left my car and drove with her in hers.  Instead of staying in the area, we drove to Port Hawkesbury about 30 minutes away.  It was raining when we arrived so we grabbed a coffee and parked at the look-off looking out over the harbour and chatted for a while.

When the rain let up, we hiked several trails on the outskirts of town. I love hiking in places where I've never hiked before and I have to say, these knew-to-me hikes were very nice and well-maintained.  The fall colours were in full bloom, a gentle breeze rustled the trees and the sun peaked through the clouds before a rain shower hit again just before we got back to the car. 

I was exhausted on the drive back to Louisdale.  I stopped at Tim's in St. Peters for a caffeinated pick-me-up and made the long drive along Route 4 and the Bras d'Or Lakes.  Another day of exploring my beautiful island done until next time!