Photo credit: Destination Cape Breton
Explore by Bike & on Foot
Discover Isle Madame at your own pace. Ride along coastal roads, stroll beside Arichat Harbour, or make time for a beach, a lighthouse and a picnic. These routes and local favourites start with The Clairestone Inn as your home base.
Take the guide with you:
Download the Cycling Guide
Bicycle routes from the inn
Little Anse (23.8 km return)
Follow Veteran’s Memorial Drive (we call it the Lower Road) to Little Anse and return the same way. Enjoy a scenic coastal ride with winding turns and hills, and leave time for a little beach glass hunting.
Marache Point Lighthouse (23.3 km return)
Take Lower Road to Marache Point Lighthouse and back. Explore the walking trail, look for beach glass and enjoy almost 360-degree ocean views. This is a lovely picnic spot and a favourite for sunsets.
View the Marache Point Lighthouse route
Lennox Passage Provincial Park (26.5 km return)
Travel via Grandique Road and along D’Escousse, returning on Highway 320. At the park, you’ll find a lighthouse, beach, picnic area and walking trails. Bring bug spray!
Mountain Biking
Isle Madame has a multi-purpose, all-terrain trail around the island. Use the ATVANS interactive map or download the ATVANS app for directions.
Explore the interactive trail map · Download for Apple · Download for Android
Walking loops from the inn
Start with a harbour view, then choose the distance that suits you.
From the driveway, turn right onto Highway 206. Stop at the Scenic Look-Off for a beautiful view of Arichat Harbour, Chedabucto Bay and the Jerseyman Island Lighthouse.
Shortly after the look-off, take your next left onto Veteran’s Memorial Drive, known locally as the Lower Road. From here, choose one of these turns to complete your loop back to the inn:
| Total distance | Where to turn |
|---|---|
| 5.3 km | Turn left at the cannons, onto the street with the church, and return via the sidewalk. |
| 5.6 km | Turn left onto Binet’s Lane, after Premium Seafoods. |
| 6.8 km | Turn left onto Conneys Lane, by the court house. |
| 7.8 km | Turn left onto Godfrey’s Lane, by the Rona. |
All distances include the return to the inn.
Places to pause and explore
Make a little extra time for the places that catch your eye.
Beaches, lighthouses & coastal views
Lennox Passage Provincial Park
Explore the lighthouse, beach and walking trails, or settle in at the picnic area. Don’t forget the bug spray.
Marache Point Lighthouse
Walk the trail, hunt for beach glass and take in the ocean views. Bring a picnic or visit for sunset.
Little Anse
A scenic coastal route with winding turns, hills and opportunities to hunt for beach glass.
Pondville Beach Provincial Park
Walk the 1 km sandy beach, go for a swim or explore the fantastic sandbar at low tide. You might even find a sand dollar! It’s our favourite place to catch the sunrise. Arriving by bike? The only place to lock your bike is at the entrance gate.
Scenic Look-Off
Pause for views of Arichat Harbour and the Jerseyman Island Lighthouse.
Food, culture & local finds
The Groundswell Pub
Great food, with dinner service only, plus kayak rentals.
Lenoir Forge Museum and Gift Shop
Discover the history of Arichat, browse for cute keepsakes and watch blacksmithing demonstrations in July and August.
Scratch Kitchen
A café and curated gift shop in the black building across the street, to the left of the pharmacy.
La Picasse
Visit this French cultural centre for scheduled activities, an Acadian art display and a library with a view. Open weekdays.
Make the most of your stay
Ask us about our favourite stops before you head out. We’re happy to help you choose a route for your day.