the ocean and have additional luxuries included, for guests wanting an elevated experience. “We have a guest lounge where there’s a fireplace, sofa and all day coffee station,” Austin adds. “We are very casual and laid back. We will talk to you as if we’ve known you forever.” The Clairestone Inn is equipped with a restaurant that is not in use. “We do not currently run a restaurant because we have not sourced a chef” Austin explained. She wanted to finish the renovations to the accommodations section of the inn before taking on a big project such as opening a restaurant. With no set plan, Austin debates between leasing the space out or potentially looking into other business options to fill it with. For now, she is open to hosting approximately forty guests and working alongside local catering companies for small events. But she will continue to renovate and evolve the inn to offer the best possible experience for her guests to bring the Isle Madame. Because The Clairestone Inn is off the beaten path and not located on the famous Cabot Trail it is often overlooked by visitors to Cape Breton, but we want readers to know if you heading to the highlands that we strongly encourage everyone heading to Cape Breton on the Trans-Canada Hwy/NS-104E to veer Southwest and take exit 46 for NS- 320 toward NS-208 toward Louisdale, Arichat and Grand Anse. Then turn right onto Fleur-de-lis Trail and Louisdale Connector NS-320 E then right onto NS-206 look for signs for Arichat and Petit de Grat to The Clairestone Inn and experience Isle Madame’s natural beauty, outdoor activities, and local hospitality. Trust us it is not the highlands, but you will not be disappointed. “We are very casual and laid back. We will talk to you as if we’ve known you forever.”
“So, if you love the ocean this is the place for you.”
160 Robie St, Truro, NS (902) 897-7482
industry. We were very fortunate we did okay. Throughout COVID, we had some little miracles fall on our laps,” she said. At the start of the pandemic, they hosted foreign workers for their quarantine period, which started her on the right track. With some financial help from government pandemic relief funds, they were able to make it through the most stressful times and continue to stay open for visitors. Visitors coming to the island can expect scenic ocean views and a beautiful landscape. “We are surrounded by the ocean,” Austin describes. “So, if you love the ocean this is the place for you.” She says she shares her top five favourite spots to visit on the island with her guests, in hopes they will explore and experience the natural beauty of Isle Madame. She gives as much advice as possible, sharing knowledge and maps with anyone wanting to have an adventure. Apart from lighthouse tours, most of the activities on Isle Madame are self-guided. Visitors can rent kayaks, go hiking, walk the beaches, bicycle on the trails, and do many other outdoor activities during the warmer months. The Clairestone Inn is located beside Lennox Passage Provincial Park which is a great spot for walking, biking, and swimming. The inn is open
year-round Austin says. For the brave people who enjoy the cold and snow, a popular winter activity is snowmobiling along the trails. She welcomes anyone who wants to stay at The Clairestone Inn during the winter to park their trailer in the yard and take advantage of the local trails. And a bonus is that The Clairestone Inn is conveniently located beside a gas station, great for fueling up off-road vehicles. Winter activities also include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, which can take place right beside the inn at the park. After a full day of activities, guests will be welcomed with warm Cape Breton hospitality. The décor is a minimalist, coastal style with bright, airy spaces. The Clairestone Inn is a place to relax and enjoy the scenic views. “We do have air-conditioning throughout the Inn, but we prefer to throw open the windows because we always have that nice ocean breeze,” Austin said. There are different room categories available at the inn, with seventeen rooms altogether. There are ground-level rooms that are suitable for people with mobility limitations or anyone wishing to have easy access to their vehicle. The second floor of the main building has eight rooms with Queen or King size beds. Four rooms face “We do have air-conditioning throughout the Inn, but we prefer to throw open the windows because we always have that nice ocean breeze,”
“ fresh thinking, healthy eating”
80 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 5
SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 5 81
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