Our Thanksgiving Trip to Dingwall, Cape Breton: A Place That Holds Our Hearts

Cape Breton has always been more than a destination for us—it’s a place woven deeply into our story. Some of the nicest people we’ve ever met call this island home. It’s where we got engaged, and where we nearly said “I do” at the Keltic Lodge before Covid changed our plans. And for years, Thanksgiving weekend has become our family tradition here.

But this year was extra special. It was our first time returning with the grandparents, and that alone made the trip feel deeper with a sense of appreciation.

There’s something magical about watching a child discover Cape Breton. Anya was in absolute heaven—playing with leaves, gathering tree branches and rocks like treasures, and taking her gondola up Cape Smokey.

On top of the gondola ride, she even crafted a “leaf cat” on a cardboard. Yes, I ran a “craft store” (e.g. scissors, cardboard and glue) out of my mommy bag.

As always, Anthony woke up before the rest of us, slipping out with his camera and drone to capture the quiet beauty of the island. Cape Breton mornings seem made for him—soft light, calm air, and endless scenery to chase.

While the grandparents were playing with Anya at the cottage, the two of us managed a rare hiking date. We picked the Theodore Fricker Mountain trail, a short but steep trail that we couldn’t get up with a hiking carrier. One of Anthony’s photos from this hike, a breathtaking shot of Tenerife Mountain, even placed in the Top 5 of the #FallforCapeBreton Photo Contest. If you like his photo below, please vote for #2 - Fall on Tenerife Mountain before November 14th, 2025 at 11:59pm (AST).

Cape Breton continues to be a place where our memories grow roots. This year’s trip gave us new stories, new perspectives and of course, new parenting lessons…Poor Anya lost her favourite stuffed kitten somewhere in the bed at the cottage. Tears were shed (for days), and even now, she still brings it up from time to time.

Parenting lesson learned: You can forget anything on a family trip—charger, socks, toothbrush—but never forget the favourite toy. Never. :)