Our Thanksgiving Trip to Dingwall, Cape Breton
Cape Breton has always been more than a destination for us. It’s a place woven deeply into our story. Some of the kindest people we’ve met call this island home. It’s where we got engaged, and where we nearly said “I do” before Covid shifted our plans. Over the years, Thanksgiving weekend here has quietly become a family tradition.
This year felt especially meaningful. It was our first time returning with the grandparents, and having three generations together added a layer of gratitude we hadn’t quite experienced before.
There’s something magical about watching a child discover Cape Breton. Anya was completely in her element. She spent her days playing with fallen leaves, collecting branches and rocks as if they were treasures, and riding the gondola up Cape Smokey with excitement. At some point along the way, she even created a “leaf cat” using cardboard and glue. Yes, I officially ran a pop-up craft store out of my mommy bag, complete with scissors and supplies. It was one of those small, unplanned moments that somehow became a core memory.
As always, Anthony woke up before the rest of us, quietly heading out with his camera and drone to capture the island in its earliest light. Cape Breton mornings seem made for him. The soft glow, the calm air, the endless landscapes waiting to be noticed.
While the grandparents played with Anya back at the cottage, the two of us managed a rare hiking date. We chose the Theodore Fricker Mountain trail, short but steep, and not one we could have tackled with a hiking carrier. During that hike, Anthony captured a photo of Tenerife Mountain that later placed in the 1st place of the #FallforCapeBreton Photo Contest. Thank you to everyone who voted and supported his work. It truly means more to us than we can say.
Cape Breton continues to be a place where our memories grow roots. This trip brought new stories, new perspectives, and, of course, a few fresh parenting lessons. Somewhere between bedtime and morning, Anya’s favourite stuffed kitten disappeared into the depths of the cottage bed. Tears were shed. For days. Even now, she still brings it up from time to time.
Parenting lesson learned: You can forget chargers, socks, or even a toothbrush on a family trip. But never forget her favourite toy. Never.