Cape Breton businesses cash in on tail end of peak fall colours

Cape Breton trees show their true colours and put on a vibrant show for visitors.

It’s October 20, which may seem relatively late for fall colours, but along the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton - Mother Nature’s annual show of reds, yellows and oranges isn’t over quite yet.

“This year, it’s been off the charts,” said Dan Coffin, owner of Auld Farm Inn just outside of Baddeck, N.S. “We have been hearing from everyone that the colours are more vibrant and more exciting than they have been in years.”

Coffin said the fact the fall colours really seemed to pop this year - and have been hanging on to their beauty for a few weeks now - has helped bring him plenty of customers before things get quieter when winter sets in.

“We’ve been running probably a 90 per cent occupancy through September and October,” he said.

At the High Wheeler Cafe on Baddeck’s main street, the place was packed at lunchtime on Monday on their final day of business before they shut down for the off-season.

They say that a few signature events built around the fall tapestry has kept them busy as the temperature has dropped lower.

“One of the beautiful things about Cape Breton is the extended tourism season,” said co-owner Nick Pino. “I think events like Celtic Colours and the Cape Breton Food Truck rally have really helped businesses like ours extend that season, allow us to keep our staff on for a little bit longer.”

Back in the summer, during the weeks on end of drought that we experienced, some figured that as a result the fall colours might be a bit underwhelming.

However, that didn’t really turn out to be the case after all.

“Yeah, I think we were all happily surprised with the colours this year and I know that the first thing I’ll do tomorrow is start going around the Cabot Trail myself,” Pino said.

Anyone else with the same idea had better do it soon, though - since the colours will be gone soon.

Though its not necessarily too late.

“It’s not over yet,” Coffin said. “The colours are still flowing. There’s still a lot of colours out there to be found.”

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