Marcie, Bailey and I were invited up to Ingonish Beach by Jim Melvin. Jim works at the Ardan Rum, the restaurant at the Keltic Lodge. In his invite, he told me that Ingonish Beach was one of the greatest beaches around and that he would provide us with a meal afterwards. The offer was too good to pass up. So, finally having a Saturday free, I drove the family up the Cabot Trail, over Smokey and into Ingonish. We turned off towards the Keltic Lodge and then took the first right down to the beach, which is part of the CB Highlands National Park and has lifeguards on duty. As the amazing view opened up over the beach, I wondered to myself how it came to be that this was my first time visiting this fabulous place. As a beach bum, I’ve been to nearly every beach on the island and I quite frequently hike the Middle Head trail which is just down the road from the beach beyond the Lodge. Anyway, it was a treat to visit such a beautiful place on the island. It was my first time but it definitely won’t be my last.
There are a number of things that make Ingonish Beach special. The views are second to none. As you’re standing on the beach, you can see the rocky peninsula which is home to the Keltic Lodge to your left and amazing green mountains rolling out into the Atlantic on your right. The beach is a long stretch of sand which slopes down to a very active ocean and up to a long line of beautiful beach rocks which create a natural wall separating the beach from the rest of the world. Needless to say, my rock-loving daughter fell quickly in love with the smooth, round rocks and spent a great deal of time exploring as many as she could and throwing them into the water. I went for a long and wonderful swim in the rolling waves. The water was cool and refreshing on a hot August day. After a couple of hours swimming, exploring and photographing scenery, birds and people, we discovered the other wonder of this beach. There is a hiking trail which travels along the coast of Freshwater Lake, another calmer and warmer swimming area. The lake is partially surrounded by the mountains of the highlands and is home to much wildlife, including loons which nest along the shores. The hike is a 1.5 km loop that winds past the lake and then around through the forest and back to the parking area of the beach. Here you will find tennis courts and soccer fields. So, there are many great opportunities for physical activity in this little piece of paradise. We felt fully refreshed as we arrived back at the changing facilities. We also felt quite hungry as we changed for our much anticipated supper at the Keltic Lodge.
![Freshwater Lake Freshwater Lake](https://www.whatsgoinon.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Richmond-Northside-BGB-Ingonish-300.jpg)
We came on Saturday to Ardan Rum and as we entered the restaurant, we passed a small lounge where a live band was playing Celtic music. It was a great way to start the evening’s dining. We came on Saturday because they have a buffet where the chefs cook seafood right out in the open. So, not only do you get a great meal but you get an interesting culinary show as well. The most
As we left, the sky was a dark blue and the mountains were silhouetted in the distance. The water reflected the deep colours of the sky and just a sliver of light was shining over the mountain tops. We were all sleepy and it was time to drive back to Sydney.
This marked the end of another perfect Beach Bum Adventure. Sometimes, beach days turn into so much more in our amazing island playground. We had a great swim, a hike, took in some wonderful views and had a fabulous meal and it was all within a couple of hours of home.
What a great place to live!
Check out the Ardan Rum at kelticlodge.ca
Until next time, I’m off on another Beach Bum Adventure!
Ashley says
Thanks for the great post! The beach really is one of the best and we're happy you like the restaurant at Keltic Lodge. Check out our Keltic Facebook page. We've linked this article to it. Happy Travels :)
Emily Forrest says
Had a great walk down that beach with a fellow who grew up there and was perplexed about finding two loons who had recently made their way up onto the sand but couldn't get back into the water. Loved your description of the food at the buffet looking so good that a 'large part of you' wanted to eat it – I picture you with one small green spot on your shoulder where the vegetarian in you was residing at that moment. Glad Bailey got lots of rock hunting in.
Wayne McKay says
That's a fabulous image! I'm still laughing. My little green spot keeps me from eating sausage all the time thankfully. Congrats on finishing your walk Emily!