Iron Mountain Wilderness Cabins - Located in the Heart of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
We are centrally located on Cape Breton Island, on Whycocomagh Mountain, 5 km northeast of the village of Whycocomagh and the We’koqma’q First Nation.
GPS Coordinates:
NAD83 UTM Zone 20 T
647480.67 E
5095638.71 N
Latitude: 45.99844895626398
Longitude: -61.09540164137911
Iron Mountain Wilderness Cabins is located in the highlands of Cape Breton on Whycocomagh Mountain at 270 meters elevation. Our address is 901 Whycocomagh Mountain Road.
Off the beaten track
Cape Breton Island is world renowned for its epic coastal scenery, heritage sites, music, art and diverse culture. People often speak of the island's distinct sense of welcoming hospitality and Cape Breton humour.
Voted #1 Island in Canada by Travel & Leisure magazine in 2018, people come from all over the world to take in famous attractions like the Cabot Trail. Lesser known gems on the island can be found by venturing off the beaten tourist track to explore some of the island's backcountry.
Our location is pretty much in the centre of the island - from here you can take day trips to anywhere on the island, drive the Cabot Trail, play a round of golf on world class courses, or spend the day exploring the Cape Breton Highlands by ATV, snowmobile, mountain bike or on foot right from your cabin door. Travel at a slower pace during the shoulder and off-seasons to beat the crowds and experience Cape Breton and Canada in all four seasons.
Whatever your plans for the day, your quiet off-grid cabin is waiting for you at your return to Iron Mountain Wilderness Cabins. Head for the hills when you are ready to recharge your batteries and leave the crowds behind!
Getting here by car
We are 4.25 km off of the TransCanada Hwy 105 in the village of Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia.
From the Canso Causeway
Whycocomagh is approximately 35 minutes by car from the Canso Causeway via the TransCanada Highway 105 heading East towards Baddeck.
Continue on the 105 around the Bay in Whycocomagh, past the Irving/Tim Hortons and Firehall. Turn left on the paved road just before Charlene's Cafe/The Bayside Garden Centre, across from the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre.
We are located at civic #901, on the west side of the road past the first blueberry fields (on your left).
From North Sydney
From the Marine Atlantic North Sydney Terminal we are 95km or just over an hours drive; about 30 minutes past Baddeck via Highway 105 West. On entering Whycocomagh, be on the lookout for the Whycocomagh Mountain Road once you have passed the Provincial Park. Turn right onto the paved road just past Charlene's Cafe/The Bayside Garden Centre, across from the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre, to head up the mountain.
We are located at civic #901, on the west side of the road past the first blueberry fields (on your left).
The Mountain Road - Where the adventure begins!
Your entry point to the highlands and wilderness is an adventure in itself. Please take your time driving up the Whycocomagh Mountain Road. It quickly turns into a winding gravel road that ascends 270 meters in under 5km! We recommend driving about 10-30km/hr as there are a few narrow turns and some rough rocky sections. Though it may seem like a bit of an obstacle course in sections, overall it is a good solid gravel road. Roll the windows down and let the forest fumes in! Be on the lookout for eagles, hare, deer or moose along the way.
You may encounter logging trucks in summer or other traffic on the road, so be please be cautious. There is cell phone service for the majority of the road up to our location, with the exception of one patch near the blueberry field, where there can also be considerable snow drifts in winter. If you prefer to leave your vehicle below, contact us in advance to arrange transportation. In fair weather, there should be no problem driving up the mountain in any vehicle, just take your time. It is about a 10 minute drive from the highway to our entrance gate.
Winter Driving Conditions
You should have no problem travelling up and down the mountain road in a 4 wheel drive vehicle in normal weather conditions. 2 wheel drive vehicles with decent snow tires should be able to travel the mountain road in fair winter conditions. Our road is meant to be plowed within 24 hours of a snowfall event. If you have a reservation and are wondering about the road condition, you can contact us or call the Department of Infrastructure and Transportation to see if the road has been plowed before heading out: 1-844-696-7737.
If you are worried about taking your vehicle up the mountain road, we can arrange transportation for you and/or your gear if you would like to hike up the trail. In icy winter conditions or heavy snow, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended, feel free to contact us to see how the road is on your day of arrival.
Getting here by air
Guests arriving into the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport in Sydney will want to turn left from the airport onto Grand Lake Road. Turn left onto NS-125 W(signs for N Sydney). Take exit 1W for NS-105 W/Trans Canada Highway heading toward Baddeck/Canso Causeway. We are located about 30 minutes past Baddeck, just off the TransCanada Highway 105. On entering the village of Whycocomagh, turn right onto the Whycocomagh Mountain Road, just past Charlene's Restaurant/The Bayside Garden Centre. Continue for 4.25 km on Whycocomagh Mountain Rd. We are located at civic #901 on the left.
If flying into the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, take Highway 104 N for Truro. Take exit 15E for Trans-Canada Highway/NS-104 E heading toward New Glasgow/Cape Breton. After crossing the Canso Causeway, keep left in the round about, then follow the signs for TransCanada Highway 105 to Baddeck/Cheticamp/Sydney. When you reach the village of Whycocomagh, look for the Whycocomagh Mountain Road on the far side of the bay. It is on your left just before Charlene's Restaurant/The Bayside Garden Centre. Continue for 4.25 km on Whycocomagh Mountain Rd. We are located at civic #901 on the left.
Getting here by bicycle, ATV, snowmobile or on foot
You can ascend up the mountain to Iron Mountain Wilderness Cabins via The Great Trail - look for the trail head opposite the ESSO gas station in Whycocomagh, just behind an old convenience store. Climb the hills past the village look off point. Eventually the trail will meet up with the Whycocomagh Mountain Road. Turn right and head south a short distance and you will see our front entrance at civic # 901.
You can also ascend from Highway 395 on the SANS 104 Cape Clear snowmobile trail. The trail begins on the north(left) side of the small Bell Communications building. Travel east up and across Whycocomagh Mountain until you intersect with the TransCanada Trail, turn left (north) and continue on the trail until you meet the Whycocomagh Mountain Road. Turn right and head south a short distance to our front entrance at civic # 901.
We are located on the The Great Trail
We are all four seasons!
Off-Grid Camping Cabins on Cape Breton Island
Retreat to the mountainside and spend the night off-grid, in a heated, four-season camping cabin. Pillow-top queen bed, one set of single bunk beds, with a fire pit and picnic table. We are dog friendly too. This is a perfect place to unwind.
- Guests: 4
- View: Mountainside
- Bed Type: Queen + 2 single bunk beds
- Categories: Cabins
- Amenities: Deck Chairs, Dining Table for Four, Fire Pit, Off-grid Propane Heater, Picnic Table, Pro Series Weber BBQ with Side Burner, Shared Washrooms and Showers (in Main Lodge), Solar Lights and Radio, Stainless Steel Food Prep Table
Prices start at: $167 per night
