Cape Breton Day 9 - Ilse Madame

Today we are exploring Ilse Madame. This area of Cape Breton has a lot of Acadian heritage with many houses showing their pride with Acadian flags. Lots of Acadian family names with Boudreau being the most popular. 

The package we took at the Inn included breakfast and a self guided tour of the island with tidbits of information about each place.

Our first stop is Petit De-Grat area. Stopped at the ball field/cemetery/community hall. Acadian Heritage is in full display here.

La Picasse = Old style anchor made from wood and stones.

Bath side of my family are represented here.

We the drove to Cape Auguet where we did the co trail. The trail need some upkeep. We hike to Mackerel Cove where at one point the used to be a homestead. The trail was not very good after that point and it was getting very hot for hiking.

On the road again and we are exploring Petit De-Grat island. We were looking for a hiking trail but did not find it. I guess we should have done more research beforehand. Very pretty area with lots of coves and views of the water. Many old houses along the way and a few small fishing harbour.

We had seen that there was a local craft market that was going on today. It is located where La Forge Noir (Black Blacksmith). it was built before 1826, restored in 1967. It has a museum but was nit open today.  A few oldest vendors spoke French to me.  Lots of Acadian souvenirs.

We got cookies and fudge at the market. We were hoping there would be someone selling sausages/hot dogs but that was it, only baking. We decided to go to the Spud Wagon.  The only place you could order was at the drive thru window. The food was good and hit the spot. prices were very reasonable.

Our next stop was Pondville Beach where there was the annual sandcastle competition. There was about 12 competitors.  It is probably the nicest beach on the island with 1km of nice sand. Water on the cold side.

We continued our tour and stopped at the Grandique Point Lighthouse at Lennox Passage Provincial Park. We were actually going to stop at the Groundswell Pub in D'Ecousse but the only open at 4PM. The only real pub on the island.

At quick stop to see the White Cross

One of the oldest building on the island used.

Our final stop was Marache Point lighthouse for a short hike

We saw the happy face man a few times

We booked the Acadian meal at the inn. We were the first guest t try this package. The food was excellent, only complaint was the portions were too big. We were so full at the end of the meal that we split one dessert.

A pre dinner drink

Chicken ficot

fishcake, beans and mustard pickles

Beef meat pie

Bread pudding with caramel sauce.