Are you looking for candid Silver Dart Lodge reviews?
For Canada’s 150th anniversary, we headed out on an epic family road trip across Canada’s East Coast and one of our family’s favourite stays was at Silver Dart Lodge in Baddeck.
“Mom, you have to let me take a video of this place. It’s like, the perfect place for families to stay!” I quickly was required to hand over my phone so my daughter could start filming. “After all Mom, that is our job right, tell other families about really cool places? Well, this one is amazing Mom, come on, let’s go!”
And with that, we were off to explore the grounds of the Silver Dart Lodge in Baddeck, which was no easy task! Set on 90 acres, this huge property has a lot of amenities and a lot of places for guests to explore. Here are our candid Silver Dart Lodge reviews from different members of our family, a photo tour of our stay, as well as some updated photos of the property since our stay to help you know exactly what to expect when planning your trip.
Silver Dart Lodge Reviews
Where is Silver Dart Lodge
Silver Dart Lodge is located at 257 Shore Rd, Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0 on Cape Breton Island. With its epic views overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake, you’ll have quick access to the beach all while being only 2.5 km out of downtown Baddeck. From Silver Dart Lodge you’ll be able to explore some of Baddeck’s biggest tourist attractions, such as the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.
Baddeck is only 35 minutes from the world-famous Cabot Trail sign and the start of the scenic drive. So a stay at Silver Dart Lodge not only gives you lots to do while you’re visiting but it is also a perfect place to transition before you head out on the Cabot Trail.
Silver Dart Lodge Accommodations
Set on 90 acres, Silver Dart Lodge has a variety of accommodations available, making this a unique property to visit, and allowing you to customize your stay to your needs. They offer guest rooms in Chalets, MacNeil House, West Lodge, East Lodge, and Main Lodge. We will start our Silver Dart Lodge reviews by sharing our experience of one of the chalets where we stayed.
Fun fact: According to Trip Advisor, their Silver Dart Lodge reviews show that it is rated number one out of the 7 hotels in the Baddeck region.
Book your stay at Silver Dart Lodge here!
Chalets at Silver Dart Lodge
A step back in time but with all of today’s modern amenities, the duplex chalets are awesome for families during your stay at Silver Dart Lodge. With the back decks overlooking a large field and the children’s play area, parents can sit and enjoy the afternoon sun while kids chase each other between the monkey bars and basketball court.
The rooms are filled with East Coast charm and tastefully decorated, adding to your maritime experience. They also have all the luxuries you could ask for, including a kitchenette and WIFI! When we first arrived it was a rainy day and we loved cuddling into our little cottage and having a movie afternoon.
Bed Configuration: Queen with a sofa bed, King with a sofa bed, or 2 Queen beds
Amenities: Mini-kitchenette, patio, pet friendly
Price: $168 – $197 (plus taxes)
1 & 2 Bedroom Suites in MacNeil House
A beautiful and classic house, the MacNeil House invites you to enjoy a unique stay in their two-bedroom, one-bedroom, and loft suites. With cozy bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room you can enjoy privacy, more space, and the conveniences of home, all while looking out over the beautiful view of the Bras d’Or Lake.
Bed Configuration: Two Bedroom Suite – Queen & King Bedrooms, One Bedroom Suite – Queen Bedroom, Loft Suite – 2 Queen Beds
Amenities: Kitchen, living room, fireplace
Price: $168 – $227 (plus taxes)
West Lodge
Larger hotel rooms with two queen beds, an extended living area, and a sofa bed if you need the extra space. The perfect place to transition after a day of travel.
Bed Configuration: 2 Queen beds and a pull-out sofa
Amenities: Standard hotel room amenities with a shared patio.
Price: $160-$188 (plus taxes)
Main Lodge – Silver Dart Lodge Reviews
With the best lake views on the property, these centrally located rooms in the main lodge are the perfect place as they are close to the pool and McCurdy’s Restaurant.
Bed Configuration: One King or one Queen Bed
Amenities: Standard hotel room amenities with a patio.
Price: $149-175 (plus taxes)
East Lodge
The East Lodge is close to the reception and McCurdy’s dining room making it one of the most accessible lodges at Silver Dart. These rooms also have their own patio overlooking either the Bras d’Or Lake or the grounds.
Bed Configuration: Two Double Beds or two Queen Beds
Amenities: Standard hotel room amenities with their own patio.
Price: $149-175 (plus taxes)
Book your stay at Silver Dart Lodge here!
Silver Dart Lodge Amenities
Heated Pool
In the center of the property, there is an outdoor heated pool. My kids loved being able to run to the pool with their Dad and I loved being able to sit on the pool deck and get some work finished while hearing them giggle in the background. The pool is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm, and they have pool towels available for you at the reception desk.
Observation Deck and Lounge
Grab the best seat in the house and take in the panoramic lake views while seated on the observation deck.
Tip: Head here during sunset and bring your camera to capture stunning views.
HUGE Playground and Recreation for Kids!
Let’s just take a minute and give 5-star Silver Dart Lodge reviews for its amazing playground and kids’ area. Not only did they have a huge play structure (most properties don’t go this big), but they also have a basketball hoop and a huge treasure chest of sports equipment for kids to play with. So whether you’re looking for a frisbee or a soccer ball, you’ll find hours’ worth of outdoor play in their big bin and a huge field to run around and play.
Laundry Facilities
Our stop at the Silver Dart Lodge in Baddeck represented the halfway point in our trip, in other words, we were out of clean clothes! I loved that they had on-site laundry, and it was located right next to our cottage, making it super easy and close to go back and forth and switch out loads. The front desk staff was also super helpful, offering to exchange quarters for us and they sold laundry detergent and fabric softener (because let’s be honest, I didn’t pack that in my luggage).
McCurdy’s Dining Room – A Restaurant With A View
McCurdy’s Dining Room is an on-site restaurant that offers amazing meals for every member of the family. We were super excited that we got to eat there as they were 100% able to accommodate my daughter’s nut allergy… something that sometimes doesn’t happen in smaller towns. One of our favourite memories 8 years later is still the family dinner we enjoyed at McCurdy’s, reminiscing about our adventures and planning our next day on the Cabot Trail. We’d give this restaurant multiple 5 star Silver Dart Lodge reviews if we could. And that view, that is one that we will never forget!
Breakfast at McCurdy’s
If you’re visiting July through September you can take part in their breakfast buffet which will give you more options than you can choose from including eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, french toast, fruit, and more! They also offer an a-la-carte menu that you can customize to your needs. Breakfast is served daily 7 am – 10 am.
Dinner at McCurdy’s
Touted as one of the best views in Cape Breton (and we concur), McCurdy’s dinner menu features the true taste of Nova Scotia. One of the things we found funny as visitors from the West Coast was the cost of salad compared to lobster and mussels, the seafood was cheaper than ordering a salad! With a focus on fresh and local ingredients, your food will be as good as the view! Dinner at McCurdy’s is served daily from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Be sure to note the closing time, as sometimes when you’re out exploring all day 9 pm can sneak up fast! Like other Silver Dart Lodge reviews, we can’t recommend this restaurant enough.
Walking Trails, Private Beaches, Lookout Decks, And More!
Whether you’re looking to go for a walk on one of their private trails, head down to their private beach, hang out on one of the lookout decks, or enjoy a drink in one of the red chairs, this place has more amenities than one could explore in a single visit. I can see why families go back year after year and why there are so many positive Silver Dart Lodge reviews.
Gift Shop
If you are looking for local guidebooks, keepsakes, or essentials like snacks and cold drinks, head to the gift shop, located next to the reception area. My kids always love going to the gift shop and seeing all of the local items (and let’s be honest, grabbing a bite or two). To support local artists and artisans look for items that are sourced locally, it’s a great way to be a responsible traveler and help ensure your tourism dollars are going back to support the local economy.
What to do At Silver Dart Lodge – Adventures and Activities
While we originally booked our stay at Silver Dart Lodge thinking it would be a quick stop in between our destinations, it became THE stop and one of our most favourite places on our trip (as you can tell by me going on and on in these Silver Dart Lodge reviews). But the reality is that Silver Dart Lodge has so much to offer on their property plus quick access to the town of Baddeck where there are wonderful attractions to see.
So if you take any advice from this Silver Dart Lodge reviews, I’d recommend that you treat the Lodge like a destination and plan on spending at least 2 days there so you can really take in the scenery, enjoy the experience, and also take part in some adventures.
Water Activities – Silver Dart Lodge Reviews
If you want to experience Nova Scotia from the water there are a lot of adventures to choose from. From kayaking or a sailing tour on Bras d’Or Lake to whale watching in the Atlantic Sea, getting out on the water is a great way to explore the region and connect to some of the coastlines that make the area so special.
Hiking and Walking Trails around Baddeck
You may come for the world-famous Skyline Trail, which, in my opinion, is a non-negotiable “must-stop” destination on your visit to the region. This hike is considered a “Classic Canadian Experience” and the scenic views and animal sightings make it a special hike. At just over 6.5 km long, this easy hike is more of a walk as the paths are well groomed and it has little elevation.
Along the way, keep your eyes open as moose are plentiful and your odds of seeing one (if you’re looking) are high. At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with world-class panoramic views that look out over the Cabot Trail and ocean. The best time to go is sunset, and Parks Canada offers guided tours (sign-up available at the visitors center).
But while this truly is an unforgettable trail in Nova Scotia, know there are many lesser-known trails worth exploring. It’s best to stop at a local visitor center or a Parks Canada site to find out what trails will meet your needs (timeline, skills, physical ability, accessibility, and more).
Historical Sites & Attractions from Silver Dart Lodge
Silver Dart Lodge is centrally located allowing you to access a variety of Parks Canada National Historic sites as well as museums. Here are a few not to miss:
Alexander Graham Bell Museum
One of Canada’s most famous inventors, Alexander Graham Bell used to call Baddeck home and there is a museum on the Bras d’Or Lake shores where you can learn all about it. We loved how innovative and interactive the museum was, keeping even young children engaged and learning throughout the visit.
Fun story: I sent my in-laws to this museum after our visit and they loved it, spending hours exploring. So I can say wholeheartedly that it is a multi-generational experience that the whole family will enjoy.
Note: The museum is open from mid-May to the end of October.
Fortress Of Louisbourg National Historic Site
I’ll never forget shooting off a cannon on Canada’s 150th birthday to kick off the celebrations at the Fortress of Louisbourg. This reconstructed colonial town is a living museum, with characters dressed in full costume, hands-on demonstrations, and various experiences (like shooting a musket) that visitors can sign up for. We even planned a stay overnight, allowing us to experience the Fortress all to ourselves! This is our top recommendation in these Silver Dart Lodge reviews.
Celtic Music – A Traditional Nova Scotia Experience
Another “must” (see why you need to stay for more than one night!) is experiencing Celtic music while visiting Nova Scotia. Ask the concierge where they recommend that you go to experience the sounds that are world-renowned in Nova Scotia, as many local restaurants and bars have artists sharing their music, especially during busy tourist seasons.
If you want to really get into the culture and music, plan your visit around the Celtic Colours International Music Festival!
Book your stay at Silver Dart Lodge here!
Silver Dart Lodge Reviews FAQs
Are pets allowed at Silver Dart Lodge?
Cats and dogs are welcomed guests at Silver Dart Lodge, as both the chalets and the West Lodge offer pet-friendly accommodations. Be sure to inform guest services when you book your reservation and know there is a maximum of 2 pets per room. There is also an additional fee of $20 per night for pets. From other online Silver Dart Lodge reviews, pet parents have had great things to say.
Is there a charge for children to stay at Silver Dart Lodge?
There is no charge for children 12 years and under. Anyone over 12 years of age is subject to a $15 per person, per night charge.
Do they have cots at Silver Dart Lodge?
Yes, they offer cots at an additional fee of $15 per night.
What time is check-in and check-out at Silver Dart Lodge?
Check-in time is at 3 pm and check-out time is 11 am.
Are you allowed to smoke at Silver Dart Lodge?
All accommodations at Silver Dart Lodge are non-smoking.
In summary, if you are planning a visit to Baddeck and are going to do the Cabot Trail, a stay at Silver Dart Lodge is an absolute must. Our whole family gives 5-star Silver Dart Lodge reviews and when we look back on our trip, we have recommended this property to other travelers again and again. From their quaint and charm-filled accommodations, to incredible on-site amenities, to the proximity to other adventures and activities, Silver Dart Lodge is an excellent Nova Scotia Escape and basecamp for your Cabot Trail adventure. We hope that our Silver Dart Lodge reviews have inspired you to book your adventure and go for a visit!
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Is this a sponsored post?: Yes, our time at Silver Dart Lodge was sponsored. However, we take the responsibility of shared posts VERY seriously and only work with partners we can wholeheartedly recommend and services we would purchase ourselves. These Silver Dart Lodge reviews are our own.
