Cape Smokey gondola offers spectacular views of Cape Breton Highlands
A much-anticipated attraction in the Cape Breton Highlands is now open for business.
The new gondola at Cape Smokey in Ingonish Beach, N.S., has been a few years in the making. Once you buy a ticket, you step in to one of the 27 accessible cabins for a unique way to ride to the summit of Smokey. Even though the gondola only opened a short time ago, it's quickly created a bit of a buzz.
"Well, it's the first one in Atlantic Canada", said Martin Kejval, CEO of Cape Smokey Holdings Ltd. "The weekends have been steady. We have been getting about 300, 500 people a day."
As you move up the mountain, the views of the surrounding Cape Breton Highlands keep getting better. There are panoramic views of the mountain and ocean. The gondola is open just in time for iconic views of the Cape Breton Highlands to start exploding into autumn colour.
"They are completely breathtaking, even in the summer. And I think the fall will be significantly more spectacular, with all the colours dancing around," said Kejval.
When you get to the top, it is another experience unto itself. There is a place to sit and relax and enjoy the views, along with amenities including a refreshment stand.
"Breathtaking. Something else for sure," said one couple visiting from Alberta. "It was fantastic. I went out of my comfort zone coming up, and it was well worth it," added Pat and Mary Kelly of New York State.
The gondola is also expected to be a hit during the coming ski season. There are big plans to try and turn Cape Smokey into a four-season destination. Officials say while the newest way up the mountain is attracting a lot of attention, it's only the beginning.
"We're going to be moving on to the tree walk up top. We are remodeling the lodge and other amenities," Kejval said. "And hopefully adding other attractions to this place, kind of turning it into truly a green Disneyland."
Construction on the tree walk is set to start in 2022, but for now, the gondola is your best bet at a bird's eye view.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.