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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.