Keltic Lodge Poised for Banner Year
One of Cape Breton's best-known resort destinations opens its doors today. Some 160 staff at Keltic Lodge at Ingonish Beach have been preparing for what is expected to be another banner year.
"Advance bookings for the season are up four per cent over this time last year, and our season will be extended to Oct. 31, based on last year's success," said general manager Jim Frise. "There's been good response to a golfing package we offered in June and October, and that will assist in shoulder-season growth within the tourism industry."
"Keltic Lodge is poised for another banner season, and that's good news for the whole area," said Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "I know staff have worked hard these past few months to make sure the lodge is ready and we appreciate their efforts."
With a new kitchen and more indoor and outdoor deck seating, guests can continue to enjoy breakfast, lunch, supper and light snacks in pleasant settings. The Birch Tree Gift Shop also has a new home overlooking North Bay for this season only.
An expanded nightly entertainment program will feature Cape Breton performers seven nights a week in the Highlands Sitting Room.
"We're known as The Spirit of the Highlands,' and management and staff intend to live up to that name," said Mr. Frise.
Keltic Lodge also has more outdoor experiences to offer visitors, including sea kayaking, biking, whale watching with local operators, daily guided hikes to Middlehead, and mountain-bike touring. Twice weekly historical presentations are also back by popular demand.
Site preparation is also under way for the new Atlantic Restaurant and Birch Tree Gift Shop, which was lost to fire this past winter. Come spring of 1999, the new restaurant/gift shop complex will be larger and will complement the exterior design of the lodge itself.
Keltic Lodge's reputation continues to grow, with the prestigious U.S. magazine Conde Nast Traveler rating it one of the best places to stay in the world and describing it as "the must-see place in Canada." Golf Magazine also rated nearby Highland Links the top golf course in Canada.
"With that notoriety comes a continued responsibility to maintain our reputation for quality," said Mr. Frise. "We need to keep delivering a well-rounded vacation experience that offers the best in a facility and the best in local attractions and natural features. The management and staff are looking forward to providing those very things throughout the 1998 season."
He added: "Just as importantly, we invite Cape Breton residents and touring visitors to stop by and enjoy the facilities, have lunch or dinner, marvel at the views and simply delight in the surroundings of one of Nova Scotia's signature resorts."