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Tuonela Ski Village

49 864, Cabot Trail Goose Cove, Baddeck, Nova Scotia B0E 1B0 Canada

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About

#1 of 1 special inn in Baddeck
Location
5.0
Cleanliness
4.4
Service
4.8
Value
4.6
Ski Tuonela is a wilderness Village situated in the Boreal Forest at the foot of the Cape Breton Highlands, 4km off the Cabot Trail at Goose Cove, St. Ann's Bay.  We have 30km of trails for x-country skiing, and a Telemark Hill at the base of which lies the Village comprising nine Chalets, a games room, a central Lodge , Sauna and rental cabins. We are open January thru Easter for skiing and from Labor day thru Halloween for hiking, mountain biking, corporate & other wilderness activities. 
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Free parking
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Judith B wrote a review Feb 2023
2 contributions
+1
The cabins are charming, cozy and unique. Kent was our host upon arrival and he was welcoming and very helpful. Loved the groomed trails and the view. Be prepared for a full body workout skiing but it was perfect.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Stella wrote a review Feb 2019
2 contributions7 helpful votes
Our family was hoping to stay here this upcoming Christmas. Since it will be the holidays, we wanted it to be super special and needed some clarification. We emailed about 8 or 9 very specific questions. We did get an answer to one question regarding ski conditions but were redirected back to the site for the others. This was disappointing as many were specific regarding pets, possible rescheduling due to weather, special events, details about shared sauna etc. Without this info, my family is unable to decide if this is a good holiday fit for our family.I do acknowledge the website is good and the owners likely get many questions via email. However, I would have rather received polite answers as many are not on the web site and are specific to our situation. I have never been told to "study the website"...unprofessional.
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Beaconhouse wrote a review Mar 2014
Truro, Canada28 contributions12 helpful votes
The quiet of the woods and the group of friends that gathered made the experience great. We stayed in the large chalet which was open and warm, but the beds were unfortunately not very comfortable, although after a day of being on snow shoes, they made due. My one real concern was the setting off of the fire works. We were told the times so that the dogs would not get spooked. These times were randomly changed and regretfully I was outside with my dog at the time. I was able to hold onto my dog until the fire works stopped. When I asked the owner, Chris, about this he would not talk to me or even look at me. The spot they have in the woods is a great place to ski and snowshoe, but it may not be the best place to have your dog.
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Date of stay: March 2014
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
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Response from tuonela, Owner at Tuonela Ski Village
Responded Mar 21, 2014
Hello there Graham: Ski Tuonela is a resort, if not the only Ski resort in the Maritimes that welcomes dogs. Over the years we have had literally hundreds of dogs staying and skiing with their owners. On occasion there are as many dogs in the Village as owners! At New Years we let off about 20 minutes of fireworks. Also on a Saturday night, if the Village is full and we are showing one of my films we sometimes let off a couple of fireworks to announce the screening in the main Lodge. We always inform the clients that this will happen so that they may place their dogs in a secure location. This was the case on your visit as we knew you had five dogs in your cabin and there were other clients with dogs as well as our two Labrador Retrievers. You appeared to be the only person outside with your dog at the time of the fireworks. This was unfortunate but everybody was told by staff that fireworks would be let off between 8 & 8.30pm prior to the screening of the film. I would like to re-iterate that we ARE a dog friendly place as shown by the hundreds of dogs which have stayed here here over the last 14 years with no problems. Chris Law Owner/Operator
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Benjamin W wrote a review Feb 2014
Halifax, Canada3 contributions1 helpful vote
My partner and I just returned from our first (of what we hope will be many yet-to-come) stays at Ski Tuonela. We did a four-day, three-night booking. The owners and staff were friendly and welcoming, the chalets were clean and warm, and the skiing was fantastic. We are late-beginner/moderately experienced XC skiers in our early thirties, and though we steered clear of some of the steeper black diamond runs, every trail we hit was an exhilarating combination of climbs, winding lazy turns through the forest, and speedy downhill cruising. At the Ski Tuonela parking lot we traded up our boots, packed bags, and cooler of food for two sets of rental skis, then set off on a 4.5km one-way glide through the woods to the village. Our gear was stowed safely in our chalet upon our arrival, having been delivered by snowmobile while we made the roughly 30-45 min. trek. Skiing into the village for the first time was like stepping into a Courier and Ives lithograph, with snow-covered rooftops, oil lamps in the windows of our chalet, and the wood fire already blazing. The village is all off-grid, but a combination of wind and solar power provides electricity for reading and cooking lights as needed. Water is fresh from a mountain spring, and the kitchen had all the pots/pans/utensils needed for us to make breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, and clean up afterwards. We did not avail ourselves of the sauna, though other guests (many of whom were on repeat trips to Tuonela) informed us it is fantastic. We played card games and pingpong in the Tanzhaus, napped in our chalet, built a snowperson, read multiple books, skied almost all of the available trails, and met lots of other guests. The chalet was very private, and the entire village felt wonderfully secluded; though there were always people and their canine companions out and about. Overall, we really cannot say enough about this place. It was warm, cozy and comfortable, mixing the simplicity of showerless, make-your-own-meals winter camping, with the comfort of a wood burning stove, the convenience of propane-fired cook stoves, and of course a deluxe two seater brass-hinges-on-the-mahogany-inlaid-toilet-seats outhouse (reading material included). Take a trip to Ski Tuonela; it's worth it!
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Date of stay: February 2014
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Em_Tupperville wrote a review Jan 2014
Halifax, Canada1 contribution1 helpful vote
Ski Tuonela is the perfect escape. From the 4 1/2 km ski-in, to the rustic chalets. We had an absolutely amazing New Years Eve. The hosts' provided a wonderful 4 course New Year's Eve meal, with lots of guests helping out by passing out plates and pitching-in with dishes. After the dinner, we had fireworks and listened to the guitars in the chalet. It was truly an amazing event to be a part of. The rest of the vacation we spent exploring the trails. We had a ton of snow fall every night, so the conditions were out of this world! If you are looking for a place to get away, while being active and embracing the outdoors, this is the place for you!
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Date of stay: December 2013
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
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Steve S wrote a review Jan 2014
Cape Breton Island, Canada1 contribution
The proprietors say that "Tuonela" is a Scandanavian word that describes a place that's "somewhere between heaven & earth." Well, that's as good a description as any of the experience at Ski Tuonela. Our wintertime visits to Tuonela (with & without the kids) are highlights of our year. Whether you're a first-timer or experienced XC skier, you won't forget your time here. The cabins (each with its distinct character) are intuitively designed for both comfort & utility, and the luxurious two-holer outhouse (complete with reading material) ensures that you won't be tempted to linger on those brisk minus-15 mornings and waste any skiing time. Many of the trails are challenging to the beginner, but as another reviewer mentioned, you can take them at your own pace. Chris & Anni's emphasis here is on having fun - and they & their crew do everything they can to establish an environment for you to have fun in. This is a place for outdoor winter enthusiasts who want to experience something that's one-of-a-kind with people of a like mind. You'll want to return as soon as you ski back down to earth.
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Date of stay: January 2014Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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jeff e wrote a review Jan 2014
Tokyo, Japan2 contributions1 helpful vote
Just spent new years at Ski Tuonela with 30 other fantastic guests and we all had a wonderful time. The weather was perfect with lots of snow and cold temperatures making the log fires in the comfortable cabins even more cozy. The nature surrounding the village was gorgeous and after some great skiing we settled into the main lodge for food, wine and great live music. It was the perfect way to ring in the new year. I'd recommend it for a nice weekend of great nature, fun, and great hospitality. Jeff and Setsuko Eagar
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Date of stay: January 2014
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Trip type: Traveled with family
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Jud O wrote a review Jan 2014
Calgary Ab9 contributions1 helpful vote
My husband and I (in our sixties), our 3 adult children and 2 partners had a unique, active, and memorable mini ski vacation, Dec. 31-Jan.2. The New Years Eve meal, provided by the Ski Tuonela staff was a 5 course communal feast with live music.and was followed by amazing fireworks. Our rustic chalet was equipped to sleep 8 on single width bunk-style beds. Duvets and bedding were provided and we were cozy and warm heated by the air-tight wood stove. The chalet was lit by 3 kerosene lamps and electric lights (sparingly used). The kitchen was adequately equipped with cooking utensils and a small 2 burner propane stove, in addition to the cook top surface of the wood stove. There is a 2-seater outhouse.The chalet that doubled as a banquet hall for the New Years Eve meal was converted to a games hall with darts, table tennis, crokinole and many other games which we, as a family, enjoyed. Five of our group used cross country skis and snowshoes while 2 others had alpine touring skis which were perfect for this back-country experience. We would recommend using alpine touring, telemark or back country skis as it was very challenging for cross country gear.There was 152 cm snow base, most snow since 1962! The owners, staff and facilities made this a unique and memorable family vacation.
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Date of stay: December 2013
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Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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909peter wrote a review Sep 2013
North Sydney, Canada1 contribution3 helpful votes
As a frequent day-skier and occasional over-nighter I can attest to the enduring appeal of this back-country ski haven. Skill and imagination are everywhere apparent – in the design and construction of the village, the cabins, and the extensive system of trails. Natural features are thoughtfully incorporated so that the experience becomes more than just exercise. A basic level of fitness suffices to reach the accommodations; anyone seeking a more a strenuous workout may set their own pace on the numerous loops and hills beyond. Those who wish to practice telemarking will have ample opportunity, although this skill is not necessary in order to navigate the system. Novice skiers may be intimidated by a few of the hills and turns, but you can always walk the tricky sections, and snowshoeing is an attractive alternative everywhere. Your encounter with the proprietor is likely to leave an impression. An intriguing, enchanting place. Put it on your bucket list. And don’t forget your camera.
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Date of stay: February 2013Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LOCATION
CanadaNova ScotiaCape Breton IslandBaddeck
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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TUONELA SKI VILLAGE - Prices & Specialty Inn Reviews (Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia)

Frequently Asked Questions about Tuonela Ski Village
Which popular attractions are close to Tuonela Ski Village?
Nearby attractions include Wagmatcook Culture & Heritage Centre (3.1 miles) and Le Vieux Chemin du Cap-Rouge Trail (4.2 miles).
Is parking available at Tuonela Ski Village?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Tuonela Ski Village?
Conveniently located restaurants include Herring Choker Deli, McCurdy's Dining Room, and Red Barn.
Are pets allowed at Tuonela Ski Village?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Tuonela Ski Village?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site (5.7 miles) and Victoria County Court House (5.4 miles).