Glamping In Nova Scotia: Archer’s Edge Review

Looking for a place to go glamping in Nova Scotia? Read why we think Archer’s Edge in Cape Breton is the perfect place for your getaway!

By now you’ve probably seen those white camping domes all over your Instagram, but what’s it like to actually go “glamping”? I had to find out for myself! This Fall we planned a trip to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and booked two nights at Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping Domes in Judique. I’ll be honest, I’m not usually into camping, but luxury camping? That I can get behind!

About The Domes

First of all, what the heck IS glamping? Well the word is a contraction of “glamorous” and “camping”. Don’t be fooled by the simple appearance of the domes. They hide a lot inside! Glamping is not exclusive to Nova Scotia – you can find glamping domes all over the world!

So what makes it luxury? You have heat/air-conditioning, running water & power.

Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping Domes are all built for couples. When you first walk into the dome you’ll see your small kitchen with a mini fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, kettle, and dishes. The queen sized bed faces toward the window part of the dome, which gives you amazing views of the water. You have a few chairs with a small table as well. Around the wall from the bed is the bathroom complete with a shower, toilet, sink and storage area.

Just so you know before you book – there is NO DOOR for the bathroom. Just make sure you’re extra comfortable with whoever you are sharing a room with.

The domes are heated / cooled by a heat pump that you can control, plus there was an extra heater in the bathroom so you can be extra cozy getting out of the shower.

Outside there is a BBQ outside for you to use (exclusive to your dome), you also have a small deck with two chairs that face the gorgeous view.

Details

2 night booking minimum. Prices as of November 2020 are $239 per night + tax. Payment is due at time of booking.
Check In – 4pm, Check Out – 10am
Check In only on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

It’s worth noting that children and pets are not allowed at Archer’s Edge.

Phone: +1 902 435-5844
Address: 1660 Shore Rd, Judique, Nova Scotia
E-mail: archersedgeluxurycamping@hotmail.com
Website: https://www.archersedge.info

Location

Judique is a small community on the Western (Inverness) side of Cape Breton. You’ll find most locals pronounce it “Judic”. If you’re arriving from mainland Nova Scotia, Archer’s Edge is only about 25 minutes from the Canso Causeway. Driving from Cheticamp takes about 1hr 25 minutes.

We really enjoyed the fact that Archer’s Edge is off the beaten path. You drive down a long driveway to a quiet oasis; and with only 5 domes, there’s not too many people around. Some other glamping domes in Nova Scotia are right on the highway, which I can only assume means that you’ll hear lots of traffic at all hours of the day.

Property Amenities

Besides the domes, there’s not too much on the property. The owner’s provide a parking area, and wagons you can use to bring your belongings from your car to your dome.

There’s also a firepit that everyone can use, and the owners provide wood & matches nightly. Extra wood can be bought for a $5 fee.

Archer’s Edge does not have wi-fi or television, to encourage you to unplug and enjoy the nature that surrounds you. You won’t miss it, promise!

Popular Attractions Close By

I think this area of Cape Breton is under-explored in favor of the more popular Cabot Trail, and while the Cabot Trail is beautiful and worth exploring, this area also has plenty to do, but mostly in the summer. After Canadian Thanksgiving (early October) most businesses shut down for the winter season. Here are some popular attractions close to Archer’s Edge:

Judique (5 minute drive or less)

If you’re interested in learning about Celtic music, check out the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre. It’s part museum, part live music space. You can take in a performance, and it’s open all year.

The Celtic Shores Coastal Trail runs through Judique, although it starts in Port Hastings (the Causeway), and ends in Inverness. You can bike, walk, run, ski, snowmobile, horseback ride or quad (4-wheeling).

Port Hood (11 minute drive)

If you want to head to the beach, Port Hood is the place for you! There’s 5 sandy beaches and the water is some of the warmest you’ll find in Nova Scotia.

Also, the Co-op Port Hood is the closest grocery store to the Domes.

Mabou (20 minute drive)

Home of the Rankin Family! Visit the Red Shoe Pub, or the Red Shoe Pub for some local eats and drinks. Check out the Mabou Farmers Market (Sundays; early June to mid October & Christmastime) for some local crafts & produce.

Our Review of Archer’s Edge

I was so excited when we booked Archer’s Edge for our Cape Breton, Nova Scotia glamping getaway! Staying in a dome was on my bucket list!

On our check in day, owner Scott gave us a call to let us know which dome we would be staying in, and that it would be ready early if we wanted to check-in before 4pm.

Once we arrived we parked and went to our dome. The Domes open by a zipper and do not have locks, so you never have to check-in or out with anybody (very Covid friendly!).

Skip to 9:10 to see the dome tour!

The bed at the domes was very comfortable, and the view was incredible. The large window does have curtains for privacy, but basically no one walks in front of your dome.

Like I said, the bathroom is lacking a door for privacy, but the shower water pressure was nice, and the water stayed hot. They provide towels (but please don’t bring them to the beach).

I recommend packing games to play since there is no wi-fi or TV. We had a blast hanging out, playing games and enjoying the sunset.

We were definitely happy with the amenities in the dome. Our dome was missing coffee pods when we checked in, but a quick message to the owners and 6 pods were left on our doorstep a few minutes later.

I wish I had brought some slippers – since we went in October the floors were a bit chilly, and I didn’t want to have to put on my sneakers to walk around. If you go in the summer, this probably won’t be a problem.

Our Final Review Thoughts…

Final Thoughts

We had a BLAST glamping at Archer’s Edge. I think it’s the perfect spot for a couples getaway for a few nights. Cape Breton is a beautiful area worth exploring, 2 nights might not be enough!

Book your 2021 trip to Archer’s Edge soon – dates are already filling up!