This hostel is clean and attractive with not too many beds and lovely common rooms. Carman, the owner, is hospitable and full of good tips and conversation. I love to slip out early in the morning, take a dip in the bay, and collect black-berries on the walk back for breakfast. Another perfect morning! More

I loved everything about my stay at Bear on the Lake. The room, the company, and the location! It was picturesque. Will definitely be coming back again this summer. More

Having had the opportunity to travel around Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail on many occasions, I have also had the opportunity to stay at the Bear on the Lake Hostel a number of times. As soon as you pull up to this place you get a sense of pride goes into this place and the view over the trees,... More

Bear on The Lake Guesthouse was really great, I had no idea what to expect and when I pulled up the driveway I was very surprised. The house is very comfortable, very clean and Carmen the owners is absolutely great. The house is on top of the hill and over looks the lake which has a great view. I stayed... More

We stayed with Carman (the owner) and other guests in bear on the lake during the Celtic colour festival 2011. After some cold nights in our car we were really pleased by the familiar setting, the introduction to the "family" and the very special vibe there. We enjoyed some nice concerts with other guests and the knowledge of Carman was... More

I've stayed in a large number of hostels and will attest that Bear on the Lake is at or near the top of all of them. The location is picturesque. The hostel is clean and cozy. And the owner is very welcoming and knows all the best spots to visit on Cape Breton. Highly recommended! More

From the second we arrived and the owner Carman greeted us, I felt at home. A beautiful cottage on the hill over the lake turned into a hostel, it felt more like we were staying at a friend's place than at a hostel. Super comfortable beds and a spacious main floor with huge windows with a breathtaking view of the... More

Clean, friendly, welcoming. The host, Carmen, does everything he can to make sure your stay is as good as it can be. Great view of the Bras d'Or Lakes from the hostel, and a great starting point for your Cape Beton journey. A must-stay place! More

It’s completely understandable that most hostels have that well worn university housing feel to them – they deliver what they promise, cheap, clean, & practical. Bear on the Lake Guesthouse can also be described as such, but somehow those small decorating touches make it feel more welcoming had homey too. The hostel has everything travelers are looking for: a friendly... More