About Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery
Baked goods and unique sandwiches in Margaree Valley. Popular items include mango mustard ham sandwich and Moroccan carrot soup, with baked goods that often sell out quickly.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
Located along the scenic Cabot Trail in the Margaree Valley of Cape Breton Island, the Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery is a made-from-scratch roadside stop that has become a fixture of the drive. The kitchen bakes its own breads and sweets daily, turns out soups and sandwiches at lunch, and pulls shots alongside them. Order at the counter, take a window seat, and watch the valley go by.
The café sits roughly midway along the Margaree River stretch of the Cabot Trail, which makes it a natural refuel point between the highlands and the gulfs. Baked goods sell out early on summer days — the earlier you arrive, the better the pastry case looks.
Practical Information
Address: 6289 Cabot Trail, Margaree Valley, North East Margaree, NS B0E 2C0, Canada
Phone: (902) 248-2727
Website: thedancinggoat.ca
Hours (Margaree location):
- Monday, Wednesday-Saturday: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Tuesday: CLOSED
Seasonal adjustments are common in the valley; call ahead if you are counting on a late-day stop.
Price Range: Moderate, reflecting its casual café setting.
Menu: Made-from-scratch sandwiches, soups, freshly baked goods and breads, sweet treats, and coffee drinks. Gluten-free options are usually available. Popular orders include the veggie sandwiches, caramel lattes, and the mini blueberry pancakes.
Reservations: None taken — counter service, first come, first served. Seating is limited at peak lunch hour in summer.
Good to know: The café is rated 4.8/5 on Google across roughly 665 reviews. There is a second location in Inverness with different hours (closed Mondays) — check the website before detouring for it.
At a Glance
| Address | 6289 Cabot Trail, North East Margaree, NS B0E 2C0 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (902) 248-2727 |
| Website | thedancinggoat.ca |
| Google rating | 4.8 / 5 from about 665 reviews |
| Hours (Margaree) | Mon & Wed–Sat 7:30 AM–3:00 PM; Sun 8:00 AM–3:00 PM; closed Tuesdays |
| Price range | Moderate |
| Reservations | None — counter service, first come, first served |
| Locations | Margaree Valley café plus a second location in Inverness (closed Mondays) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours at the Margaree Valley café?
Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM; Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM; closed Tuesdays. Hours shift seasonally, so call ahead for a late-day stop.
Do I need a reservation?
No — the Dancing Goat is counter service, first come, first served. Seating is limited at peak summer lunch, so arriving early helps.
What should I order?
Popular picks include the mango mustard ham sandwich, Moroccan carrot soup, veggie sandwiches, caramel lattes, and mini blueberry pancakes. Gluten-free options are usually available.
When should I arrive for baked goods?
They often sell out quickly, especially on summer days — the earlier you arrive, the better the pastry case looks.
Is there more than one location?
Yes, a second location operates in Inverness with different hours (it is closed Mondays). Check the website before detouring for it.
