We had a great stay here - a lovely place, really tucked out of the way, with excellent hospitality from Matthew and his team. The food was really good (and the Caesars really really good) and we were lucky enough to catch the local open mike night, which was a blast.

Stayed in June 2025

What an amazing property, and what an owner! The stay was superb, the room, comfy and clean, and most of all quiet! The only disappointment was that the pub was not open that night, but that just means we have to come back. The town of D'Escousse, and Isle Madame is a hidden gem in Cape Breton.

Stayed in June 2025

Friendliness, food, music

Stayed in September 2024

Breakfast was not provided. Room was nice and roomy.

Stayed in October 2024

Nothing

The location was spectacular and the owners (husband and wife) were extremely helpful. Memorable stay.

Stayed in October 2024

Friendly staff - Matthew seemed to be everywhere, all the time. And always with a smile on his face. Great local pub attached to the inn with tasty food and a wide selection of drinks. Room was clean, large, with a nice decor. Comfortable bed. Enjoyed the breakfast delivered to our room.

Stayed in September 2024

The Groundswell is a very charming Inn and Pub with excellently maintained rooms with a view. The Restaurant has a great selection of burgers and pasta, including many seafood options. There's also a selection of quality local beers. They are very accommodating, and provided anything I asked for (linens, towels, late food, ice)

Stayed in September 2024

lol child said tv could have been larger! Had to compete with pub guests for parking when we returned in the evening.

Stayed in 'The White Room' with spouse and 10yo. Perfect for our needs. Great lively atmosphere (had a commitment in St Peters so didn't stay/eat at Pub) but woke up to a peaceful morning, water view, very relaxed atmosphere. We like independence so the coffee station, access to the deck, etc. suited us nicely. 10yo wants to go back!

Stayed in August 2024

It’s owner operated (both hotel and pub) so feels very personal. Matt is a great host, welcoming and attentive. The location is off the main trail so it’s quiet with great views. Our room was serene, clean and comfortable. Both supper on the deck and breakfast delivered to our room were great. If we lived closer we’d be regulars.

Stayed in September 2024

Genuine small town pub inn. Warm environment and warm people.

Stayed in September 2024

The pub is a community hub. Great place to meet people. Food and drink selection was good. Highly recommend. Super nice staff.

Stayed in September 2024

Really there is nothing I did not like.

Best place to stay on the island for sure. Good location. Easy access. Rooms are from Beatles songs and are neat and clean. Pub must get hopping but when we stayed we had the place to ourselves. You see they are closed on Monday and Tuesday but the owner Matt is a great host and served us a fantastic fresh salad , Haddock dinner with the best fried potatoes and vegetables. No wonder people on the island enjoy it themselves. Live music from local talent.

Stayed in September 2024

Room was so nice , clean , comfortable. Breakfast was delicious and the restaurant has a good menu

Stayed in August 2024

We actually picked it for the live music on Friday nights. We were so disappointed the band cancelled that night.

Very friendly staff. Neat, tidy, and cozy. The food in the pub was excellent.

Stayed in August 2024

Great place

Stayed in May 2024

The Groundswell is self-contained in a small town by the lake environment. If you need places to go other than the inn and its restaurant/bar or the lake, there isn’t much.

A lovely room with windows overseeing a sloped lawn down to the lake. We are picky, and the food was delicious and the dining room fun. Breakfast delivered to our room was a treat. The host was gracious, friendly and efficient. We would have enjoyed a longer stay.

Stayed in July 2024

I have zero criticism of the property or my stay there!

It was the atmosphere at the Groundswell which really set the mood. Comfortable accommodation, on-site entertainment and a very receptive pub crowd. The owner was most gracious and made my arrival soecial and memorable. A+

Stayed in July 2024

Accessibility, cleanliness of rooms and grounds, friendly staff.

Stayed in July 2024

The food at the pub was just ok - pretty bland. The surrounding town is pretty rundown, but this property is in good shape.

It’s a cool setup of having the pub and rooms together, with a beautiful backdrop of the water

Stayed in July 2024

It was all good.

Staff were friendly, food was great and they gave me a free upgrade to a bigger room.

Stayed in May 2024

Everything was beautiful. I would not change a thing.

The restaurant was closed for the season, but they said they'd cook if we wanted.

Stayed in February 2024

the only negative was the water pressure and temperature was on/off and the beds are very firm.

Beautiful location and grounds and close to many trails. Room is lovely. Loved the breakfast room service and free wifi

Stayed in October 2023

Our room was in need on some upgrades but I know these renovations were in the plans.

Matt and his family were great hosts. Our room was pleasant but some needed renovations were in the plans. Our favourite part of our stay was the very tasty food at the pub prepared by chef Colleen and breakfast room service delivered by Matt's daughter Brigette. This is a real family business and each member has a vested interest in the quality, so it's all very well done! We hope to return again.

Stayed in October 2023

This was our last night in Cape Breton and it couldn't have ended on a better note. The staff were welcoming, the rooms were clean and quiet. It was obvious that the owners took pride in their establishment. It was so convenient for us that we could just pop over to the pub for a meal complete with live music. The meal was by far the best I had while visiting the area. I regret not having the opportunity to personally give this review to the owners before we left. After working in tourism for many years I am aware that often it is only the negative that people remember and take with them but honestly I have only positive things to say about this place.I would highly recommend Groundswell Pub and Inn and look forward to going back.

Stayed in October 2023