It’s hard to believe I’m writing this, but it’s finally happening — our very first Cabot Trail Lavender Pop-Up Mini Barn Farm Shop is opening soon! Starting October 6th through November 2nd, we’ll be open daily from 11 AM to 3 PM right here at 16143 Cabot Trail in Chéticamp, Nova Scotia.
This is such a special milestone for us. When I purchased this property from my dad, Wally Hinkley — one of Chéticamp’s most passionate gardeners — I dreamed of creating a boutique lavender farm where people could visit, shop, and experience the beauty of lavender grown right here on Cape Breton Island. The plan was always to open our main store in 2026… but our lavender had other plans!
Our first harvest went far beyond our expectations, and after months in what I like to call our “Lavender Lab,” we found ourselves with enough essential oil, hydrosol, and handcrafted products to fill a little shop of our own. So, we decided not to wait — and to open our Mini Barn Pop-Up Shop early, just in time for the stunning fall colour season on the Cabot Trail.
When you visit, you’ll find our introductory line of products made from our very own lavender — all natural, high-quality, and crafted right here on the farm. From essential oils and sprays to bath salts, candles, and bundles of dried lavender, every product is made with care and connection to the land.
We’re also using this first round to test out different packaging options as we work toward finding what we love most — products that reflect our brand, minimize waste, and maintain the quality we’re proud to share.
And this is just the beginning! Plans are already underway for next summer, when we’ll be transforming our garage into a much larger Lavender Farm Shop, completing our full lavender field, and adding more finishing touches to create a truly immersive experience for visitors.
We’re so grateful for the support and excitement from our community — from neighbours who stop by to say hello, to visitors who come to experience the Cabot Trail in bloom. It’s been a journey full of love, learning, and lavender, and we can’t wait to share this next step with you.
So mark your calendars — we’ll see you soon at the Cabot Trail Lavender Mini Barn Farm Shop, opening October 6th at 16143 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp! 🌿💜
— Catherine