Hello, I’m Catherine — welcome to Cabot Trail Lavender! 🌿

Our story began long before the first lavender plants ever went into the ground. In 2014, I purchased this property from my father, Wally Hinkley — known around Chéticamp as a super gardener — with a dream of creating a boutique lavender farm that would bring together my love for nature, creativity, and community. The vision was simple: grow high-quality lavender, craft beautiful products, and create a space where people could experience the Cape Breton lifestyle — with a lavender twist.

At first, the plan was a slow and steady one. We dreamed of opening our farm shop in 2026, alongside transforming our cozy maritime-style Cape Cod home into a guest house where visitors could stay, unwind, and soak up the beauty of life on the Cabot Trail.

But as it turns out, our lavender had its own timeline! 💜

Our first plants flourished beyond expectation, and by 2025 we were harvesting enough to create our own essential oils and hydrosol — the foundation of our very first line of natural lavender products. With the fields buzzing and the scent of lavender filling the air, we decided we couldn’t wait any longer. That fall, we opened our Mini Barn Pop-Up Farm Shop, one year ahead of schedule!

It’s been a whirlwind ever since — full of learning, laughter, and lavender. From planting our test garden in 2024 to expanding the fields and distilling our first oils, every milestone has been made possible by the incredible support of our community, friends, and family. From loved ones flying across the country to help with renovations to locals spreading the word, we’ve felt surrounded by kindness at every step.

We’re proud to grow our lavender using pesticide- and chemical-free, regenerative practices, and all of our products are made with natural, non-toxic ingredients. Quality is at the heart of everything we do, and so is joy — we want every visit, every product, and every experience here to be something special.

We’ve also been lucky to connect with so many wonderful people in our community and beyond — from local organizations in Chéticamp and along the Cabot Trail to fellow small businesses across Nova Scotia. A special thank you goes out to Pavol from Harrison Lavender, whose mentorship and inspiration helped guide us from the very beginning.

Looking ahead, we’re already planning exciting things for 2026 — completing the rest of our lavender field, transforming our garage into a full lavender shop, and adding a few beautiful touches around the property to create an immersive, relaxing experience for visitors. Expect purple paint, blooming fields, and plenty of Maritime charm!

We truly love this journey — the land, the lavender, and the people who make it all possible. Thank you for being part of our story. 🌿💜