It began as a dream to build a place where others could experience the same wonder he felt growing up among Cape Breton’s forests, coastlines, and close-knit communities. Scott Fitzgerald wanted to share the magic of the island, its hospitality, cuisine, and raw natural beauty with the world. A business by and for the community. A way to give back to the place that shaped him.

That dream took root in Chimney Corner, a property that took three years of searching. The property revealed old-growth forest, a fern-covered plateau overlooking the sea, a wild apple tree nestled within, and access to a public beach. It was the perfect spot. Scott made an offer that same night, knowing instantly this was where his vision would come to life and where he and his business partner would build accommodations near the Cabot Trail that would become Ridge on the Chimney.

Every season, Scott returns home to Cape Breton from his work in Toronto. The land at Chimney Corner serves as a reminder of those early years that shaped his connection to nature, a continuation of the values instilled by his upbringing. His ties run deep from Sydney and the Bras d’Or Lake to Ingonish, Big Pond, and Inverness. Childhood adventures with the Boy Scouts, hikes with his grandfather, “Papa Pat Fitzgerald,” and beach cleanups at Dominion Beach instilled a lifelong respect for the land. What began 30 years ago as a small act of stewardship of picking up trash along the shoreline, has become a family tradition carried forward to this day.

Scott’s goal was to blend the local architectural vernacular with Cape Breton’s natural surroundings, without disturbing the beauty that makes the island unique. The result is a business that bridges both worlds where luxury meets wild nature—a place where families, couples, and groups can disconnect from noise and reconnect with each other. With communal outdoor spaces designed for gathering, a firepit, a shared kitchen, and cozy private cottages for rest, it invites guests to slow down, breathe, and connect. Whether enjoying a Cape Breton kitchen party, their first lobster boil, or simply a night under the stars, guests leave with a deeper connection to the land and the people who care for it.

But the story of Chimney Corner is about more than hospitality. It’s about stewardship. The property development was carefully designed to preserve. Only a few acres were cleared – just enough to build the cottages – while the rest remain wild and respectful of the protected area that borders the property.

Scott’s philosophy is simple: give back more than you take. His businesses are proud members of 1% for the Planet and donate directly to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust and other local causes that protect the region. They’re also working toward B Corp certification, ensuring every decision is made with community and environmental impact in mind. After reaching out to Scott about our 30th Anniversary Gala, which took place this past April,  Ridge on the Chimney generously donated a stay at one of their beautiful cottages as a prize for our Gala Auction. The prize was a wonderful addition to the event and was won and happily claimed by one of our attendees. The donation helped us raise funds at an auction that went towards protecting more land in Nova Scotia. We appreciate Ridge on the Chimney’s partnership in helping us celebrate such a meaningful milestone.

For Scott Fitzgerald, this dream has never been just about building a destination; it’s about honoring a legacy of family, community, and the land itself. Every stay, every trail preserved, and his generous donation to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust helps protect Cape Breton for generations to come. Reflecting the values at the heart of Ridge on the Chimney, Scott’s commitment to conservation extends to his own land at Chimney Corner, where the old-growth forest remains untouched, a living example of his belief that places like this should be preserved.

He doesn’t just return to Cape Breton; he invests in and protects it through his work and every donation made possible by it. He’s helping ensure the island he loves remains wild and welcoming today and for all future generations.

Thank you to Scott Fitzgerald for sharing his story and his love of nature! Learn more about ways to support the Nature Trust.