Into the Wild: How TNT Outdoor Adventures is Helping Cape Breton Shine Year-Round
Situated just off the famed Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, TNT Outdoor Adventures Inc. offers more than just thrilling snowmobile and side-by-side tours—it delivers unforgettable experiences in the untamed beauty of the Highlands. At the helm are co-owners Cathy MacMaster Tower and her husband Turk, who left behind conventional careers to chart a bold new course into tourism and adventure.
“We always loved the outdoors—ATVs, snowmobiles, that kind of thing,” Cathy explains. “But it was one fall afternoon, riding through the trails with friends, that really made us pause. The leaves were vibrant, the forest floor was like a blanket of colour. We just looked around and thought, we need to show more people this.”
That moment became the seed for TNT Outdoor Adventures, a name that cheekily stands for “Tires and Tracks,” referencing the company’s all-season offerings: side-by-side ATV tours in warmer months and snowmobile treks through Cape Breton’s pristine winter trails. They incorporated in 2021, and by early 2022, they were fully operational, hauling sleds and gear from their home in Port Hawkesbury to their launch point in Hunters Mountain—until they decided to go all in.
“I was working at an accounting firm doing seasonal work, and the plan was to go back in January,” Cathy says. “But we were already booking tours and getting so many calls, I took a chance. I didn’t go back. I said, let’s do this.”
That leap of faith paid off. Today, their operation includes a commercial base just off Exit 7 on the 105 Highway, only a stone’s throw away from over 1,100 kilometers of snowmobile trails winding through Cape Breton’s Highlands. “The wilderness is literally in the backyard,” Cathy laughs. “And the snow’s almost always here— we experience more snowfall here than anywhere else in Nova Scotia.
A Business Fueled by Passion—and Planning
Launching a tourism business during a global pandemic was no small feat. Gear was hard to come by due to COVID-related supply chain issues, and equipment costs mounted quickly. That’s where CBDC InRich stepped in.
“The CBDC was incredible,” Cathy notes. “We worked with InRich to secure a line of credit. That gave us the capital we needed to buy gear—jackets, boots, helmets, everything from XS to 2XL. That’s over $10,000 just in startup gear. The business plan process was also so helpful. It really forces you to think through every detail.”
And they’ve thought through everything. TNT now offers guided tours on two six-seater side-by-sides and multiple snowmobiles, plus two-seater units for guests who want to drive themselves under the guidance of a lead vehicle. From two-hour sunset trips to six-hour snowmobile journeys featuring trailside lunches and jaw-dropping views, every tour is customized to guests’ interests and skill levels.
“We’re not extreme,” Cathy emphasizes. “This isn’t mud bogging or racing. It’s about sightseeing, doing it safely, and having fun.”
Welcoming Everyone to the Trail
One thing Cathy and Turk take immense pride in is making adventure accessible. Whether it’s guests in their 70s celebrating a milestone birthday, or visitors from Germany and New York flying in over the holidays, they strive to accommodate everyone—including families with special needs.
“One of the most rewarding days was with a family whose child is on the spectrum,” Cathy recalls. “They were just so thankful. Turk is incredibly patient and wants everyone to have a good time on their own terms. We go at your own pace, there’s no pressure. They felt supported, not judged. That’s what it’s all about.”
Their personalized, down-to-earth approach has won them loyal fans and repeat customers alike. Some guests return year after year, while others discover TNT through European travel agents or Canadian tourism shows, like Rendez-vous Canada and Atlantic Canada Showcase, where Cathy proudly represents Cape Breton.
Fueling Cape Breton’s Tourism Economy
As the business has grown, so too has its impact on the broader tourism ecosystem in Cape Breton. Cathy and Turk actively collaborate with local accommodations and eateries—like the Inverary Resort, Tom’s Pizza and the Freight Shed—to create packaged experiences that draw visitors deeper into the region.
“The more there is to do, the longer people stay,” Cathy says. “We want to give them a reason to spend four days here, not just one. And we’re seeing that. Guests trail ride with us, go kayaking, zip-lining, you name it.”
And with custom group tours, corporate team building and wellness tours, and travel agent partnerships now part of their regular offerings, TNT is becoming a cornerstone in Cape Breton’s evolving year-round tourism landscape.
They’re not stopping, either. This year alone, TNT added two more snowmobiles to their fleet and are exploring new trails—like the Mary Barker route that connects directly to the ski hill gondola. “We’ve hosted group tours with as many as 28 people, featuring snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, Margaree Maple taffy, pizza—everything planned in advance. It’s a full-day adventure.”
Looking Ahead
Cathy and Turk are learning where growth makes the most sense—not just in being busy, but in being sustainable. They’re focused on high-quality experiences, deeper partnerships with travel agents, and continuing to serve both locals and tourists with warmth and authenticity.
“You never really know who’s coming through the door,” Cathy says. “It could be someone’s 60th birthday bucket-list snowmobile ride, or a curious local who just wants to reconnect with the Highlands. Either way, we love being a part of those memories.”
And those memories, just like the snow-covered trails of Cape Breton, stretch farther than the eye can see.