Set against the backdrop of Cape Breton Island’s natural wonders, where the wild beauty of the land meets the calm of the Mira River, one couple created a space for relaxation and unforgettable experiences. Thomas and Alixandrea Dowson, the couple behind Mira Riverfront Getaway, have turned their love for family, hospitality, and the island’s natural beauty into a thriving business. Their journey from the oil sands to island life is a testament to their resilience, love for their community and commitment to coastal hospitality.
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Before becoming business owners in Cape Breton, Alix and Thomas worked in the oil sands of Alberta, building careers in the demanding field of heavy equipment operation. After meeting in 2010, they spent over a decade navigating the fast-paced world of energy. But throughout their careers, they knew they longed for a lifestyle rooted in nature and community.
“In Alberta, we spent 10 years working in the oil sands. It was good money, but it wasn’t fulfilling,” Thomas reflects. “We knew we wanted to do something more meaningful and have more time to spend with family.”
In 2013, Alix’s grandfather unexpectedly had to sell his home (now The Cedar cottage), which was the family gathering spot for many years. Alix and Thomas decided to purchase the property to keep it in the family. “We were not in the market for a vacation home, and we had to make sacrifices to make it work, like trading in our vehicle and postponing buying a home in Fort McMurray,” Alix says.
Alix continues, “The cottage was mostly vacant for a few years, except for us spending our summer vacation there. Each visit home, we would work on improving the property. The first thing we did was dig out the steep bank and level out the property, so we could build a large deck and have water access. It was an extensive job but made all the difference in the property. Once we decided it was time to buy a home out west, we knew we needed the cottage to at least start paying for itself. We had already had some interest from family friends looking to rent it over the summer, so we decided to list seasonally on Airbnb.”
Alix and Thomas were overwhelmed with interest, and the summers were booked at 100% occupancy every summer.
“It all started as a side hustle,” Alix says. “We didn’t expect it to turn into what it is today, but as soon as we saw people’s reactions to the place, we realized there was something special about it, and I became passionate about hosting.”
In 2019, Thomas and Alix welcomed their first son, which made them realize they wanted to raise their family closer to loved ones. After feeling the isolation many experienced by so many during the pandemic, they decided to leave Fort McMurray and move back home to Cape Breton in August 2021. A few months later, they grew their family with a second baby boy and grew their business by purchasing a second property, The Pine Cottage. They rebranded as Mira Riverfront Getaway, offering guests a mix of local charm, luxury comforts, and natural beauty that only a family-run business can provide.
“I knew we had something unique here,” Alix says. “Cape Breton is stunning, and we wanted to share that with others. We wanted our guests to feel like they were stepping into our world – a place where they could completely unwind.”
Their mission is simple but powerful: to share their love for Cape Breton and offer visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. “We want people to feel at home,” Alix says. This vision is apparent in every detail of their business, from the accommodations to the personalized recommendations they offer guests for things to do in the area.
Mira Riverfront Getaway includes two unique cottages: The Cedar and The Pine. Each offers guests a different experience but is united by the couple’s flair for detail, commitment to quality, and Alix’s love for interior design.
The couple completed all the renovations and design for both properties with some help from family. Alix studied interior design online for a year to gain enough knowledge and confidence to re-design both properties. Alix’s dad and Thomas worked on the interior and exterior renovations, bringing her designs and visions to life.
The Cedar is a special place for Alix. It has been in her family for generations, and after extensive renovations, the cottage was transformed into a cozy yet luxurious retreat. It has a large deck, a BBQ, a dock for swimming, and a six-person barrel sauna overlooking the river. The Cedar offers the perfect spot to relax and recharge. The interior blends rustic charm with modern amenities, and every corner reflects the couple’s love for the property.
“For me, The Cedar is about family and memories,” Alix shares. “I spent a lot of my childhood here. To see it transformed while still holding onto that legacy is something special.”
The Pine, on the other hand, is a newer addition to the business, and this cottage exudes luxury. With an open-concept layout, expansive river views, and a private hot tub nestled in the trees, The Pine is perfect for guests looking for a tranquil and upscale getaway. Like The Cedar, it is filled with thoughtful touches that make guests feel at home while immersing them in the natural beauty of the area.
“Every detail matters to us,” Thomas says. “Whether it’s luxurious amenities, quality furnishings or design, we want guests to feel pampered and connected to the surroundings.”
Both cottages are stocked with everything guests need to feel comfortable, including fully equipped kitchens, fire pits, and access to the river for kayaking or swimming. Thomas and Alix strive to make their guests feel comfortable and cared for, offering helpful suggestions for local activities and ensuring extra amenities are available, especially for families with children. For them, hospitality is more than just providing a place to stay – it is about making every guest feel like they are welcome and looked after.
Cape Breton is known for its breathtaking landscapes, and Mira Riverfront Getaway is in the perfect spot to take advantage of everything the island has to offer year-round. Whether it is a summer day spent kayaking on the river, a winter evening relaxing in the hot tub, or a fall hike through the nearby woods, guests have no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors. With Sydney just a short drive away, visitors also have access to dining, shopping, and entertainment, making it a prime destination for short and long stays.
Alix and Thomas have worked hard to make their properties welcoming no matter the season. In addition to the outdoor activities, guests can enjoy the barrel sauna or curl up by the fireplace. They also offer amenities and discounts to make the experience even more enjoyable, including off-season pricing for those readers looking for a peaceful winter escape.
“We want people to experience all seasons here,” Alix explains. “Whether it’s the quiet of winter or the vibrant summer, there’s something special about being in this space all year long.”
The Mira Riverfront Getaway brand reflects Alix and Thomas’ deep connection to the land and their commitment to providing exceptional East Coast hospitality. They are focused on creating a peaceful retreat where guests can truly relax, knowing they are always just a phone call away. “We want our guests to feel that same sense of love and tranquillity for the property that we do,” says Alix. “We’re always here to ensure they can truly unwind and enjoy this little piece of paradise.”
To show appreciation for their customers, Alix and Thomas have launched a VIP Program that rewards returning guests. With special incentives and exclusive rewards, the program has been a hit, particularly with visitors from out of province who make Mira Riverfront Getaway a regular destination. Locally, the program has also attracted people looking for a quick weekend getaway.
“We’ve had a lot of people come back more than once,” Thomas says. “Our VIP Program is a way to say ‘thank you’ to those who continue to support us. It feels good to see guests become like family.”
The couple has also recognized the need for longer-term stays, especially among professionals like healthcare workers who need a peaceful place to unwind. Offering special discounts for traveling nurses and other professionals, they can support people in their community and have a welcoming environment for everyone.
“We are proud to have created a space that’s more than just a stay – it’s an experience that feels deeply connected to the land and the people who live here,” says Thomas.
The couple is also being recognized for their achievement, with Alix receiving the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award at the 2024 Chamber of Commerce, Excellence in Business Awards. Alix runs the day-to-day operations of the business herself, while Thomas is available for maintenance. As Thomas would say, “Alix does all the work. I just show up to mow the lawn or fix something that’s broken.“
Looking ahead, Alix and Thomas are excited about expanding their business. “We’re thrilled to be opening another tourism-based business in the spring, focused on food, which will be a perfect addition to the Mira Riverfront Getaway experience,” shares Alix. “With so much interest in eloping at our properties, we’re also in the process of making plans to offer elopement services so couples can celebrate their special day right here in this beautiful, tranquil setting.”
As they continue to grow their business and expand their offerings, they remain focused on their core values: family, hospitality, supporting the community, and the love of their island home.
“Our journey has been a wild ride,” Thomas says, laughing. “But it’s been worth every step. We’re doing what we love, and we’re able to give back to a community that’s given so much to us.
by Lauren Reid