In 2022, Scottish TV designers Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan completed a full renovation of a former motel on a 4-acre peninsula in Louisbourg, Cape Breton, reopening it as North Star Beach Suites. This article draws on the property’s official website, verified traveller reviews, and regional tourism listings to provide a clear, fact-based portrait of the hotel’s current status, pricing, and what staying there is actually like.

Last checked: 2026-07-26

Hotel Name: North Star · Location: Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia · Owners: Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan · Opened (post-renovation): 2022 · Type: Beachfront suites and resort · Website: hellonorthstar.ca

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-07-26.

Sources reviewed: official property website, TripAdvisor reviews, Booking.com listing, Expedia listing, KAYAK meta-search, Fodor’s editorial review, Cape Breton Island tourism directory, independent blog review, Daily Record news article, Facebook post, Trip.com listing.

No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification beyond published sources.

North Star at a glance

1 Setting
  • 4-acre peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Louisbourg Harbour (Daily Record)
2 Renovation
  • Complete remodel in 2022 by TV designers Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan (TripAdvisor)
Key facts: North Star Beach Suites
AttributeDetail
Hotel NameNorth Star
LocationLouisbourg, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
OwnersColin McAllister and Justin Ryan (Fodor’s)
Opened (post-renovation)June 2022
TypeBeachfront suites and resort
Websitehellonorthstar.ca
Address15 Commercial Street Extension, Louisbourg, NS B1C 2J4
Room count22 guest suites and rooms
Former namePoint of View Suites
Contact902-733-2080

Do Colin and Justin still own the hotel in Nova Scotia?

Yes. Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan are the owners and operators of North Star (Fodor’s). The property, formerly known as Point of View Suites, was purchased and fully redesigned by the duo before reopening in 2022. The Cape Breton Island tourism directory lists the current name as North Star, formerly Point of View Suites, confirming the rebrand (Cape Breton Island tourism).

During the May-to-October operating season, Colin and Justin are resident on-site. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted that the pair served drinks to guests at the property’s bar, indicating hands-on involvement. There is no evidence in any sourced material that they have sold or transferred ownership since the 2022 relaunch.

Is Colin and Justin’s hotel a success?

On TripAdvisor, North Star Beach Suites holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 467 reviews. Booking.com shows a guest rating of 9.3. Recurring praise in reviews centres on the ocean views, the welcoming atmosphere, and the property’s proximity to the Fortress of Louisbourg, which Fodor’s describes as North Star’s key location advantage.

The hotel’s transformation was documented in the duo’s show Colin and Justin’s Hotel Hell, which chronicled the renovation of the then-dilapidated motel. The Daily Record reported in March 2022 that the renovation was complete and the hotel would open that summer. The investment in a full 22-room remodel, plus two restaurants and a cocktail bar, signals a serious commitment to the property’s long-term viability.

The resort boasts 22 guest suites and rooms, many with ocean views.

— North Star official website (hellonorthstar.ca)

Some TripAdvisor reviews note that the price does not always match the room quality, with one guest describing a $125 suite as “more like a large hotel room than a true suite.” However, the overall rating suggests the majority of guests are satisfied. The bottom line: By review volume and rating, the hotel appears to be well-received, though individual experiences vary by room type.

Colin and Justin’s Hotel Hell is a bit of Cape Breton heaven

The backstory of North Star is inseparable from the TV show that documented its creation. The property was originally a rundown motel called Point of View Suites, which Colin and Justin purchased and transformed. The renovation was completed in 2022, and the hotel now occupies a 4-acre peninsula with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Louisbourg Harbour.

The hotel’s website advertises two restaurants, a cocktail bar, and a private shingle beach. Fodor’s notes that some suites have balconies and full kitchens, and larger apartments include Jacuzzis. The casual restaurant serves homecooked breakfasts, with Expedia listing a cooked-to-order breakfast fee of approximately CAD 3.25 to 13.95 per person.

The setting is the closest hotel to the Fortress of Louisbourg, a major historic site and National Historic Site of Canada, according to Fodor’s. This proximity makes North Star a logical base for history-focused travellers. The Cape Breton landscape — rugged coastline, fishing villages, and the Cabot Trail — provides the broader context that makes the location compelling. Travellers exploring the region may also consider accommodation options in Halifax as a gateway to the area.

Pricing and how to book

Pricing signals from multiple platforms show a range of rates. TripAdvisor reports a price range of C$244 to C$313 per night for a standard room. KAYAK lists the average weeknight price at $241 and the average weekend price at $244. A blog review from Life in Pleasantville states rates start from around $349 per night depending on room type, though this is a single data point and should be treated as directional.

Booking.com states that prices vary by stay dates and hotel policy. The cheapest month to stay, according to KAYAK, is August, while the high season is June. North Star operates seasonally from May through October.

Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out at 11:00 AM, consistent across KAYAK, Expedia, and Trip.com. The front desk is open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM according to Expedia. Children of all ages are welcome; pets are not allowed.

Reservations can be made by phone at 902-733-2080 or by email at hellonorthstar@hotmail.com, as listed on the property’s Facebook page. The hotel also appears on Booking.com, suggesting online booking is now available. For those travelling from elsewhere in the province, the Waterfront Hotel Dartmouth offers another option in Nova Scotia.

Location and getting there

North Star is located at 15 Commercial Street Extension in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. The property is approximately 30 minutes from Sydney and 45 minutes from the North Sydney ferry terminal. The nearest major airport is Sydney/J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport (YQY), about a 40-minute drive.

Alternatives in the area

The only verifiable alternative mentioned in research notes is Keltic Lodge (now operated as a resort in the Cape Breton Highlands). However, Keltic Lodge is approximately 100 kilometres from Louisbourg, making it a different geographic proposition. For travellers who want to stay near the Fortress of Louisbourg, North Star is the closest hotel option.

Our pick: Who should book North Star

Based on verified facts and review patterns, North Star is best suited for:

  • Couples seeking a romantic getaway — the oceanfront setting, private beach, and on-site dining create a contained, intimate experience.
  • Fans of Colin and Justin — the opportunity to meet the owners and stay in a property they personally designed is a unique draw.
  • Travelers interested in boutique design — the Scottish designers’ aesthetic is a differentiator from standard coastal hotels.
  • Cape Breton explorers — the location near the Fortress of Louisbourg and within driving distance of the Cabot Trail makes it a convenient base.

If you’re looking for a budget option or need full-service resort amenities (pool, spa, concierge), this may not be the right fit. The remote location and seasonal operation are limiting factors.

Timeline: North Star’s transformation

  • Pre-2022: Property operated as Point of View Suites, a motel with 19 rooms.
  • March 2022: Daily Record reports Colin and Justin have completed renovation of a 22-bedroom hotel in Cape Breton, planning to open that summer.
  • 28 May 2022: ColinJustin Facebook post announces North Star, Louisbourg is officially open.
  • May 2022: TripAdvisor records the property’s relaunch as North Star Beach Suites.
  • 2022–2025: Hotel operates seasonally (May–October); reviews accumulate to 467 on TripAdvisor with a 4.6 rating.

Frequently asked questions

Are Colin and Justin still together?

Yes. Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan are a couple and have been together for over two decades. They co-own and operate North Star together.

Are Colin and Justin married to each other?

They are not married, but they have been in a committed relationship for more than 20 years and are joint owners of the hotel.

Are Colin and Justin still in Canada?

Yes. They are resident at North Star during the May-to-October operating season and divide their time between Canada and Scotland.

What is the price range at North Star?

TripAdvisor reports C$244 to C$313 per night for a standard room. KAYAK shows average weeknight prices at $241 and weekends at $244. A blog review states rates start around $349 depending on room type.

Does the hotel have a restaurant?

Yes. North Star advertises two restaurants and a cocktail bar on its website. The casual restaurant serves homecooked breakfasts, with a cooked-to-order breakfast fee of approximately CAD 3.25 to 13.95 per person.

How do I book a stay?

You can book by phone at 902-733-2080 or by email at hellonorthstar@hotmail.com. The property also appears on Booking.com, indicating online booking is available.

Sources cited