Baddeck Lobster Suppers
Regions: Cabot Trail, Bras d’Or Lake
Community: Baddeck & Area
Baddeck Lobster Suppers is family owned and operated, with over 100 years tradition of working in the fishing industry. Offering...
5 Day Cape Breton Music Itinerary
How do we capture the essence of our Island? In low steady drum beats and flying fiddle reels. In soulful performances in three mother tongues. Through the fluid movements of centuries-old dances. By paintbrush stroke and needle-woven threads. With more fiddlers per capita than anywhere else in the world, you can bet music will be on tap wherever you go on our Island. It’s the heart and soul of Cape Breton Island—so be sure to hear it live. This itinerary will take you to some great destinations all over the Island giving you the best experiences for finding our traditional and contemporary musicians.
Day 1
Judique
Visit the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre in Judique on Canada’s Musical Coast. Learn how Cape Breton Island has created some of the world’s best known fiddlers then explore the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail and make some music of your own with musical elements found throughout the trail.
- Enjoy a lunch time ceilidh at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre
- Explore the Centre as it showcases Cape Breton Island’s incredible history of fiddling
- Discover Port Hood’s 5 beaches
- Enjoy supper at the Clove Hitch Bar and Bistro or the Admiral Lounge and Café in Port Hood
- Take a sunset stroll on the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail
Day 2
Mabou
Stop by a local and tourist favourite, the Red Shoe Pub. This pub is owned by the Rankin sisters of the esteemed group, The Rankin Family and features live traditional music on the regular. It’s a must see destination for any music lover when visiting the Island.
- Travel along Canada’s Music Coast to Mabou from Port Hood
- Visit West Mabou Beach for a walk along the shore
- Stop in to Glenora Distillery and Inn for lunch, a tune and tour of the Distillery
- Swing by the Red Shoe Pub for supper and live music
- If you’re lucky there may be a square dance at the Brook Village or West Mabou Hall
Day 3
Chéticamp
Continue driving north along Canada’s Musical Coast and you’ll discover the coastal community of Chéticamp. Home to rich Acadian culture and music this community embraces their heritage and primarily speak French. This community looks to involve visitors by offering music classes and putting on incredible live music at local venues.
- Have breakfast in Inverness and grab a coffee for the road
- Visit Centre de la mi-Carême to learn more about Acadians and their traditions
- Have lunch then visit École de musique Raveston Music School and learn some Acadian tunes on the spoons
- Enjoy supper and a sunset from the patio at L’abri Restaurant and Bar
- Catch some live music and lively atmosphere at The Doryman Pub and Grill
Day 4
Baddeck
Continue your day by heading south on the Cabot Trail and visit Baddeck and the Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College. A home for Gaelic culture and Steeped in tradition, the College is dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional arts, including Cape Breton fiddle, piano, guitar, step-dancing, and piping, highland dancing, weaving, and of course Gaelic language.
- Have breakfast at Restaurant Evangeline and grab a coffee from Marguerite Boutique et Provisions
- Drive south on the Cabot Trail to Baddeck
- Enjoy lunch at the Herring Choker Deli Café and Bakery, The Freight Shed or The Highwheeler Café and Bakery (or all three if you’re really hungry)
- Visit Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College
- Treat yourself to a feed of lobster at Baddeck Lobster Suppers
- Catch an evening ceilidh at Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs
Day 5
Sydney
Spend your evening in Downtown Sydney, home to the Big Fiddle and great restaurants that feature amazing tradtional and contemporary musicians. Sydney’s downtown offers a boardwalk along Sydney harbour where you can watch the sunset on a great day of exploring Cape Breton Island’s musical history and talent
- Depart Baddeck and head east on the Trans Canada Highway to Sydney
- Have brunch at Selkie’s Neighbourhood Diner
- Enjoy shopping and cafés in Downtown Sydney
- Snag some selfies at the Big Fiddle and visit the boardwalk
- Dine at great restaurants and enjoy some live music at Governor’s or the Old Triangle
Locals Know
5 Places to Square Dance with Locals
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While in Cape Breton, if wanting a real slice-of-life night out, be sure to check out one of our dandy dances.
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10 Cultural Experiences on Cape Breton Island
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Looking to learn more about your family roots? Check out 10 of our cultural experiences that are available to you this summer!
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10 Unforgettable Experiences on Cape Breton Island
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10 Cape Breton Island experiences: the Cabot Trail, Fortress of Louisbourg, cèilidhs, seafood, golf and more.
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7 Patios to Visit This Summer
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Sit back, relax and enjoy a meal on one of Cape Breton Island's many patios. Whether you're oceanside, beachside or buried in the mountains, you won't regret exploring these patio options.
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Businesses and Activities from Itinerary
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Celtic Music Interpretive Centre
Region: Canada’s Musical Coast
Community: Judique
Experience the music and culture of Cape Breton Island at Nova Scotia’s Official Celtic Music Centre. Join us for great food, lively t...
Glenora Inn & Distillery
Region: Canada’s Musical Coast
Community: Inverness
The Glenora Inn and Distillery Resort is situated on a 200 acre site in Glenville, rich in the heritage of its Scottish culture and onl...
Admiral Lounge & Café
Region: Canada’s Musical Coast
Community: Port Hood
About Admiral Lounge & Café: The Admiral is a relaxed, casual and friendly business with a fresh homestyle and comfort food menu. Open ...
Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs
Regions: Cabot Trail, Bras d’Or Lake
Community: Baddeck & Area
Enjoy traditional Cape Breton music! A ceilidh is a kitchen party where everyone is welcome to perform if they wish. From the very beginnin...
Celtic Shores Coastal Trail
Community: Inverness
The Celtic Shores Coastal Trail is a 92 km (57 mi) multi-use trail, along former rail bed, stretching from Port Hastings to Inverness on the...
Centre de la Mi-Carême
Regions: Canada’s Musical Coast, Cabot Trail
Community: Chéticamp & Area
Mi-Carême (Mid-Lent) is a celebration involving masks and disguises. The Centre de la Mi-Carême offers a unique display of locally crafted...
Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College
Regions: Cabot Trail, Bras d’Or Lake
Community: Baddeck & Area
Colaisde na Gàidhlig is first and foremost an educational non-profit institution, offering year-round programming in the culture, music, la...
Doryman Pub & Grill
Come in. Sit down. Relax. But most importantly… just have a good time! The Doryman is well known for good times! With an undisputed reput...
École de musique RAVESTON Music School
Regions: Cabot Trail, Canada’s Musical Coast
Community: Chéticamp & Area
About Raveston Music School: École de musique RAVESTON Music School, is a private sector organization located in Chétciamp, N.S. From clas...
Governor's Pub & Eatery
Region: Sydney and Area / Marconi Trail
Community: Sydney & Area
Chef Ardon Mofford, award-winning chef and Cape Breton’s culinary leader welcomes you to Governors Pub & Eatery. This local ingredient...
Herring Choker Deli, Cafe and Bakery
Regions: Cabot Trail, Bras d’Or Lake
Community: Baddeck & Area
The Herring Choker Deli offers a variety of specialty items & natural foods located 7 miles west of Baddeck. Featuring a variety of impo...
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