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History & Heritage

Our island resonates with the voices of generations before us. We hold our traditions close, and our need to share them even closer. Over 30 museums and four National Historic Sites give you a first-hand look at the innovation, industry, and peoples that helped shape Cape Breton Island. Tour the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck to get a glimpse into the mind of a genius. Descend into an underground coal mine with a retired miner at the Cape Breton Miners Museum. Join in a Gaelic milling frolic at the Highland Village. Have a blast at the Fortress of Louisbourg where you can explore an 18th century French Fortress. Lose yourself in our rich heritage. Discover our history.

A woman holds a colourful mask over her face
Sydney Area/Marconi Trail
Engage Your Senses with Membertou's Mi'kmaq Medicine Walk

Locals Know

Illustrated map of Cape Breton Island

Easy to Find. Hard to Leave.

There are direct flights to Sydney from Halifax, Toronto and Montreal and from other North American and European cities via those cities. If traveling by ground, the Trans-Canada Highway 104 leads to Cape Breton Island.

Getting Here and Around