10 Hidden Gems on Cape Breton Island

1. Hiking the Kauzmann Trail

This hidden gem of a trail is found overlooking Aspy Bay. This trail travels along with the North Mountain range and doesn’t involve any climbing! What’s great about this hike is that you don’t have to hike far to arrive at the headland that looks over the bay. Be on the lookout for moose while hiking to the headland!

2. Tubing the Margaree River

Get your swimsuits on, head over to Live Life in Tents and get ready for a day of sunning yourself on the Margaree River. Drift lazily along with this world-renowned river while watching trout and salmon swim underneath you. Keep your eyes open for eagles perched on the trees nearby hoping to have some fish for dinner!

3. Medicine Walks At Membertou

Experience the Mi’kmaq Medicine Walk and learn about authentic Mi’kmaq culture. Throughout the tour, you will learn about the traditional practices and medicines used throughout history. The best way to learn is to feel, so prepare to have all of your senses engaged during this hands-on experience!

4. E-Bike the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail

If you’re coming to Cape Breton, don’t forget your bicycle! The Celtic Shores Coastal Trail has 92kms of groomed biking trails just waiting for you. The trail travels from Inverness, through Mabou, Port Hood, and Judique, and all the way down to Port Hastings. Check out Mike’s E-Bikes  and Inverness Adventures E Bike Rentals where you can rent an e-bike and cycle (almost) effortlessly along the trail so you can fully take in all of the coastal beauty.

5. Discovering Acadian Music at École de musique RAVESTON

The word Raveston is an old acadian word meaning piecing together little bits of traditional acadian songs. At the École de musique RAVESTON Music School you’ll learn traditional Acadian music techniques and be entertained by you’re instructor, Nicole. Raveston is to encourage artists of all ages to create together, mixing generations, styles and genres, to create one community.

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6. Lunchtime Ceilidhs at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre

Discover the rich music and culture of Cape Breton Island at Nova Scotia’s Official Celtic Music Centre. Enjoy great food, lively tunes, and a vibrant atmosphere all year round! The Centre features daily lunchtime Ceilidhs, an interactive museum, a gift shop, music demonstrations, and more. The Ceilidh Pub offers a lunch menu of Nova Scotia home-cooked favourites and local drinks, accompanied by live traditional music from some of Cape Breton’s finest musicians.

7. Sailing Charters on the Bras d’Or Lake

There’s no better way to see Cape Breton Island than by its famous ‘inland sea’, the Bras d’Or Lake! The Bras d’Or Lake is not only a famous body of water, but it’s also a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve. After a day of sailing on the lake, you’ll see why Alexander Graham Bell decided to build his home overlooking the lake. Enjoy a day on the water with one of our many different sailing and chartered tours, click here for more information. 

8. Surf at Point Michaud Beach

Have you ever wanted to learn how to surf? Did you know that you can actually learn to surf here in Cape Breton? You can take surf lessons at the Point Michaud Beach and finally learn how to catch some waves. You may find it surprising to know that Cape Breton is a highly sought-after location for surfing, especially during the winter months!

9. Paddling on Isle Madame

Picture this: set your alarm early, roll out of bed, walk out your door and slip your canoe into the water and watch the sun come up while your kayak glides through the still water. If that’s not enough to start your day off on the right foot then I don’t know what is!  Check great places like The Groundswell or Volmer’s Island Paradise for kayaks on Isle Madame

10. Explore a Coal Mine at the Miner’s Museum

Take an immersive mine tour through the last century of coal mining in Cape Breton. Then journey into the depths of Ocean Deeps Colliery, a coal mine located beneath the Museum building. Explore the mine with your tour guide, a former coal miner who will educate and entertain you as you descend into the mine.