10 Unforgettable Experiences on Cape Breton Island
You may return home after your vacation, but your heart will never leave if you take in some of these unforgettable experiences.
The Cabot Trail
Rising from the sea and clinging to mountains, the 298-kilometre-long Cabot Trail is a winding mix of the roadway, paths, stairs, and stunning beauty that takes you from unreal ocean vistas to quaint fishing villages.
Plan several days to experience the journey of a lifetime along one of the world’s most scenic drives—you’ll need it.
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
Just east of Sydney, Nova Scotia, you’ll discover a portal to the past at one of North America’s busiest 18th-century seaports.
Founded by the French in 1713, this reconstruction of the original French town and fortifications is the largest—and best—of its kind in North America, offering a heavy dose of history and culture with each unique experience.
Hiking
Our Island is renowned as a hiker’s paradise, a challenging beauty that demands exploration. Breathtaking landscapes await you on every Highland crest, low-tide beach and serene trek through old-growth forest. Lose yourself in our wilderness. Discover our wild heart with each trail.
Culinary Activities
A culinary capital of our own right. World-class shellfish netted right off the shores of the North Atlantic. Sustainably farmed and locally grown ingredients with big flavour. Craft brews and award-winning spirits that entwine our heritage with our land. On our Island, delicious means something entirely new.
Culture & Heritage
Journey to one of North America’s first multi-cultural societies, where ancestry is treasured and our roots deep. Discover centuries-old legends in one of five First Nations communities. Tap your toes at a cèilidh. Walk amongst relics of the old country and explore new-world Acadian traditions. Discover our industrious past and our innovative spirit in every community you visit.
Cèilidhs & Kitchen Parties
Ever wonder how many people and instruments you can squeeze into a kitchen? The rhythm of life here is defined by such gatherings. Feel its pulse during a square dance as you step to the jigs and rollicking reels.
It simply means social visit, but here, the cèilidh is a perennial way of life. It’s a weekly family square dance. A community gathering full of food and music. A rousing kitchen party to warm the heart and body after a chilly winter’s day. A way to connect with our culture and heritage. Feel the rhythm of our Island through the pulse of music and warmth of our communities. Your trip to Island would not be complete without taking in a Cape Breton cèilidh or a kitchen party! Experience Celtic music like never before with one of these events and understand why we’ve been coined as Canada’s Musical Coast.
Coastal Adventures
Chart your own course for adventure. From perfectly sanded beaches and whale watching to kayak tours, fishing and paddle boarding—Cape Breton Island is the perfect spot to host your coastal adventure. Take a relaxing sailing tour on the Bras d’Or Lake, an inland saltwater sea, a UNESCO Biosphere or adventure onto the Atlantic. Through straits and passages, coastal communities and canals, get to know our corner of the Atlantic. We’re sure you’re going to love it.
Camping & RVing
Nestle into a wooded haven. Be lulled to sleep by the ocean tides. Let the wind and wildlife play soundtrack to your wild escapes as you enjoy one of our 5,000-star accommodations.
Get back to your roots and fall in love with Cape Breton Island’s natural charm. RV around the Cabot Trail, camp cliffside with the sunrise as your alarm clock or simply venture backcountry to disconnect. Experience a night in a luxury geodesic dome nestled into the woods or imagine a glamping site that overlooks the Margaree Valley. Whatever your camping and RV desires, Cape Breton Island is sure to fit the bill!
Golf
Sweeping cliffs, majestic ocean views and miles of green—Cape Breton Island was made for golf. Names like Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs—two of the most recognized courses to have opened in recent memory—sit on the west coast of Cape Breton, while the renowned Highland Links sits to the north. Adding to the great golf is Bell Bay in the quaint, seaside town of Baddeck, and Le Portage in the charming Acadian town of Chéticamp. The Lakes at Ben Eoin also offers golfers a challenge with spectacular views on every tee. Golf was invented for venues like these. Tee off at our Island’s many courses, designed to complement the stunning terrain.
The Bras d’Or Lake
With fog-free, sheltered waters, you’ll find unparalleled boating on Canada’s inland sea. It’ll be smooth sailing—much like the rest of your Cape Breton Island vacation.
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