Touch the Art: 5 Hands On Artisans on Cape Breton Island

Story by: Elizabeth Slaunwhite

No matter where you go on Cape Breton Island, you’ll find magical places to explore, guaranteed to be bursting with artisan studios and galleries around every corner. Grab a copy of the Artisan Trail Map, or set on your own path of discovery, and enjoy all the unique craft experiences our island has to offer! Below are 5 must-see stops, but be sure to know our Island has 30+ craft experiences for you to enjoy

1. Oakleaves Native Creations

Nancy Oakley, of Oakleaves Native Creations, creates stunning traditional Indigenous pottery and beaded jewelry on Cape Breton Island. Each ceramic piece is smoke fired, stone polished and often trimmed with sweetgrass. Nancy even harvests her own clay from her yard!

Women works on clay pieces at pottery studio

2. Groovy Goat Farm & Soap Company

If you’re exploring the Cabot Trail with kids (or kids at heart) Groovy Goat is a must-stop! Their petting farm features some of the cutest goats around, along with lots of other animals including horses and bunnies. Once you’re done admiring all the fur babies, be sure to stop into the gift shop for some luxurious goat products that are handmade on site – your skin will thank you. My favourite is the rosemary patchouli!

3. Kingross Quilts & Fibre Art

A visit to Kingross Quilts is well worth the drive along the beautiful Margaree River. Anne Morrell Robinson, the master artisan behind Kingross Quilts, specializes in quilting, rug hooking, art dolls and jewellery – there is nothing she can’t do when it comes to textiles! Be sure to check out the new gallery space featuring loads of local textile art.

A local artisan quilter stands beside her work

4. Salty Rose’s & the Periwinkle Café

You can shop local craft, enjoy a delicious cuppa joe and even spend the night at Salty Rose’s & the Periwinkle Café. Artisan and owner, Caitlyn Purcell, makes fine handmade jewellery often inspired by the ocean that is located right in front of this lovely spot in Ingonish. You can’t leave without taking a souvenir of Cape Breton home with you – the crab love necklace is my go-to!

A local artisan works toward making jewelry

5. Cape Breton Clay

While driving along the Margaree Valley, you can’t miss Cape Breton Clay! Bell Fraser creates charming ceramic pieces that are both whimsical and elegant, perfect for serving up your favourite dish. You’ll find a variety of nature designs – from lobsters to fiddleheads, jellyfish to dragonflies, and everything in between!

A local ceramic artisan sits by her handmade plates

Elizabeth Slaunwhite | @capebretoncraft @elizabethslaunwhite

In the day-to-day, Elizabeth oversees Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design’s marketing plan to ensure the continual evolution of marketing strategies for the Centre and the craft sector island-wide. This work includes managing all promotional activities, special events, campaigns, communications as well as implementing the tourism marketing plan to raise the profile of the facility, Cape Breton craft sector and artisan studios. In her spare time, Elizabeth loves cooking her favourite vegetarian recipes and exploring all the natural beauty our island has to offer.

Ashley George’s Ski Adventure at Cape Smokey

Cape Smokey offers a ski experience that’s both easy to reach and impossible to forget. A short, two-hour flight from Toronto lands you right on Cape Breton Island, where you’ll find incredible coastal scenery, fresh powder, and the chance to ski ju