Kinnon Beaton comes from a long line of fiddlers from the Mabou area. His playing, like that of his late father Donald Angus, is rich in the Mabou Coal Mines flavour. Beaton is very much in demand at dances and concerts from Cape Breton to Boston and every place in between. Beaton is a prolific composer as his fiddle tunes can be found on numerous Cape Breton fiddle recordings including his own. Betty Beaton started playing dances with her brother, Buddy MacMaster, when she was 14 years old and has been accompanying fiddlers for dancers ever since. An internationally acclaimed piano player, Betty is in demand as a teacher and has taught in Cape Breton, the U.S. and Scotland. She has played on numerous recordings including the Smithsonian Folkways recording “The Beaton Family of Mabou: Cape Breton Fiddle and Piano Music.”

Where to wet your whistle in Cape Breton 1

5 Ways to Wet Your Whistle in Cape Breton

Bras d'Or Lake | Cabot Trail | Culinary

This fall, explore Cape Breton's variety of breweries and distilleries found all over the island.

five riders bike along a long wooden bridge

10 Hidden Gems on Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton is so much more than Cabot Trail. Let us show you some of our favourite hidden gems!

5 Winter Experiences Without Breaking the Bank

Bras d'Or Lake | Outdoor Adventure | Winter

There’s no need to break the bank when you’re looking to fill up a fun day on the Island. Here are just a few of the many options available to keep you and your family entertained this winter without spending the big bucks.

5 Places to Square Dance with Locals

While in Cape Breton, if wanting a real slice-of-life night out, be sure to check out one of our dandy dances.

A hiker stands on a grassy hill overlooking the ocean

Cape Mabou Highlands & Clove Hitch Bistro

The Cape Mabou Highlands should be on everybody’s list. It’s not your typical tourist route and the trail offers dramatic vistas over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You can get your heart pumping or take a leisurely stroll through remnants of Acadian old

7 Places for Great Winter Eats

It’s time to find the heartiest, homemade meal on Cape Breton Island this winter. Our Island offers many options to chase away the chill.

Celtic Colours Experiences from Calum MacCrimmon of Breabach 1

Celtic Colours Experience: By Calum MacCrimmon of Breabach

Bras d'Or Lake | Cabot Trail | Festival & Events | Music & the Arts

Callum MacCrimmon shares his experience on his 3rd Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton. Calum is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer best known as a founding member of the award-winning Scottish folk band Breabach.

Cape Breton Island scenic destinations arranged as rainbow pride flag

Exploring 2SLGBTQI+ Activities on Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island is not only a place of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage but also a welcoming destination for the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Breathtaking whale watching tours at Cape Breton Island

Coastal Adventures on Cape Breton Island

Embark on a coastal adventure to Cape Breton Island and discover a world where coastal beauty meets serene seascapes.

Safety Tips for Hiking and Chasing Waterfalls

While chasing waterfalls is good for the body, mind and spirit there are a few things you should remember before hitting the trails to ensure you have a great time and make it back home safely!

Sunday Ceilidh at the Shoe with Kinnon & Betty Lou Beaton

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