Story Ideas – Historic Sites
Part of what makes Cape Breton Island such a great travel destination, is its diverse history and many historic sites. Experience what conditions were like for Cape Breton coal miners at the Miner’s Museum. Learn the legacy of Alexander Graham Bell at the National Historic Site in Baddeck. Take a trip back in time with the live demonstrations at the Fortress of Louisbourg. The opportunities to learn and become enriched by the Island’s history all over. We hope you’ll add these sites to your list!
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Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Parks Canada’s Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site commemorates the genius and compassion of renowned inventor Alexander Graham Bell. Exhibits show how he and his associates achieved Canada’s first powered flight with their airplane Silver Dart, produced the world’s fastest boat, advanced recording technology, designed giant kites and, of course, invented the telephone.
Original artefacts, films, and family photographs highlight his scientific and humanitarian work. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on activities and a variety of programs. Situated on 10 hectares of land with a superb view of the Bras d’Or Lake in Baddeck on Cape Breton Island, the Site overlooks Bell’s summer home, Beinn Bhreagh, still privately owned by his descendants. -
Miners’ Museum
Home to profound stories of miners, their families and the resource that helped build a nation, the Miners’ Museum brings you deep into the lives of coal miners and a dark life of working underground. Join a retired miner for a mine tour of an actual coal mine, browse modern exhibits, or enjoy a delicious home cooked meal at the Miners Village Restaurant. The Museum is also home to the famous choir of miners, the Men of the Deeps.
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Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
French soldiers march down the streets of the town as ladies dance in formal parlours. Cannon fire shakes the ground as harpsichord tunes mingle with baking bread aromas drifting from the stone bakery. Step through Louisbourg’s fortress walls and time-warp back to the 1700s. Chat with fishermen, sailors and servants. Sip rum and watch lace-making as children play 300-year-old games and stew simmers on an open-hearth fire. It’s so real, it seems surreal.
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Sydney’s Historical District
Brace yourself for this spine-chilling ghost tour through the haunted streets of the Historic North End of Sydney. The costumed guides will enthrall you with legendary stories of the ghostly residents of Sydney and area and take you through haunted heritage homes and graveyards that are sure to have you looking over your shoulder.
Skeletons in the cellar, bodies under the floorboards, tales of ghostly visions and the location of a triple execution are only a sample of the colourful history of Sydney that awaits you! You never know whom you may encounter on the way. Tours are available every Thursday evening in July and August. Our 90-minute spine-chilling tour departs at 7:00pm and ends at St. Patrick’s Church Museum, 87 Esplanade, with a cup of teas and traditional Cape Breton sweets.