Highland Village is the only living history museum for Gaelic language and heritage in North America. The museum is located in the beautiful community of Iona whose very name heralds Scottish ancestry. The museum is open from June through October with costumed animators providing tours and programs and features heritage livestock breeds.

Tour eleven structures representative of a Gaelic community from the late 1700s to the end of the 1800s. The houses, mill, forge, store and church set upon this 43 acre stage take you back to another time and a different culture.

Visit the look-off for a breathtaking view of Cape Breton’s inland sea, the Bras d’Or Lake. This saltwater lake whose name means "Arms of Gold" in reference to the sun on the water covers an area 1100 square kilometers (683 square miles).

Plan on a full day at the Museum. There are more than 3000 artifacts from hooked rugs to furniture and instruments in the museum’s collection. The library on site has more than 900 books on its shelves. The Joe MacLean Music Collection, an outstanding collection of hand-noted early books of Scottish music, is housed here.

Research your own Celtic roots through the museum’s genealogical resources including microfilm, family trees, photos, newspaper clippings and more.

The museum calendar is filled with special events year-round from the wonder of an old village Christmas to a Gaelic song workshop to the traditional music, songs, and dances of the annual Highland Village Day.