Explore the Cabot Trail and Beyond

Cabot Trail

Cape Breton Island has been recently ranked the #1 Island in Canada by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards and ranked #10 in the 25 Best Islands in the World category. With incredible scenery, food, adventure, live music around every corner and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, we can’t say we’re surprised!

One of the top draws to the island is the breathtaking Cabot Trail and it may even be the reason you’re planning to visit. But there is much more to experience on Cape Breton Island. Here are a few things you can’t miss!

Live Music

No matter where your travels take you throughout Cape Breton, you’re almost certain to find live music. Cape Bretoners love a good kitchen party, ceilidh or concert and they love sharing it with visitors and newcomers. Grab a seat and enjoy a community concert, music at a pub, or a lunchtime ceilidh at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre or Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College.

Check out the Celtic Colours International Festival if you’re visiting in October. As you drive the stunning coastal roads, keep an eye out for roadside signs pointing towards “live music tonight” and you’ll be tapping your toes in no time.

Culture and History

Several cultural and historic attractions and experiences are available in Cape Breton sharing important stories of the island’s past and connecting them with the future.

Visit Goat Island with Eskasoni Cultural Journeys; Membertou Heritage Park; or the Mi’kmaw Interpretive Centre at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site to learn more about Mi’kmaw people and culture.

While at the Fortress, learn about Marie Marguerite Rose who was released from slavery after 19 years and opened an inn and tavern in Louisbourg. She is the first free Black businesswoman on record in Canada’s history. Visit the plaque commemorating her story and a recreated inventory of her possessions.

Make time for the Highland Village Museum | Baile nan Gàidheal and Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College to learn more about Gaels of Cape Breton.

Explore Acadian communities like Chéticamp to visit Les Trois Pignons: Museum of the Hooked Rug and Home Life and nearby Grand Étang to visit Centre de la Mi-Carême.

Year-round Outdoor Adventure

Adventure, no matter the season, can be found here! Whale watching tours, hikes of varying degrees of difficulty, ATV and snowmobile tours, sailing tours, paddling, world-class golfing, skiing, including Atlantic Canada’s first gondola at Cape Smokey, camping, waterfall chasing, surfing, and sport fishing are all readily available.

Whether you enjoy an easy hike through the colourful fall leaves or an off-grid winter camping experience, Cape Breton is the perfect place to spend time exploring the natural beauty of Nova Scotia.

Food, food, food

How does a warm bowl of seafood chowder enjoyed next to the water sound? Or, maybe you prefer upscale dining featuring local ingredients. Perhaps you fancy a cold pint of craft beer and fish tacos at a pub with live music. No matter your preference, from handmade artisanal chocolates to casual coffee in a local cafe to multi-course dining experiences we promise you will not leave Cape Breton hungry!

Talented Artisans

The scenic beauty of Cape Breton Island has long drawn artists and artisans to its shores and has inspired their work. Make time to stop at a few of the dozens of shops and studios throughout the island. Find that perfect memento to remember your trip to Nova Scotia with or to pick up a special gift for someone back home.

If your visit brings to you to Sydney, check out the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design which features works from over 90 Cape Breton artists and artisans.

Beaches

You wouldn’t visit an island and not expect excellent beaches, right? Whether you’re stopping for a beach day, a walk or simply to admire the scenery, Cape Breton’s beaches offer up a variety of stunning coastal experiences. Stroll the boardwalk and the wide, sandy shoreline at Inverness Beach, located on the western side of the island alongside Cabot Cape Breton‘s Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs golf courses.

Looking to surf? Head to Point Michaud Beach Provincial Park on the eastern side of Cape Breton.

Take a break from the road at La Bloc Beach with your picnic lunch looking up at the highlands in the distance. Take a dip in the Atlantic at popular Black Brook Beach or North Bay Beach within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park make time to stop at many others.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

The Cabot Trail winds through the impressive Cape Breton Highlands National Park. With multiple scenic look-offs, 26 hiking trails, campgrounds, beaches and fishing opportunities, you can plan an entire vacation just exploring the park. Make time to take in some of the unique experiences like a guided Skyline Trail Sunset Hike or Lantern Walk Through Time.

Pick up a Perfect Picnic to enjoy at one of many beautiful places in the park and keep an eye out for Parks Canada’s famous red chairs. You will want to make time to learn more about Mi’kmaw people and culture by taking part in the Sweet Discovery Experience or a Smudge ceremony.

Explore Sydney

Sydney is the largest urban area on Cape Breton Island and makes for the perfect getaway. Stroll the city’s waterfront boardwalk, stop to take a photo at the iconic “Big Fiddle”, browse quaint shops at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion, or enjoy a little sightseeing adventure on a jet ski or Segway.

Sydney also offers boutique shopping, dining options ranging from local cafes to global cuisine, live music, and craft beer and cider.

Explore the Cabot Trail and Beyond