Explore the Cabot Trail Artisans Loop

The beauty of Cape Breton Island’s Cabot Trail attracts many artisans who look for inspiration within their natural surroundings when creating their art. Many of the artisans living around the Cabot Trail operate working studios and invite visitors to stop in to say ‘Hello’ and to watch them create beautiful works of art and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Here’s a list of just some of the must-see artisan studios and galleries located along the Cabot Trail:

The Kiltmakers & Weavers at the Gaelic College, St. Ann’s
Master kiltmakers specializing in custom, hand-sewn kilts and clothing in your choice of tartan, including ties, scarves, skirts and more. Watch as world-renowned weavers craft one-of-a-kind pieces by beautifully blending colours and fibres to create wearable items like shrugs and scarves.

Iron Art & Photographs, Tarbot
In this eclectic “roadside attraction” owned and operated by Cape Breton artist Gordon Kennedy, you will discover striking photographs, intriguing metal sculptures made on site, as well as fun, practical and artistic items for home, garden and gifts.

Colouratura Art Gallery, Indian Brook
This former church-turned-gallery welcomes you with an impressive array of some of the finest art work from Cape Breton artists. Original works of oil, acrylic, watercolours, photography, basketry, jewelry, pottery, and handmade chocolate truffles await you and watch as visiting artists paint on-site.

Piper Pewter Inc., Indian Brook
The artisans at Piper Pewter specialize in lead-free pewter jewellery and gifts that showcase Celtic-inspired designs, such as crosses, knot work, flowers, fiddles and more. Each piece is skillfully cast and finished by hand in their on-site workshop.

Leather Works by Jolene, Indian Brook
Stop in at Leather Works and learn from Jolene about the art of leather crafting. Leather Works offers hand-sewn leather belts, bags, wallets, dog collars, molded leather flower bags, and much more in the shop.

North Shore Woodsmiths, North Shore
In the on-site workshop, watch as master craftsman Bob and his team transform the finest hardwoods from the highlands of Cape Breton, such as yellow birch, beech, oak, birdseye maple, and walnut into functional works of art. Their creations reveal the beauty of wood, yet are practical and affordable for everyday use.

Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery, North Shore
In a gallery of colour and light, Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery features work from over 20 glass artisans, representing a variety of techniques and styles. Come and watch the technique before trying your hand at glass blowing, fusing and enameling.

Arts North, Cape North
Arts North, located near the northern tip of Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail, is an artisan consignment gallery retailing high quality arts and crafts produced exclusively on Cape Breton Island. Promoting the wares of 20+ artisans, you’ll discover beautiful stoneware pottery, silver jewelry, woodwork, quilts and much, much more throughout the gallery.

Proud to be Hookers, Chéticamp
Lola has been rug hooking for over 40 years and her passion for the art shows. Drop in to see her and her staff working on the hooking frame while demonstrating the traditional process. They offer a wide selection of locally-hooked rugs, hooking supplies and kits for all ages.

Freya & Thor Gallery and Café, Chéticamp
Discover over 55 artists highlighting the best of local and Maritime-made art and craft. From folk art, textiles, photography, ceramics, rug hooking, jewelry, books and more there is always something to see with new additions regularly! An on-site studio has artists demonstrations and exhibitions while the café has cold drinks, tasty, locally made treats and some of the best espresso in Cape Breton!