Fine Art, Fall Fun & Flavours in Bear River, a Tidal Village on Stilts!
Plan a perfect fall getaway to Bear River, a tidal village on stilts! Explore the many artisan studios, galleries, and shops that make Bear River a...
Gaelic (pronounced Gae-lick) is a Celtic language that has helped shape Nova Scotia’s Gaelic culture and identity. Centuries ago, Gaelic-speaking immigrants from both Scotland and Ireland* came by the tens of thousands and made Nova Scotia their home. These settlers called themselves Gàidheil – ones who speak Gaelic and share Gaelic culture.
The Gaelic language spoken in Nova Scotia is the same as the Gaelic spoken by the early Scottish Gaelic settlers. Commonly referred to as Scottish Gaelic or Gaelic, it is part of life in the province. Fiddle and bagpipe music and Gaelic song provide a rich musical experience. Dance, storytelling, local history and customs are part of community living. The famous “kitchen party”, known in Gaelic as a “céilidh” (pronounced kay-lee which means ‘visit’) often includes Gaelic singing, traditional music, step dancing, and storytelling, and is a fun way to connect to Nova Scotia’s Gaelic culture. So, share in a song, tap your feet, and give a step on the dance floor!
Looking to learn more about Nova Scotia Gaels or to research your Gaelic roots in Nova Scotia? Click here to access the Nova Scotia Archives.
* The majority of Irish Gaels (Gaeil) emigrated to Nova Scotia in the 19th century. Many spoke Irish language, a language closely related to Scottish Gaelic or Gaelic.Great Hall of the Clans at The Gaelic College / Colaisde na Gàidhlig
Take a hands-on approach to discovering our Gaelic heritage by joining in a kilt making, milling frolic, or step dance at The Gaelic College. The Great Hall of the Clans Interpretive Museum also offers eight interactive displays on the history and culture of Gaelic Scotland.
Lunchtime ceilidhs are held throughout the summer months, Monday through Friday.
Highland Village Museum / Baile nan Gàidheal
Fàilte! (pronounced FAHL-cha) Welcome!
Perched upon the hills in Iona, Cape Breton, overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake, you’ll experience stories, songs, and traditional skills, while touring the 11 historic buildings as costumed interpreters greet you in Gaelic.
This is North America’s only living history museum for Gaelic language and culture. Immerse yourself in the culture of the Gaels on a tour of this hilltop working museum and speak with costumed interpreters as you experience what life was like for our Gaelic ancestors.
Celtic Music Interpretive Centre
Celtic music, as some may know Gaelic language-based music may have been born on another continent, but its adopted home is in Cape Breton. The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre is dedicated to preserving the music of local Cape Breton Gaels through education and performance. Here you’ll learn about the music and its history through workshops, interactive exhibits, and guided tours and experiences.
Don’t miss their lively lunch & supper Ceilidhs featuring live music and dancing from some of Cape Breton’s best musicians.
Join a Céilidh and Dance a Square Set
As you travel Cape Breton’s Ceilidh Trail and Cabot Trail scenic drives, make sure to stop at a traditional céilidh or square dance in one of the local churches or community halls. Mabou, Baddeck, and the surrounding communities host many céilidhs and square dances throughout the year – just ask a friendly local for directions or watch for signs announcing, “Céilidh here tonight!”.
Celtic Colours International Festival
Celebrate music, culture and community each October with some of the best musicians from Cape Breton, other Celtic language based regions (Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man), and around world, throughout Celtic Colours International Festival! Dozens of concerts, an extensive line-up of community events, guided hikes, workshops, and a nightly Festival Club will leave you feeling like a Caper in no time.
Hector Heritage Quay
This living-history attraction tells the story of 18th-century Scottish Gaelic emigration to North America and the role of Ship Hector in making Pictou the “Birthplace of New Scotland (Alba Nuadh)”. Travel back in time and step aboard the full-size replica of Ship Hector to learn about Nova Scotia’s Scottish Gaelic heritage.
Big Fiddle on Sydney Waterfront
A famous Sydney landmark and a great photo opportunity, you can’t miss the world’s largest fiddle, built in recognition of Cape Breton’s musical talent and deep Gaelic roots. You’ll find the 60-foot tribute outside the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion on the Sydney Waterfront.
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