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Where to find unique and local products when exploring Cape Breton Island

Planning a visit to Cape Breton Island and deciding what to see and do… and where to eat, sleep and shop along the way? With four beautiful trails to travel, each loaded with picturesque towns and villages, beaches and hiking trails to explore, artists and artisans to discover, and top-notch eateries, breweries, cideries and more, the question is where to go first!

We’ve selected just a sampling of the places to shop along the four trails to help you find beautiful artwork, local, handmade wares, and some snacks for your epic road trip.

Red Shoe Pub, Mabou
Red Shoe Pub, Mabou

Ceilidh Trail

Hopping on Route 19, the Ceilidh Trail, from the entrance to Cape Breton Island in Port Hastings will take you along the western coastline of Cape Breton Island which is known for having warm water ocean beaches and spectacular sunsets. This musical coast is also known for its many talented artists and artisans, two of the top golf courses in the world, North America’s first distiller of single malt whisky, and a rich Scottish Gaelic heritage which can be experienced during a Ceilidh. You’re sure to find a weekly ceilidh taking place from Creignish to Inverness and communities in between.

Port Hastings

Creignish

Port Hood

Mabou

Glendale

Inverness

Groovy Goat Farm & Soap Shop, Ingonish
Groovy Goat Farm & Soap Shop, Ingonish

Cabot Trail

Hopping on the Cabot Trail either from Highway 105 near Nyanza of St. Ann’s Bay, by taking the cable ferry in Englishtown, or entering the trail from the Ceilidh Trail in Margaree Forks, you are off to an adventure of epic proportions! The scenery, the twists and turns all along the trail, the mountain visits from the look-offs and trails, the beaches, and the communities and villages tucked in along the coast all along the way make this an inspiring place… and the artwork by artisans and artists that live along the Cabot Trail will show you through their creations.

Margaree area

Cheticamp area

Cape North

Ingonish

Indian Brook

Baddeck area

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design, Sydney

Bras d’Or Lake Scenic Drive, Fleur-dis-Lis Trail, and Marconi Trail

Driving around the Bras d’Or Lake or along the eastern coast of Cape Breton Island, you will be captivated by the beauty as you pass through small communities located between the entrance to Cape Breton Island and Sydney and surrounding area. From handmade chocolates in Iona and local jams and preserves in Port Hawkesbury to amazing art pieces and handmade works in Sydney and beyond, you’re sure to find something just for you along the way.

Port Hawkesbury

Iona

Ross Ferry

Membertou

Sydney area

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