Great Taste of Canada: Eskasoni Cultural Journeys + Jukuwe’. Mijisi. Amalka. Pji’ilasi Unama’kik

Celebrate Cape Breton’s vibrant culture and heritage with a unique culinary and cultural journey featuring Mi’kmaw traditions, local flavours, and live music.

Experience the vibrant culture, rich heritage, and local flavours of Cape Breton at Jukuwe’. Mijisi. Amalka. Pji’ilasi Unama’kik (Welcome to the land of the fog. Come. Eat. Dance). Start your day at Eskasoni Cultural Journeys, where you’ll explore Goat Island to connect with the area’s natural heritage and Mi’kmaw culture through local Mi’kmaw storytellers and interpreters. Learn about Indigenous foodways and flavours while enjoying a traditional lunch cooked over an open fire.

In the evening, continue your adventure at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, where Chef Geordy Marshall will present a long table feast inspired by the ties between the Mi’kmaq and early French settlers. Savour Nova Scotia lobster, seasonal vegetables, and fresh foraged ingredients. Each course is a tribute to Mi’kmaw ingredients, language, and land, paired with local craft beverages and introduced with storytelling. While onsite, explore the historic fortress grounds, enjoy traditional music and dancing, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind culinary and cultural journey on Unama’ki (Cape Breton Island).

Experience Highlights:

• Discover Goat Island, nestled along the Bras d’Or Lakes UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, during an immersive learning experience, tour and lunch at Eskasoni Cultural Journeys:
  • Learn about and participate in Mi’kmaw culture as you connect with storytellers and interpreters along the 2.4 km island trail
  • Enjoy a traditional lunch over an open fire
• Be welcomed to the Mi’kmaq Interpretive Centre at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Opening ceremonies led by:
  • Elder Lawrence Wells will share a traditional welcome and smudging ceremony
  • Elder Beverly Jeddore will share Denny Family songs and dances
  • Chef Geordy Marshall will share Mi’kmaw traditional foodways and insights
• Indulge in A Taste of L’nue’katik (The Land of the L’nu), a four-course menu designed by Mi’kmaw Chef Geordy Marshall celebrating the relationship between the Mi’kmaq and French settlers:
  • Savour flavours that blend the essence of French culinary techniques with local seafood, fresh foraged ingredients and seasonal vegetables
  • Enjoy curated local beverage pairings served throughout your meal
• Explore the site and have fun with traditional music and dancing led by signer Emma Stevens of Eskasoni First Nation and Graham Marshall of Membertou First Nation, and Parks Canada interpretation.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Price: $345 + HST per person. Includes admission, tour and lunch at Eskasoni Cultural Journeys and Mi’kmaw cultural experiences, entertainment, and A Taste of L’nue’katik four-course dinner with beverage pairings at the Fortress of Louisbourg.
* Round-trip coach transportation available from Membertou Hampton Inn and Suites or The Simon Hotel Sydney for an additional $50 + HST, per person.

Long table dinner at the Fortress of Louisbourg: A Taste of Lnue’kati
Prepared by Chef Geordy Marshall, Bear Clan, Eskasoni

Featuring:

• Lobster & Herbes Salées Crostini
• Salad L’acadiecoise with seasonal greens, baked eel or seared scallops
• Lobster confit with Mala potatoes and wild herb compound butter
• Pkwimano’mi Puff Pastry — blueberry, maple, and vanilla-spiced cream

About the Chef:
Geordy Marshall is a 34-year-old chef from the Bear Clan in Eskasoni, Nova Scotia. A 2023 graduate of the Culinary Institute of Canada, Geordy blends classical training with deep cultural roots to create food that nourishes both body and spirit. His culinary journey has always been guided by community — shaped by the teachings of Elders, the values of the Mi’kmaw Nation, and years of volunteering at local events.

Good to Know:

• Fortress of Louisbourg A Taste of L’nue’katik dinner & evening experience only option available HERE.
• Coach transportation available for an additional charge per person.
• If travelling on-own/by personal vehicle:
  • The full-day experience kicks off at Eskasoni Cultural Journeys at 9:30 am until 12 pm
  • The evening A Taste of L’nue’katik dinner and experience at Fortress of Louisbourg begins at 5:30 pm until 10 pm.
• Participants booked with coach transportation will return to accommodations, from Eskasoni Cultural Journeys, around 12:45 pm – 1 pm with free time to explore Sydney. Transportation to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site will depart from accommodations at 4:30 pm.
• This experience is part of the Culinary Tourism Alliance of Canada’s Great Taste of Canada: telling delicious stories of Canada foodways and taste of place experiences, and has been developed in partnership with NSITEN, Parks Canada, Destination Cape Breton Association, and Taste of Nova Scotia.
• This is a 19+ event.