Storied Island Trail

Experience the authentic stories and rich history of three vibrant cultures as you explore Cape Breton’s Storied Island Trail.

Discover Mi’kmaw culture at Goat Island Trail (Eskasoni Cultural Journeys), step into Gaelic Heritage at the Highland Village Museum, and immerse yourself in French history at the Fortress of Louisbourg. Choose from guided experiences or craft your own journey as you visit each site and gain a new appreciation of the unique cultures that shape Cape Breton Island, past and present.

Highland Village Museum
Our living history site is perched on a picturesque hill overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake. Your self-guided walking tour of will take you through 13 period buildings, inspiring curiosity and appreciation for Nova Scotia’s rich Gaelic traditions. Hear our language, stories and songs, experience aspects of daily life like food, work, and crafts, and immerse yourself in our culture that has been passed down from one generation to the next. Tha sinn an dòchas gun tig sibh air chéilidh! We hope you come for a visit!

The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site brings you back to French colonial life from 1713-1758. First the home of the Mi’kmaw people, the 18th century brought French, English, Basque, Scottish, and African people to its shores.

Visit today to stimulate your senses. Listen as traditional music filters through windows and wooden carts wind through the gravel streets. Follow your nose to fresh baked bread and savour 18th-century style meals*. Feel the weight of soldiers’ woolen coats, the swish of ladies’ silken skirts, and the thunder of muskets and cannons as the scent of gunpowder hangs in the air.

Goat Island Trail (Eskasoni Cultural Journeys)
Discover authentic Mi’kmaw culture along our picturesque 2.4-kilometre trail on Goat Island in Eskasoni. The Island hugs the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake, a UNESCO Biosphere Region.

Immerse yourself in Mi’kmaw life with a guided tour along the trail. One of our passionate and knowledgeable Mi’kmaw cultural interpreters will guide you to several villages along the route, each offering a unique experience to learn and partake in our way of life.

Package Includes:

Through October 31, 2023, admissions to:

• Goat Island Trail (Eskasoni Cultural Journeys)
• Highland Village Museum
• Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

Good to Know: 

• Save your order confirmation to present upon entry.at each attraction
• Goat Island Guided Tour requires an appointment in advance, please call 902-919-2320 to confirm tour time. 
• Highland Village is open 10:00 am – 4:30 pm daily
• Fortress of Louisbourg is open 9:30am – 5:00 pm daily (4:00 pm after Oct 10th)
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.