5 days
- Cape Breton Island
Brimming with vibrant culture and embracing its rugged coastline, Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island beckons explorers. We hold our traditions dear and love sharing them with our visitors.
1 Day 1: Judique, Mabou and Inverness
Judique
From the Canso Causeway, follow the Ceilidh Trail to Judique. Stop into The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre for a lunch time Ceilidh! Professional musicians are always on hand to talk about the traditional music of Cape Breton and give live demonstrations.
Mabou
Next, head over to Mabou for a tour and whiskey tasting session at The Glenora Inn and Distillery. Rich in Scottish heritage, this distillery is situated only a few miles from the ocean and near the highlands of Cape Breton Island.
Next, head over to Mabou for a tour and whiskey tasting session at The Glenora Inn and Distillery. Rich in Scottish heritage, this distillery is situated only a few miles from the ocean and near the highlands of Cape Breton Island.
Inverness
Moving on to Inverness, play a round of golf at Cabot Links, Canada’s only true links course, and sister course Cabot Cliffs, at Cabot Cape Breton. These courses overlook the crystal-blue waters of the Northumberland Strait and Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Indulge in fresh seafood chowder at a downtown café, and follow with a walk on the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail leading to Inverness Beach and its boardwalk above the beach dunes with views over the beach and Cabot Links golf course.
Spend the night in a local inn or bed & breakfast near the sea, or unwind at the exquisite Cabot Cape Breton.
2 Day 2: Chéticamp, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and Pleasant Bay
Chéticamp
Prior to entering the breathtaking Cape Breton Highlands National Park, you’ll pass through the Acadian village of Chéticamp. This village is nestled between the scenic rolling hills and mountain highlands of Cape Breton Island and the tranquil waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Learn about the Acadian people and their rich culture when you visit the Centre de la Mi-Carême and Les Trois Pignons: Museum of the Hooked Rug and Home Life before visiting a local restaurant for fresh seafood and local entertainment.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Venture along the Cabot Trail, within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. A National Park pass is required for hiking or making use of park services. An entry fee applies, and you can check in at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Chéticamp.
The park offers 26 hiking trails ranging from leisurely strolls to strenuous climbs, in addition to camping, geocaching, golf, cycling, wildlife exploration, beaching, and look-offs. Take note of their weekly activities too.
Embark on one of the park’s most popular trails, the Skyline Trail. This route leads to the top of a mountain headland, possessing one of the most captivating panoramic views in the province.
Stretch your legs at the numerous look-off points along the Cabot Trail.
Pleasant Bay
Next, venture to Pleasant Bay and catch a whale watching tour departing from the wharf. Summer and fall are the prime times to go whale watching in Nova Scotia. Grab a bite at Pleasant Bay before continuing in the park.
End your day of exploring the first leg of the Cabot Trail with a stay at one of the welcoming accommodations scattered around Pleasant Bay. If you wish to carry on with the journey, continue along the Cabot Trail towards Ingonish.
3 Day 3: Ingonish
Ingonish
Ingonish offers many popular spots to pause and enjoy, including Black Brook Beach, Mary Ann Falls, and the Franey Trail, just to name a few.
Make a point to stop by one of the small cafes or bakeries to savour a fresh pastry and coffee as you take in the scent of the salty air.
Delight in the beautiful beaches and take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean or head out kayaking along the coast for some bird watching. The waters along the shores are inviting.
Escape to the serene environment of the Keltic Lodge at the Highlands. Its remote location and rolling hills that cascade into the ocean create an atmosphere that is guaranteed to detach you from everyday bustle and stress. Take in the spectacular views from the top of the internationally renowned Highlands Links Golf Course as you enjoy a round.
Chalets, inns, resorts, cottages, and lodges are just some of the accommodations available in Ingonish.
4 Day 4: Baddeck and Sydney
Baddeck
Depart Ingonish for the delightful town of Baddeck. Discover the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, which houses the world’s most extensive collection of Bell’s inventions and artifacts.
Explore the Bras d’Or Lake by water on a sailing or kayaking tour. Hike into Uisge Ban Falls at Usige Ban Provincial Park or visit Big Spruce Brewing in nearby Nyanza. It’s Atlantic Canada’s first organic, on-farm craft brewery and hop yard, and offers a variety of beers for you to sample.
Baddeck offers a wide range of accommodations, from quaint bed and breakfasts to full-size inns and motels. Spend your evening at Theatre Baddeck before turning in for the night or decide to venture towards Sydney.
Sydney
The heart of Sydney is its picturesque waterfront. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely walk, to stop and listen to a busker and watch the ships in the harbour. Don’t forget to snap a picture beside the world’s largest fiddle, designed in celebration of Cape Breton’s musical talent. Sydney houses numerous accommodations – from hotels to bed & breakfasts – within walking distance or a short drive from the downtown core.
For a unique memento of your trip, stop in at the Cape Breton Centre for Arts & Design to view the works of over 90 Cape Breton juried artists and artisans. Wrap up your day with a hearty meal and live music at Governor’s Pub & Eatery.
5 Day 5: Louisbourg and St. Peter's
Louisbourg
Visit the community of Louisbourg to step back in time to the 1700s as you navigate through history at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Step beyond the fortress walls and watch as French soldiers march down the town streets, see costumed interpreters tending to the farm animals and crops and learn to fire a cannon as it was done 300 years ago, don period military regalia, or use an exact replica of an 18th-century musket.
Enjoy a traditional 18th-century lunch on site, as costumed staff in period restaurants prepare and serve authentic food and beverages using historic recipes.
End your getaway with a night under the stars, camping safely within the fortress walls, or sleep in a period house, just like they did 300 years ago.
St. Peter’s
Follow Highway 4 towards the Canso Causeway along the Fleur-de-lis Trail to stop at the St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site, where the Bras d’Or Lake joins the Atlantic Ocean. Winding its way through Battery Provincial Park, it offers a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, swimming and sightseeing.
St. Peter’s offers various restaurants, shops, and accommodations to choose from as you conclude your exciting journey of Cape Breton Island.
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