A Cabot Trail road trip has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Start planning your trip to Cape Breton Island this summer with my top 10 things to see and do, from hiking and whale watching, to iconic destinations, highlights, and hidden gems. Brush past marching French soldiers. The tour leaves from the northern part of the Bras dOr Lake Biosphere Reserve, which is a half-hour drive from Baddeck. And when you need lunch, I highly recommend a stop at the incredible Morrisons Restaurant in Cape North. amzn_assoc_linkid = "7002ac421e29991fec296eec967027bc"; It's named for John Cabot, whom many believe first set foot on North American soil near Cape North. As you travel through Nova Scotia on your way to Cape Breton Island, you'll want to stop and explore the province's Acadian region in the lovely Annapolis Valley, as well as the towns of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay on the southern coast and the lively capital city of Halifax. Our Island is renowned as a hikers paradise, a challenging beauty that demands exploration. Sail the fog-free waters of the Bras d'Or, Cape Breton's inland sea. Concert start at 5pm, bring your lawn chair! So, if you can snag a spot and are ready to have your taste buds rocked, reserve a spot at The Bite House. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "epictravelp04-20"; Read on for my 10 favourite things on the island or watch the video below and on YouTube. We use cookies on our website to provide you with the best possible web experience. This mountainous national park in the north of the island extends for more than 950 square kilometers that are home to moose, beaver, deer, wild cats, duck, boreal birds, and eagles. When planning a trip, where do you start? The other two major groups who thrive here are the Acadian or French and the Gaelic or Celtic. World-class golf, in breath-taking surroundings. Cape Breton Island is an idyllic place to get your fishing on. 20-minute tours are available during the day and leave on the hour. If you bring your own rod, youll still need to get a fishing license to fish in Nova Scotia. With music festivals galore, you can easily spend weeks here. (The southeastern portion of the island, near Isle Madame and Port Hawkesbury, isn't nearly as pretty as the rest of it. . Take on the giant Bluefin tuna out on the ocean or slow down your pace along Margaree River as you lure in wild Atlantic salmon. Deep-sea fishing on the ocean. with yourself to modify it for your own trip) or view a larger version. Lauren is a trekbible writer and story maker from Pine Valley, California. The annual Celtic Colors Festival in October draws Celtic artists from across the diaspora, and the island's four 18-hole golf courses rank among Canada's best. Gaelic culture is the theme of this living history museum in the heart of the Bras d'or Lakes. The RV park and campground also offers glamping options, and its owned and operated by members of Membertou First Nation. This is just one of the many ways that Cape Breton Island draws you in and makes you feel at home. I also highly recommend a GPS for your Cape Breton road trip. Leather Works - 2 km from Cabot Shores. Also check out the coolest things to do in and near Halifax and on the Bay of Fundy (my favorite!). A variety of leather goods, from belts to wallets, handmade on the premises. For the best trip, I recommend at least a week to explore Cape Breton, if you have the time, but you can still see a lot in three or four days. Accommodations are available year-round, and the campground has gorgeous views looking out over St. Anns Bay. Check out the fishing charters and tours on TripAdvisor. Arent they adorable?! Cape Breton police say they have made an arrest for the murder of David Sheppard, who was killed in Glace Bay, N.S., in January 2021. Iconic topography gives way to a living history, where each cove and inlet. Nova Scotias Scottish roots come alive through ceilidhs, and Cape Bretons Mabou area is the BEST place to experience them. 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It is named for Italian seafarer Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot), who sailed to North America in 1497 and claimed land in what is now Canada for England. These fillable PDFs are easy to use, save and update, with lots of space for notes. Available in our TRAVEL PRINTABLES store Dismiss. Here are the other posts in this series of best things to do in Nova Scotia: And take a look at the Best Hotels for Romantic Getaways in Eastern Canada for beautiful places to stay. Golf was invented for places like Cape Breton Island. Get up close and personal with some of Nova Scotia's most dramatic coastal scenery: this full-day driving tour along the Cabot Trail makes the region accessible. Weather may impact when tours can operate, especially in high winds or bad weather, so be sure to keep that in mind or call ahead where possible. Being an island, there are so many beaches to choose from. These buildings include part of the fortifications, the citadel buildings, the town quay, and many streets with houses, shops and taverns. You may also like Best Hotels for Romantic Getaways in Eastern Canada. I'd much prefer staying in a small local village such as Mabou, or in the Margaree Valley, or scoping out a cottage rental somewhere. 5 Rabanitos in Chicagos Pilsen neighbourhod | Delicious, Five reasons you need to visit St. Andrews By-The-Sea, NB, Invite The GATE to cover your destination. Bras dOr Lake is Canadas largest inland sea and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Some of the attractions include: Celtic Colours International Festival, Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, Colaisde Na Gidhlig (Gaelic College), Highland Village / An Clachan Gidhealach, Glenora Inn & Distillery, and the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design. Rural driving is generally peaceful and relaxing,exceptwhen you cant find a road sign! Depart in the morning from Baddeck via air-conditioned vehicle, and set off with just a small group for company. You have many adventures to choose from. 6 Bras d'Or Lake. Want a place that takes the adventure up a notch, and is a fun thing to do in Cape Breton in its own right? Subscribe to our mailing list and get weekly updates on our latest contests, interviews, and reviews. Here, youll find a lifetime of adventure packed on our 175-kilometre-long Island. When you think about driving around Cape Breton Island, I bet you think of the Cabot Trail. Check out 10 of our cultural experiences that are available to you this summer! One of the most popular of the numerous footpaths and hiking trails, the spectacular Skyline Trail, is also one of the easiest. Its definitely a top thing to do in Cape Breton. The Cabot Trail is known as a true riders paradise. Yes, send me the TRAVEL BUCKET LIST template! Andrew is a member of the Critics Choice association, and the Travel Media Association of Canada. The Cabot Trail is your guiding path to exploring all of Cape Breton Island's immense beauty and many hidden gems. Focus exclusively on the western and central sections if you'll only be here a couple days.). The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site houses personal effects and documents belonging to the famous inventor, as well as parts of two hydroplanes made by Bell and powered by aircraft engines. 49 concerts and more than 200 cultural experiences in the smallest of halls to the largest arenas throughout Cape Breton Island. There are direct flights to Sydney from Toronto and Montreal and from other North American and European cities via Halifax. Les Trois Pignons in Chticamp, a little Acadian fishing village on the edge of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, focuses on the art form perfected by Acadian women who settled here: rug hooking. Located on Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island, the Cabot Trail is a 298 km (185 miles) scenic drive through Cape Breton Highland's National Park and the Atlantic Coast. Keep this in mind as you plan your road trip with these fun things to do in Cape Breton. The Cabot Trail is your guiding path to exploring all of Cape Breton Islands immense beauty and many hidden gems. This is a great time to enjoy the dancing, food, culture and joy of the island, straight from the source. 3 of Cape Breton Island's museums are here for you to tour virtually from the safety of your own home! Attached to the mainland only by a rock-filled causeway, Cape Breton is a spectacular destination for any traveler. You'll often hear references to the Cabot Trailwhile on the island. Here are the coolest things to do, MAP included! The center has a traditional exhibit room that is fully interactive, offering historical information, as well as hands-on opportunities with a variety of instruments, including the chance to try your hand at the fiddle. Destinations that will leave you Breathless. Take a 3-hour ecologically-sensitive tour to Bird Islands to see these puffin beauties. So, grab a spot here if you need a bite before traveling more around Cape Breton Island. Depending on the time of year you visit, there are also spectacular cross-country ski trails in the winter and award-winning fishing in the other seasons. Since then, Cape Breton Island has been home to many cultures from around the world. With music festivals galore, you can easily spend weeks here. Win, win! A: Top activities in Cape Breton Island include: Shared Cruise Excursion - "Mini" Cabot Trail. Go hiking on one of our Islands many trails, and take in all of the stunning views. Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links to excellent travel-related products. Thank you! Sweeping cliffs, majestic ocean views, and miles of greenCape Breton Island was made for golf. Before heading out, remember to top up your fuel. With hundreds of cafs and restaurants to choose from and countless local producers across the Island, you are in for a taste sensation with every meal! Trip Advisor has a good list of providers to consider, most with very strong reviews. There's also the historic fort at Louisbourg and scenic Bras d'Or Lake, an inland saltwater lake that nearly cleaves the island in two. Here, youll be able to live on the 43-acre site including seeing the local store, a carding mill, the church and a forge. 12 FUN Things to Do in CAPE BRETON Nova Scotia Cape Breton Island is enchanting. Cape Breton is an island at the tip of Nova Scotia - one of the Maritime provinces in Eastern Canada. You may already be thinking about a drive out to the historic Fortress of Louisbourg (which is the largest reconstruction in North America). In addition to hiking and the scenery, towns along the Cabot Trail offer year-round sports, from kayaking and horseback riding to cross-country skiing and ice fishing. 1 Merchant Mariner Monument, Sydney. Restaurants serve specialty dishes prepared from old recipes. Through straits and passages, coastal communities and canals, get to know our corner of the Atlantic. With such a vast natural landscape to explore, there is a plethora of things to do on Cape Breton Island. Apparently they enjoyed it a lot. Alexander Graham Bell is best known for inventing the telephone. The highest mountains in Nova Scotia drop almost straight to the sea in places, combining to give Cape Breton Island some of Canada's most beautiful coastal scenery. Places to Go on Cape Breton Island | Destination Cape Breton Places to Go on Our Island Culture and heritage have carved our communities along stunning vistas, highland crests, and historic sites. July is a spectacular month to visit as well. Cape Breton Island is enchanting. There are 26 hiking trails along the Cabot Trail. Use the summaries below to orientate yourself and to plan how you want to experience Cape Bretons fun things to do. Cape Breton Island's westernmost city of Sydney is the port for ferries to Canada's island province of Newfoundland. Whether you choose a short, easy hike or a challenging overnight experience, do at least one. 21 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Canada, 30 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Toronto, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada, Exploring les de la Madeleine: A Visitor's Guide, 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlottetown, 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on Prince Edward Island, 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Halifax, 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Nova Scotia, 12 Top-Rated Hiking Trails in Nova Scotia, 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Moncton, 8 Top-Rated Things to Do in Lunenburg & Mahone Bay, NS, 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Annapolis Valley, 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on the Bay of Fundy, 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Saint John, NB, 18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Brunswick, 13 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Fredericton, 13 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do on the Gasp Peninsula, 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Bar Harbor, ME, Acadia National Park: 16 Top Things to Do, Croatia Road Trip: Driving the Coast from Istria to Dubrovnik, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/index.aspx, http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/grahambell/index.aspx, Average minimum and maximum temperatures for Sydney, Canada in, Average monthly precipitation totals for Sydney, Canada in, Average monthly snowfall totals for Sydney, Canada in. Experience world-class shellfish, locally grown ingredients, and award-winning sips that connect our heritage to our land. Need a new backpack? Its splendid mountain peaks, jaw-dropping coastlines and inland sea draped in glorious colors in fall. When traveling on this island, be aware of the cultural context. THE 10 BEST Cape Breton Island Hiking Trails Hiking Trails in Cape Breton Island Enter dates Filters 1 Outdoor Activities Traveller favourites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveller Resources Outdoor Activities Hiking Trails Beaches Boat Tours The favorite secret local beach is. Fly-fishing along river rapids. (However, many scholars disagree; it's not a fact, and Cabot may have made landfall on Newfoundland first. And this Mongolian yurt is SO pretty, located at the start of the Cabot Trail about 40 minutes north of Baddeck. Here are 5 tips for exploring the coolest things to do on Cape Breton Island: amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Costumed guides help bring it to life and make it worth the trek. She and her husband work in the recreation department at a camp. These are it! An unassuming twelve seat farmhouse is home to this delectable restaurant. Glenora whisky is produced from authentic Scottish copper pot stills and mash tun using the traditional method of only three ingredients: barley, yeast and water. This guide on the best things to do in Cape Breton Island is here to help you plan your trip! From the start of June to around mid-September, Cape Breton offers lots of activities for couples, families, tours, and solo travellers, including beaches, historical sites, vibrant towns, amazing food, and lots of culture. The onsite restaurant has strong reviews. Along with touring on the Cabot Trail, one of the most popular things to do in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is hiking its scenic trails and enjoying its natural attractions up close. Special programs include a White Gloves Tour that lets visitors handle actual artifacts, and a Tetrahedral Kite Workshop, where you can build and test a kite based on his designs. Wrap up your FUN things to do in Cape Breton Nova Scotia with this quintessential experience: a ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee). There is a small stream that empties into the Gulf, creating a natural playground for the kids while you sit on the soft sand. Before leaving, enjoy dinner at the well-rated miners village restaurant next to a large brick fireplace and kerosene lamps. It only adds a half-hour of driving and visitor reviews describe this coal miners museum as a life-changing experience. There's so much to see an do on the Island. July 23- Elyse Aeryn. These range from small scatter rugs to room-sized masterpieces and wall hangings, even hooked portraits by artist lizabeth LeFort. Home to the Gaelic College, this community is filled with a whole myriad of Celtic culture. Drive the trail and experience the winding turns and endless expanses of cliffs and coastline. So go early. There are trails for anyone, and one of the most incredible is the Skyline trail looking out over the cliffs, but I also highly recommend Middle Head trail in Ingonish for the coastal views. Address: 5473 Hwy 19, Judique, Nova Scotia. Lastly, there is an annual Ribfest in July in Sydney, which frankly just sounds amazing. Activities, experiments and even White Glove Tours are available in the summer. This was where the French made their last stand in Acadia before being defeated by the British. With the former, you can tour where the first European settlers made camp on the island. reveals welcoming communities, distinct cultures, stunning wilderness, and more of the story. Perfect getaway for water enthusiasts! Get an exclusive look into the lives of Alexander Graham Bell and his wife, Mabel Hubbard Bell. Relax at our 4 star lakefront cottages! If youre lucky enough to have visited distilleries in Scotland, youll feel right at home here. Now, the Alexander Graham Bell museum is much larger and more impressive than what we expected.
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