Cape Breton
Home to the world-famous Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island offers breathtaking highland scenery, Celtic culture, and some of the most spectacular coastal drives in North America. Discover rugged wilderness, traditional music, and warm Highland hospitality.
Top Highlights
Fortress of Louisbourg
Largest historical reconstruction in North America, bringing 18th-century New France to life.
Cabot Trail
World-renowned scenic drive through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Celtic Colours Festival
Annual celebration of Celtic music and culture throughout Cape Breton Island.
What to Do & See
Restaurants
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Baddeck Lobster Suppers
π½οΈClassic Nova Scotian all-you-can-eat lobster dinners at the southern point of Cabot Trail. Quintessential East Coast dining experience described as absolutely drool worthy.
Menu Highlights:
- lobster
- seafood
- traditional
- all-you-can-eat
L'Abri Cafe, Restaurant et Bar
π½οΈClassic French cuisine with Acadian touch in ChΓ©ticamp. Beautifully decorated with antiques and raw wood, featuring stunning ocean views and traditional Acadian dishes.
Menu Highlights:
- French cuisine
- Acadian
- ocean views
- traditional dishes
Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery
π½οΈBaked goods and unique sandwiches in Margaree Valley. Popular items include mango mustard ham sandwich and Moroccan carrot soup, with baked goods that often sell out quickly.
Menu Highlights:
- bakery
- cafe
- sandwiches
- baked goods
Explore
15 itemsDrive the Iconic Cabot Trail
π―300-km scenic loop through Cape Breton Highlands National Park with breathtaking coastal views, fishing villages, and autumn foliage. World-class road trip ranked among the best globally.
What to Experience:
- scenic drive
- coastal views
- road trip
- autumn foliage
Hike the Skyline Trail
π―Spectacular cliffside boardwalk trail with panoramic Gulf of St. Lawrence views, moose sightings, and incredible sunsets. Accessible boardwalk system suitable for various fitness levels.
What to Experience:
- hiking
- boardwalk
- coastal views
- wildlife
Attend a Traditional Ceilidh in Judique
π―Authentic Gaelic music, dance, and storytelling at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre. Live traditional fiddle music showcasing Cape Breton's Celtic roots.
What to Experience:
- Celtic music
- cultural experience
- traditional
- music festival
Shops
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Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
ποΈPremier destination featuring over 100 professional Cape Breton craft producers in their Gallery Shop downtown. Offers jewelry, fashion accessories, homewares and gifts designed and handcrafted by local makers.
What to Find:
- artisan collective
- contemporary crafts
- local makers
- gallery shop
Arts North
ποΈFeatures eclectic variety of mediums including pottery, jewellery, wood, fibre, quilts, weaving, prints and glass from artisans inspired by Cape Breton's natural beauty.
What to Find:
- heritage craft
- modern techniques
- diverse mediums
- creative inspiration
Artisan Shops & Galleries Trail
ποΈNetwork of local studios, galleries and artisan workshops across the island featuring pottery, rug hooking, and hands-on craft experiences.
What to Find:
- studio tours
- workshops
- local arts scene
- craft trail
Tours
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Pleasant Bay Whale Watching
πΆIntimate-sized whale watching tours exploring coastal waters with abundant wildlife and spectacular beauty. Each 1.5-2 hour tour is guided by experienced captains who provide interactive experiences.
Tour Highlights:
- whale watching
- marine wildlife
- coastal exploration
- interactive tours
Keltic Express Zodiac Adventures (KEZA)
πΆAdventure tours on the world-famous Cabot Trail at Ingonish, offering unique opportunities to discover northern Cape Breton's marine life near coastlines.
Tour Highlights:
- zodiac adventures
- Cabot Trail
- marine life
- adventure tours
Private Cabot Trail Discovery Tour
πΆThe most practical way to experience the island's famous scenic route with a local's perspective. Offers flexibility to stop for photos and explore at your own pace.
Tour Highlights:
- scenic drives
- local perspective
- photography
- flexible touring
Hikes
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Skyline Trail
π₯ΎThe most iconic Cape Breton hike featuring dramatic cliff-edge views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Hikers emerge from forest to spectacular ocean vistas that are breathtaking enough to forget to even reach for your camera.
Trail Highlights:
- coastal views
- boardwalk
- whale watching
- dramatic cliffs
Middle Head Trail
π₯ΎA spectacular coastal loop following a narrow peninsula separating North and South Ingonish Bays, ending on headland cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Smokey, and Ingonish Island.
Trail Highlights:
- coastal loop
- peninsula
- seabird watching
- fishing boat sightings
North River Falls Trail
π₯ΎLeads to Nova Scotia's tallest waterfall at 32 meters through Cape Breton forest terrain with technical and non-technical sections. Features seasonal butterfly migrations in June-July.
Trail Highlights:
- waterfall
- tallest waterfall
- river crossings
- butterfly migrations
Attractions
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Cabot Trail
ποΈA spectacular 298-kilometer scenic drive winding through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged coastlines, and lush forests.
Key Features:
- scenic drive
- coastal views
- photography
- outdoor adventure
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
ποΈRenowned for its rugged natural beauty, offering stunning vistas, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. World-class destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- national park
- hiking
- wildlife
- scenic beauty
Fortress of Louisbourg
ποΈA National Historic Site offering a living history experience of 18th-century French colonial life. North America's largest historical reconstruction.
Key Features:
- historical site
- living history
- French colonial
- UNESCO
Events
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Celtic Colours International Festival
πWorld-renowned 9-day celebration of Celtic culture featuring over 300 events across the island during peak fall foliage season.
Event Features:
- Celtic music
- cultural festival
- fall foliage
- international artists
Festival of the Arts (Festival de l'Art)
πCelebration of Acadian culture and arts in the ChΓ©ticamp region featuring traditional music, dance, visual arts, and Acadian cuisine.
Event Features:
- Acadian culture
- French heritage
- arts festival
- traditional music
Cabot Trail Acoustic Festival
πIntimate music festival featuring folk, roots, and acoustic performances in small venues along the Cabot Trail showcasing local and regional talent.
Event Features:
- acoustic music
- folk
- intimate venues
- local talent