Cape Breton

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

Fortress of Louisbourg

4.7

Largest historical reconstruction in North America, bringing 18th-century New France to life.

Cabot Trail

Cabot Trail

4.9

World-renowned scenic drive through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Celtic Colours Festival

Celtic Colours Festival

4.9

Annual celebration of Celtic music and culture throughout Cape Breton Island.

What to Do & See

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Baddeck Lobster Suppers

Baddeck Lobster Suppers

🍽️

Classic 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:
  • β€’ lobster
  • β€’ seafood
  • β€’ traditional
  • β€’ all-you-can-eat
β†’ View Menu & Details
L'Abri Cafe, Restaurant et Bar

L'Abri Cafe, Restaurant et Bar

🍽️

Classic 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:
  • β€’ French cuisine
  • β€’ Acadian
  • β€’ ocean views
  • β€’ traditional dishes
β†’ View Menu & Details
Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery

Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery

🍽️

Baked 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:
  • β€’ bakery
  • β€’ cafe
  • β€’ sandwiches
  • β€’ baked goods
β†’ View Menu & Details
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Drive the Iconic Cabot Trail

Drive the Iconic Cabot Trail

🎯

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:
  • β€’ scenic drive
  • β€’ coastal views
  • β€’ road trip
  • β€’ autumn foliage
β†’ View Activity Details
Hike the Skyline Trail

Hike the Skyline Trail

🎯

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:
  • β€’ hiking
  • β€’ boardwalk
  • β€’ coastal views
  • β€’ wildlife
β†’ View Activity Details
Attend a Traditional Ceilidh in Judique

Attend a Traditional Ceilidh in Judique

🎯

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:
  • β€’ Celtic music
  • β€’ cultural experience
  • β€’ traditional
  • β€’ music festival
β†’ View Activity Details
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Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design

πŸ›οΈ

Premier 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.

πŸ›οΈ What to Find:
  • β€’ artisan collective
  • β€’ contemporary crafts
  • β€’ local makers
  • β€’ gallery shop
β†’ View Shopping Details
Arts North

Arts North

πŸ›οΈ

Features eclectic variety of mediums including pottery, jewellery, wood, fibre, quilts, weaving, prints and glass from artisans inspired by Cape Breton's natural beauty.

πŸ›οΈ What to Find:
  • β€’ heritage craft
  • β€’ modern techniques
  • β€’ diverse mediums
  • β€’ creative inspiration
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Artisan Shops & Galleries Trail

Artisan Shops & Galleries Trail

πŸ›οΈ

Network of local studios, galleries and artisan workshops across the island featuring pottery, rug hooking, and hands-on craft experiences.

πŸ›οΈ What to Find:
  • β€’ studio tours
  • β€’ workshops
  • β€’ local arts scene
  • β€’ craft trail
β†’ View Shopping Details
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Pleasant Bay Whale Watching

Pleasant Bay Whale Watching

🚢

Intimate-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:
  • β€’ whale watching
  • β€’ marine wildlife
  • β€’ coastal exploration
  • β€’ interactive tours
β†’ View Tour Details
Keltic Express Zodiac Adventures (KEZA)

Keltic Express Zodiac Adventures (KEZA)

🚢

Adventure tours on the world-famous Cabot Trail at Ingonish, offering unique opportunities to discover northern Cape Breton's marine life near coastlines.

🚢 Tour Highlights:
  • β€’ zodiac adventures
  • β€’ Cabot Trail
  • β€’ marine life
  • β€’ adventure tours
β†’ View Tour Details
Private Cabot Trail Discovery Tour

Private Cabot Trail Discovery Tour

🚢

The 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:
  • β€’ scenic drives
  • β€’ local perspective
  • β€’ photography
  • β€’ flexible touring
β†’ View Tour Details
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Skyline Trail

Skyline Trail

πŸ₯Ύ

The 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.

πŸ₯Ύ Trail Highlights:
  • β€’ coastal views
  • β€’ boardwalk
  • β€’ whale watching
  • β€’ dramatic cliffs
β†’ View Trail Details
Middle Head Trail

Middle Head Trail

πŸ₯Ύ

A 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.

πŸ₯Ύ Trail Highlights:
  • β€’ coastal loop
  • β€’ peninsula
  • β€’ seabird watching
  • β€’ fishing boat sightings
β†’ View Trail Details
North River Falls Trail

North River Falls Trail

πŸ₯Ύ

Leads 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.

πŸ₯Ύ Trail Highlights:
  • β€’ waterfall
  • β€’ tallest waterfall
  • β€’ river crossings
  • β€’ butterfly migrations
β†’ View Trail Details
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Cabot Trail

Cabot Trail

πŸ›οΈ

A spectacular 298-kilometer scenic drive winding through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged coastlines, and lush forests.

πŸ›οΈ Key Features:
  • β€’ scenic drive
  • β€’ coastal views
  • β€’ photography
  • β€’ outdoor adventure
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Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

πŸ›οΈ

Renowned for its rugged natural beauty, offering stunning vistas, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. World-class destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

πŸ›οΈ Key Features:
  • β€’ national park
  • β€’ hiking
  • β€’ wildlife
  • β€’ scenic beauty
β†’ View Attraction Details
Fortress of Louisbourg

Fortress of Louisbourg

πŸ›οΈ

A National Historic Site offering a living history experience of 18th-century French colonial life. North America's largest historical reconstruction.

πŸ›οΈ Key Features:
  • β€’ historical site
  • β€’ living history
  • β€’ French colonial
  • β€’ UNESCO
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Celtic Colours International Festival

Celtic Colours International Festival

πŸŽ‰

World-renowned 9-day celebration of Celtic culture featuring over 300 events across the island during peak fall foliage season.

πŸŽ‰ Event Features:
  • β€’ Celtic music
  • β€’ cultural festival
  • β€’ fall foliage
  • β€’ international artists
β†’ View Event Details
Festival of the Arts (Festival de l'Art)

Festival of the Arts (Festival de l'Art)

πŸŽ‰

Celebration of Acadian culture and arts in the ChΓ©ticamp region featuring traditional music, dance, visual arts, and Acadian cuisine.

πŸŽ‰ Event Features:
  • β€’ Acadian culture
  • β€’ French heritage
  • β€’ arts festival
  • β€’ traditional music
β†’ View Event Details
Cabot Trail Acoustic Festival

Cabot Trail Acoustic Festival

πŸŽ‰

Intimate music festival featuring folk, roots, and acoustic performances in small venues along the Cabot Trail showcasing local and regional talent.

πŸŽ‰ Event Features:
  • β€’ acoustic music
  • β€’ folk
  • β€’ intimate venues
  • β€’ local talent
β†’ View Event Details