Cape Breton

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15 amazing places to discover in Cape Breton

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.

Highlights

scenic drivecoastal viewsroad tripautumn foliage
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.

Highlights

hikingboardwalkcoastal viewswildlife
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.

Highlights

Celtic musiccultural experiencetraditionalmusic festival
Explore Fortress of Louisbourg

Explore Fortress of Louisbourg

North America's largest historical reconstruction of an 18th-century French colonial fortress. Living history reenactments and traditional French cuisine.

Highlights

historical siteFrench colonialliving historyUNESCO
Kayak Bras d'Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere

Kayak Bras d'Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere

Paddle through calm inland sea waters with bald eagles, seals, and herons. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with unique ecosystem.

Highlights

kayakingUNESCOwildlifeinland sea
Whale Watching in Pleasant Bay

Whale Watching in Pleasant Bay

Summer migration season viewing various whale species in their natural habitat. Multiple whale species including humpbacks, minkes, and pilot whales.

Highlights

whale watchingmarine lifesummer activitywildlife
Cape Smokey Gondola Ride

Cape Smokey Gondola Ride

Year-round gondola with stunning Atlantic views, seasonal activities including winter skiing. Only gondola in Nova Scotia with year-round operation.

Highlights

gondolascenic viewsyear-roundwinter sports
Ingonish Beach

Ingonish Beach

Beautiful coastal beach with warm Gulf Stream waters and scenic boardwalks. Exceptionally warm waters for Atlantic Canada.

Highlights

beachswimmingwarm waterscoastal
Eskasoni Cultural Journeys

Eskasoni Cultural Journeys

Immersive Mi'kmaq cultural experiences showcasing 13,000+ years of indigenous heritage. Top-rated cultural tourism experience with traditional teachings and crafts.

Highlights

indigenous cultureMi'kmaqcultural immersiontraditional crafts
Alexander Graham Bell Museum

Alexander Graham Bell Museum

Comprehensive museum dedicated to Bell's communications and aviation innovations. Personal artifacts and working replicas of Bell's inventions.

Highlights

museumhistoricalinventionstechnology
Celtic Colours International Festival

Celtic Colours International Festival

9-day October festival with 50+ concerts and 250+ cultural events across the island. World's premier Celtic celebration showcasing Gaelic traditions.

Highlights

music festivalCelticcultural eventsOctober
The Bite House

The Bite House

Intimate dining experience with locally-sourced seasonal dishes and creative tasting menus. Farm-to-table approach in rustic setting.

Highlights

fine diningfarm-to-tabletasting menulocal cuisine
Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design

Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design

Hub for local artisans showcasing traditional and contemporary crafts. Working studios and workshops with local artists.

Highlights

craftsartisanslocal artworkshops
Membertou Heritage Park

Membertou Heritage Park

Cultural center celebrating Mi'kmaq heritage with traditional crafts, music, and cuisine. Authentic indigenous cultural experiences and events.

Highlights

indigenous cultureheritagecultural centerMi'kmaq
Moosebait Guided Tours

Moosebait Guided Tours

Local-led adventures to quiet trails and hidden spots. Authentic local experiences with knowledgeable guides.

Highlights

guided tourslocal guideshidden gemsadventure