About Arts North
Features eclectic variety of mediums including pottery, jewellery, wood, fibre, quilts, weaving, prints and glass from artisans inspired by Cape Breton's natural beauty.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
Arts North has sold work by Cape Breton makers from its post-and-beam gallery on the northern Cabot Trail since it was founded in 1978. The consignment collective carries juried work from more than 20 local artisans, all of it made on the island, which sets it apart from the souvenir shops that line the highway further south. Whales, moose, shorebirds, and coastal flora show up again and again in the work, and artist notes posted beside each piece tell you who made it and how.
The gallery operates as a consignment collective, with a thoughtful post-and-beam interior space that displays work across diverse mediums: pottery, jewellery, woodwork, fibre arts, quilts, weaving, prints, glass, photography, and basketry. Much of the work draws on Cape Breton's wildlife and coastline — whales, moose, shorebirds, and coastal flora appear as recurring motifs. The artist blurbs next to each piece give context to the makers and their techniques.
What to Expect
- Juried works from 20+ Cape Breton artisans — pottery, jewellery, woodwork, fibre arts, prints, and glass
- Exclusively locally made crafts, with no mass-produced imports
- Art inspired by the island's wildlife and coastline
- A sunlit post-and-beam gallery space on the Cabot Trail
- Worldwide shipping available for larger purchases
Practical Information
- Location: 28571 Cabot Trail, Cape North, NS B0C 1G0 (near Dingwall, on Cape Breton's northern tip)
- Hours: Seasonal, June 1 to October 24, daily 9 AM-6 PM; closed winters
- Website: https://arts-north.com
- Contact: (902) 383-2911
Tips for Visitors
Admission is free, with no reservations required. The gallery accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Debit. Plan around 30-45 minutes to browse comfortably, and the staff know every piece on display — ask about specific artists or techniques. Arts North makes an ideal stop while driving the northern section of the Cabot Trail.
At a Glance
| Location | 28571 Cabot Trail, Cape North, NS B0C 1G0, near Dingwall on Cape Breton's northern tip |
|---|---|
| What it is | A consignment collective founded in 1978 in a sunlit post-and-beam gallery on the northern Cabot Trail |
| Makers | Juried work from more than 20 Cape Breton artisans, all of it made on the island |
| Media | Pottery, jewellery, woodwork, fibre arts, quilts, weaving, prints, glass, photography and basketry |
| Season | June 1 to October 24, daily 9 AM to 6 PM, closed winters |
| Admission | Free, no reservations required |
| Time to allow | 30 to 45 minutes to browse comfortably |
| Payment & shipping | Visa, Mastercard and Debit; worldwide shipping for larger purchases |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arts North on the Cabot Trail?
A consignment collective founded in 1978, selling from a sunlit post-and-beam gallery on the northern Cabot Trail near Dingwall. It carries juried work from more than 20 local artisans, all of it made on Cape Breton Island, which sets it apart from the souvenir shops that line the highway further south.
What kinds of crafts does Arts North sell?
Pottery, jewellery, woodwork, fibre arts, quilts, weaving, prints, glass, photography and basketry. Much of the work draws on Cape Breton's wildlife and coastline, with whales, moose, shorebirds and coastal flora as recurring motifs, and the artist notes beside each piece name the maker and the technique.
When is Arts North open?
Seasonally: June 1 to October 24, daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. The gallery closes for winter, so time a visit for the summer or fall driving season on the northern Cabot Trail.
How long should I plan for a visit, and do I need tickets?
Plan 30 to 45 minutes to browse comfortably. Admission is free and no reservations are required. Staff know every piece on display, so it is worth asking about specific artists or techniques.
Can I ship a purchase home from Arts North?
Yes, worldwide shipping is available for larger purchases, which matters for pottery, glass and framed prints. The gallery accepts Visa, Mastercard and Debit.
Where exactly is Arts North, and how do I contact it?
At 28571 Cabot Trail, Cape North, Nova Scotia, near Dingwall on the island's northern tip. Phone (902) 383-2911 or see arts-north.com. It makes an ideal stop while driving the northern section of the Cabot Trail.
