Cape Breton Island

Introducing Cape Breton Island

Floating over the rest of Nova Scotia like an island halo, Cape Breton is a heavenly, forested realm of bald eagles, migrating whales, palpable history and foot-tappping music. Starting up the Ceilidh Trail along the western coastline, Celtic music vibrates through the pubs and community centers, eventually reaching the Cabot Trail where more eclectic Acadian-style tunes ring out around Chéticamp.

The 300km Cabot Trail continues around Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It winds and climbs around and over coastal mountains, with heart-stopping ocean views at every turn, moose on the roads (watch out!) and plenty of trails to stop and hike.

Take a side-trip to Glace Bay to learn first-hand about the region’s coal mining history, Fortress Louisbourg in the east to get a taste of 18th century military life or at the Highland Village Museum in Iona to get some visuals of what life was like for early Scottish immigrants. The region around the Bras d’Or Lake offers opportunities to explore the history and present of the Mi’kmaq First Nation and in Baddeck you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about Alexander Graham Bell.

Most tourists visit in July and August, and many restaurants, accommodations and VICs are only open from mid-June to September. Celtic Colours (www.celtic-colours.com; October), a wonderful roving music festival that attracts top musicians from Scotland, Spain and other countries with Celtic connections, helps extend the season into the fall – a superb time to visit.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009