13 Best Shopping in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Showcasing the work of more than 80 traditional and cutting-edge Cape Breton artisans in its airy gallery, the center, which houses on-site studios for pottery, weaving, and glass- and jewelry-making, also hosts hands-on workshops that are open to craft aficionados. Pick up a copy of the Artisan Trail Map here to find more studios elsewhere.

The vendors at this vibrant Saturday morning market sell everything from local honey, produce, and baked goods to hand-crafted jewelry, ceramics, and photography. There's also a food hall where you can pick up excellent Indian and Korean cuisine to enjoy mid-shop, as well as sweet treats and coffee. 

This bright and airy store stocks a huge range of crafts from local artisans, including jewelry, apparel, jams, leather goods, prints, and photography as well as books by local authors. Most items are trendy rather than traditional, and this is a great place to pick up neat souvenirs. 

This bright and modern gallery showcases local folk art woodcarvings, screenprinting, jewelry, and all manner of made-in-the-Maritimes handicrafts. Some say that the attached café serves the best coffee in Cape Breton, and once you try their baked goods you'll want to grab a few extras for the road. 

Filled with Celtic and clan-related items—crafts, books, clothing, and music—this shop has a custom-kilt maker on-site.

Gorgeous glassware—be it stained, painted, blown, or fused—is sold here. There are also glass-blowing demonstrations. 

Top island retailers—among them Hattie's Heirlooms, the Cape Breton Curiosity Shop, Two Macs Gallery, and the Kilted Moose Trading Company—are represented at Harbourside Boutiques in the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion. They're only open seasonally: sometimes daily in high season, sometimes just when cruise ships are in port. On cruise ship days, you'll also find the Big Fiddle Market, with crafts from more than 50 local artisans.

In addition to the metal sculptures with engaging and elegant forms, this gallery features photographic art and craft items.

Butter-soft purses in beautiful, bright hues, pet collars, wallets, bags, and nifty items for the home are the specialties here, all crafted in the adjoining workshop.

Much of the lead-free pewter giftware and jewelry created here and on display in the bright showroom is inspired by Celtic designs.

Need a new outfit, or something to top off the one you're wearing? Fashions and theatrical handmade hats in almost every imaginable style and fabric are crafted here by milliner and costume designer Barbara Longva.

Cool clay creations, many of them in the shape of area animals, are the specialty here.

Wooden bowls, boxes, toys, and trinkets are made on-site here.