Cape Breton Island
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Cape Breton Island - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
This very engaging site pays homage to the many inventions and humanitarian work of Alexander Graham Bell. Inside the main building, films, photos, artifacts, and models provide a window into his ideas for creating telephones, man-carrying kites, airplanes, and a record-setting hydrofoil boat (a full-scale replica of which dominates one exhibit hall). A kid's corner hosts demos and hands-on activities for aspiring young inventors. Bell spent large blocks of time, from 1886 until his death in 1922, at his Baddeck estate—Beinn Bhreagh, Gaelic for "beautiful mountain." His home (which is still owned by the family), and some spectacular scenery, can be seen from the roof of the National Historic Site that bears his name.
559 Chebucto St., Baddeck, Nova Scotia, B0E 1B0, Canada902-295–2069Sight Details
Rate Includes: C$8, Closed Nov.–late-May -
2. Cape Breton Highlands National Park
A 950-square-km (366-square-mile) wilderness of wooded valleys, barren plateaus, and steep cliffs, Cape Breton Highlands National Park stretches across northern Cape Breton from the gulf shore to the Atlantic. High-altitude bogs here are home to wild orchids and other unique flora. Moose, eagles, deer, bears, foxes, bobcats, and coyotes call this home, and your chances of spotting wildlife improve if you venture off the main road and hike one of the trails at dusk or dawn. The park has 26 hiking trails, ranging from a few yards to a lookout point to 12-km (7½-mile) treks to salmon pools or to a remote cove, and guided hikes are among various activities on offer. A permit or pass is required for entering sections of the Cabot Trail within the national park and for use of the facilities; there are additional fees for camping, fishing, and golf. Full details are available at the gateway information centers.
37639 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, Nova Scotia, Canada902-224–2306Sight Details
Rate Includes: C$8 -
3. Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
This may be Cape Breton's—or even Nova Scotia's—most remarkable attraction. After the French were forced out of mainland Nova Scotia in 1713, they established their headquarters here in a walled, fortified town at the mouth of Louisbourg Harbour. The fortress was captured twice (by New Englanders in 1745 and by the British in 1758), and after the second attack it was razed, a critical factor in ending France's dream of a North American empire. In the 1960s, archaeologists rebuilt a fifth of the fortress, using the original plans. From June through mid-October, costumed interpreters well versed in the history of the site convincingly re-create the era with military drills, cannon-firing, and general day-to-day activities of the 18th-century inhabitants. The three inns serve food prepared from 18th-century recipes. Free guided tours are given in high season, and events—including themed dinner theaters and archaeological programs—make a visit even more memorable. An off-season visit, without all these activities, can paint an even more compelling picture of life here 300 years ago.
265 Parks Service Rd., Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, B1C 2L2, Canada902-733–3552Sight Details
Rate Includes: C$18 late June–mid-Oct., C$8 mid-Oct.–late June; guided tour C$4 -
4. Highland Village Museum
The 43-acre "village" is set high on a mountainside with a spectacular view of Bras d'Or Lake and narrow Barra Strait. Its 11 historical buildings (among them a forge, a school, a church, and a barn filled with heritage breeds of livestock) were assembled from all over the province to depict the Highland Scots' way of life, from their origins in the Hebrides to the present day. Costumed animators who tackle daily chores lend the village a further touch of authenticity and are always on the ready to give an impromptu Gaelic lesson. Interactive programs include games and activities for children. There's a gift shop on-site as well as a Genealogy and Family History Center (open by appointment) that may be of interest to anyone with Cape Breton blood in their veins. In the off-season, the gift shop remains open weekdays when the rest of the site is closed.
4119 Hwy. 223, Baddeck, Nova Scotia, B2C 1A3, Canada902-725–2272Sight Details
Rate Includes: C$11, Closed mid-Oct.–May, except Sydney cruise ship days -
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