Top Things to do in Cape Breton Island
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The 10 Best Things to do in Cape Breton Island, Canada
"For simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all." So said Alexander Graham Bell of the island he adopted as his home. Rich with Celtic, Mi'kmaq and Acadian heritage, Cape Breton is a delight for history buffs, music lovers and explorers of nature. Immerse yourself in 18th-century life at the Fortress of Louisbourg, explore the winding roads and Atlantic vistas of the Cabot Trail, and seek out a local Ceilidh for a lively and rousing experience.
Restaurants in Cape Breton Island
1. Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,529 reviews
Treasures abound throughout the headlands and rugged cliffs of Cape Breton Highlands with its abundant wildlife, spectacular scenery and human history dating back to the last Ice Age.
Reviewed By live2love_love2live - Wilmington, United States
There is so much to see, do, and explore in this beautiful area of Nova Scotia. If you love a variety of hiking trails, great photo opportunities, chance encounters with wildlife, remote/quiet locations, and unsurpassed beauty, then you MUST visit this national park.
2. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,088 reviews
This museum chronicles the life and career of Alexander Graham Bell with its rich collection of artifacts and documents accumulated by Dr. Bell and his family during their time in Nova Scotia.
Reviewed By SueK167 - Laguna Woods, United States
Had no idea the many contributions made by Alexander Bell in addition to the telephone, ie aviation, hearing impaired, boating, conservation, etc, etc. Beautiful museum displaying this man's many talents with minimal education. Highly recommend when in Baddeck NS
3. Cabot Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,759 reviews
One of the most magnificent loop drives in North America treats visitors to the spectacular scenery of the Cape Breton Highlands.
Reviewed By Lets_Cruise_13 - Ottawa, Canada
On Tuesday August 20th, 2019, leaving Baddeck my wife and I drove the Cabot Trail which is a scenic highway completed in 1932 in northern Victoria County and Inverness County on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. The Cabot Trail is 298 km or 185 miles in length and completes a loop around the northern tip of the island, passing along and through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park (the Park). That morning, at the Park’s East Gate we stopped to purchase two $7.80 adult day passes to drive through the Park. At the booth, the Park employee provided us with information on what to look for and other fishing villages to visit. The western and eastern sections of the Park follow the rugged coastline, with views of the ocean. The southwestern section passes through the Margaree River valley before passing along Bras d'Or Lake. Driving the Trail, we stopped at the many lookout spots in and outside the Park, such as Lakies Head, Neil’s Harbour, Rusty Anchor Restaurant in Pleasant Bay, Chéticamp and in Inverness to take photos of mountainous plateau, ocean views and fishing villages during our scenic drive through stunning landscape. What a marvelous day it was for travelling! For nature lovers, hikers or just anyone wishing to visit Cape Breton Island and the surrounding areas, the Cabot Trail and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a must to see as it provides beautiful scenes. We would recommend it to family and friends.
4. Skyline Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 825 reviews
Reviewed By LuluReview - Canada, null
This trail is a must when traveling along the Cabot Trail! There is lots of free parking and bathrooms at the trail entrance. While the trail is located high up in the mountains, the terrain was quite level and easy to navigate. We did the shorter route and took our time to enjoy the views along the way, and especially at the end (even with some fog).
5. Les Trois Pignons
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
6. Acadian Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By U4991XLmichelc - Cheticamp, Canada
Great hike, kind of like 5 hikes in one.....terrain goes from lush, moss, forest, canopy, to top of mountain open air. Great views of Cheticamp (make sure you do trail counter-clockwise to see views coming back down). Takes about 2-3 hours depending on how fast you go. Wild blueberries on the top! Wonderful hike close to the village of Cheticamp.
7. Saint Peter's Church
8. Gypsum Mine Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By 694lesleem - Sydney, Canada
We were in the area, and happened upon by accident. I had always wanted to go there so we stopped. It’s a fairly easy walk in. One part is a bit of an incline, but wide and open. It’s worth it. The water is amazing to see and in September was still quite warm. It’s such a cool place to see. Not really the setting for “a day at the lake” as there is not a lot of shore for multiple people but a very cool experience!!!!
9. The Big Fiddle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 598 reviews
Reviewed By Gonen2014 - Haifa, Israel
We arrived in Sydney at Cruise Ship and the first thing I saw on the pier was The Big Fiddle; What a musical reception! The Fiddle is 60 feet high and was designed and built by Cyril Hearn. In 2005 The Big Fiddle was placed here as a salute to the folk music and traditions of the Celtic community here in Nova Scotia.
10. Sydney Downtown Development Association
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 113 reviews
Want to experience Sydney? Visit Downtown Sydney - a safe, clean, inviting, and walk-able district with a business-friendly area for residents and visitors to experience our unique and vibrant small town atmosphere. Home to a beautiful waterfront boardwalk linked to the world's largest fiddle, and minutes to our historic district, not to mention a wealth of unique retailers and hotels, with so much to experience Downtown Sydney is proud to be the core of the CBRM.
Reviewed By db1227 - Ottawa, Canada
There is an excellent boardwalk along the waterfront which is a must-do if you would like a nice leisurely stroll, or jog if you prefer. We were there when a cruise ship was in port and that was a nice visual. The big fiddle offers a worthwhile photo-op.
