Top Things to do in Cape Breton Island
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What to do and see in Cape Breton Island, Canada: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
"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. North River Kayak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 210 reviews
NRKT is situated on the Murray Rd. in North River, Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia, Canada. North River Kayak Tours property is located just steps away from our launch site where we paddle anywhere from 3 hours to 5 days along the coastline of Cape Breton Island. See why we are listed within Trip Advisors top 10% receiving their Certificate of excellence in 2013.
2. 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.
3. Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 294 reviews
Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours is one of the 100 Must-See Destinations in Unforgettable Atlantic Canada! On the 2 1/2 - 3 hour boat tour you'll be amazed at the beautiful rock formations on the way to the Islands , a stop to look at an old sea cave as well as a stop or two to feed some Bald Eagles. The Bird Islands are home to Grey Seals, Bald Eagles ,Atlantic Puffins and other sea birds. Our vessel, Highland Lass has all removable windows down both sides (refit 2012) for easy viewing and taking pictures from the comfort of your seat.Our tour spends over an hour at the Islands viewing birds (more if necessary) this does not include the time spent feeding Bald Eagles on the way to and from the Islands or stopping for anything else of interest, whales dolphins, gannets etc. The tour is offered in English , however there are written transcripts ( limited numbers of each ) of the whole tour available on the boat in English, French and German to make your experience more enjoyable. Please note that tours can be cancelled due to unsafe sailing conditions.
4. Cabot Discovery Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 151 reviews
Want to see the best of Cape Breton but are short on time? We are a sightseeing business offering small group tours from Baddeck and shore excursions from the Port of Sydney. In addition to shared small group tours of the Cabot Trail, we offer cruise excursions and a variety of private tour options. Come with us and experience the coastal drives, wildlife, history, music and culture of Cape Breton Island.
5. Highland Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
Experience the lifestyle of the Scots in Nova Scotia at the Village's Outdoor Pioneer Museum or look up your Cape Breton roots at the Genealogy and Family History Centre. The Highland Village is situated on a beautiful site overlooking the Bras d'Or Lakes and is open from May to mid October.
Reviewed By rzm1949 - Tampa, United States
With our Family Scottish heritage, we anticipated this would be a good primer on early Canadian Settlers from there. It was about an hour drive from the Port of Halifax, but we took on of the cruise ship tours so we didn't have to arrange this tour on our own. We were delighted to find this was a living history museum. We were greeted in Gaelic and given an overview (in English) of what we were about to see. Most of the buildings were moved to the location from elsewhere and created a time line of everyday life from the 1770 to 1920. The exception was the original log cabin which deteriorated over time and was replaced with a replica. Each building had one or more volunteers or museum employees dressed in period garb to greet visitors to each period in time. They had a narrative but seemed pleased to get other questions and happily responded. Baking was taking place in one home and the "farmer" answered many questions about his work placing new siding on the barn, as well as about the many animals there. The village is on a hill looking over Bras d Or Lake with simply stunning views. Come prepared to walk, but we also were treated to cookies and tea in the museum store. This was SO much more than we had expected and a lovely learning opportunity we won't forget and are glad we can talk about with our family!
6. 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
7. Bird Island Boat Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
Loads of Puffins, plus seals and bald eagles - boat tours daily from early May until early Sept. Puffins guaranteed from early May until mid-late Aug. Over 45 years running. Our new tour boat, 'Puffin Express' was built in 2010. A coastal experience all in the family will love with lots of open windows for great photos and fresh sea air.
8. 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.
9. Gaelic College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Situated in the heart of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts was founded in 1938 as a school devoted to the study and preservation of the Gaelic language, arts and culture. Students of all ages and abilities from around the world take courses at our Cape Breton campus and online. Our world-class instructors offer programs in Scottish traditional disciplines including Gaelic language and song, music, dance & crafts.
Reviewed By 592carolyna
We stopped in here on a rainy day after doing the Cabot Trail and were pleasantly surprised. For part of our visit, the two of us were the only visitors and yet they performed great demonstrations on fiddling, step-dancing, kilt making, weaving and other aspects of Gaelic culture. The staff was very hospitable and informative. Lovely gift store too. The schedule of the demonstrations is on their website so that you can plan your visit.
10. Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,122 reviews
Welcome to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a magical place on the edge of a continent where past and present come together to celebrate Canada’s diverse heritage. Please note that we have three seasons throughout the year: Low season Opportunities to experience the Fortress of Louisbourg's quiet streets during the low season allow visitors to imagine life in the toughest of conditions almost 300 years ago. While there are no services available, a low season visit may provide the best opportunity for visitors to experience the stillness of the streets, take in the beauty of the exterior architecture of the buildings, or simply enjoy the treasures that life's quietest moments may bring. For a new way to experience the site in the low season, try our Explora app. Through sound, video, photos, quizzes and text, you will hold stories about Louisbourg in your hands as you walk through both the reconstructed town and the fortress's ruins. Explora is available to download for free at the App Store and through Google Play. Shoulder season For those seeking quiet opportunities and some on-site services, visiting during the shoulder season is recommended. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy an inspiring setting with beautiful visuals as they stand on our history-laden grounds. Several buildings with exhibits are open for you to discover. Explore the site on your own or embark on an Explora tour of the grounds. To enhance your visit you may purchase a guided tour or participate in the Time Travel program. Accessible guided tours are available as well. We recommend reserving a place on these tours in advance. By the end of June, the site will begin to fill with costumed interpreters as we ramp up for peak season. After Labour Day, the Fortress of Louisbourg winds down once again with costumed animators interpreting some buildings into September. No matter the season, be sure to find out from reception what activities and experiences may be on offer that day. Peak Season Peak season brings a different kind of magic on-site as costumed people add life to the streets and the homes. A foggy day cloaks the site in mystery and creates scenes and images not to be forgotten. A cold day with wind and rain may draw visitors to the warmth of a welcoming fire or to the cozy inn for a warming bowl of soup. A hot day shows the town and its various gardens at their brightest. On summer feast days colour and pageantry break the routine of daily life as the townspeople promenade in their finery. Chores are the order of the day on summer and fall mornings. With the rooster's crow comes bread from the ovens that supplies both soldiers and hungry visitors. Louisbourg's inhabitants are happy to share their stories, and can be found working the forge, tending the gardens and running the kitchens. The beat of drums and the chime of the garrison clock order the soldiers' day. The sound of a cannon marks midday. You can even fire a cannon or musket yourself by taking part in our 'Have a Blast' or 'Have a Ball' programs. Music might be heard from a waterfront tavern. Children play games in the streets, while the sentry at the gate challenges those who wish to enter the walled town. A public punishment gathers spectators. Sheep run through the streets, called home by the stable hand. Each hour offers something unique and real. During the peak season you can immerse yourself in an 18th century dining experience, available daily, at the Hotel de la Marine and Grandchamp House. For those who prefer a modern experience L'Epee Royale Cafe offers a cozy stop for hot and cold beverages and a variety of pastries. Groups can pre-arrange a dining experience by calling 902-733-3552. The daily fare varies with the season. Please check in advance for menu options and our ability to accommodate any special dietary requirements. Hours of Operation Low season: October 11, 2016 - May 21, 2017) Open Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays) 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shoulder Season: May 22 2017 to June 30 2017 and September 5 2017 to October 9, 2017 Open 7 days per week 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Peak Season: July 1 - September 4 Open 7 days per week 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dining Establishment Hours of Operation Grandchamp House Lower class (Less formal dining) July 1 - August 25 (Doors open at 10:30 a.m.) Hotel de la Marine Upper class (More formal dining) July 1 - August 25 (Doors open at 11 a.m.) Hotel de la Marine Lower class (Less formal dining) August 26 - October 9 2017 (Doors open at 10:30 a.m.) L'Epee Royale Cafe May 22 - October 9 2017 (Doors open at 10 a.m.) When the Fortress of Louisbourg is in low season, programs and services are provided through the Fortress Louisbourg Association after-hours programs. Whether it's the bustling street or the solitude of the shore, a visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg offers many opportunities for memorable experiences.
Reviewed By Centauri27 - Vancouver, Canada
When visiting Nova Scotia, be sure to allot a full day to visit the Fortress of Louisbourg. It is a educational experience that it well worth it. The fortress is a one-quarter partial recreation of an 18th century French fortress. Wandering through the town really makes you feel like you've stepped back into time. The recreations are painstaking and authentic. I would not have known that almost everything I saw was a recreation, rather than the original object. There are several levels of admission at the fort: we were too late for the standard guided tour, so we elected to go with the enhanced tour that included actors in period costumes. I would recommend going with this option: it's the most authentic. We had an actor dressed in an authentic period costume of an 18th century French soldier. She led us through various buildings, meeting other actors. The stories they told were informative and fascinating. I had no idea that the soldiers were considered the "dregs" of society and how poorly they were treated! After the tour, we were free to continue to explore each building on our own. There is so much to see, learn, and photograph here.
