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 Couples
"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. Doug Fraser Art Gallery and Sculptural Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Doug invites you to visit is working gallery for a Conversation thru Art. Enjoy a walk through his sculptural garden, a tremendous view of the ocean, and of course come into his gallery and see what he is working on. Doug paints in oil canvas and linen and has been working as a professional artist for 14 years. Doug has been welcoming people from all corners of the earth to his studio/gallery for the past 10 years. Born and raised in Cape Breton Doug Fraser is deeply connected to the land and spirit of this place, Cape Breton Island. His pursuit is light, and his unique style enables him to create that ethereal perspective he has become so well known for in his landscape and seascapes. His studio is located just five minutes from the Village of Inverness on the West Coast of Cape Breton Island and overlooks the Northumberland Strait.
Reviewed By maryy871 - Charlottesville, United States
Doug gave us a wonderful tour of both his painting studio and property. His paintings are stunning and he even told us how to get to some of the views he painted. His tree and stone sculptures are equally as fascinating and it was interesting hearing his process of making them. His cats Pepper and Casper were also a treat to meet! You must stop by if you are near Inverness.
3. Louisbourg Lighthouse Coastal Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By SylviaA478 - Colorado Springs, United States
This trail starts by the Louisbourg Lighthouse and goes along the coast with spectacular views of the Ocean. This trail is in the open as opposed to most in Nova Scotia which are in the trees. The wide vistas, beautiful wild flowers and crashing waves on the rugged coastline made this our favorite hike. Wish we had planned for more time spent there.
4. White Point Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By JFLeB325 - Moncton, Canada
We came here today for a quick walk. What a great place for a hike. There are no signs here. Park at the wharf and follow the rocky road. You will not regret it.
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. 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.
7. Bras d'Or Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By BearBel50 - Oberhausen, Germany
This salt water lake has it all. Serenity, watersports, wildlife. It will take you more than a day to drive around and take it all in. You will always come back and want to see more.
8. 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.
9. 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).
10. Cape Breton Miners' Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
Reviewed By motorhead2469 - Juniper, Canada
This is a must go to, we went to Louisburg in the morning and Miners Museum in the afternoon! The underground tour is great, amazing stories that keep you entirely engaged. Tough on taller people or if you have a bad back. Next time I will bring a kneeling pad to be more comfortable during the stops. Perhaps they could offer that there?
