Cape Breton Island

Travel Guide
Cape Breton Island showing rugged coastline
A rich Celtic heritage blends with First Nation and Acadian cultural influences on this remote and breathtakingly scenic Nova Scotian island.

Cape Breton Island draws visitors from all over the world due to its famous hiking and driving trails and unique local culture. Witness the Celtic influence running through the music and customs of this special island, the only place in North America where Scottish Gaelic is still spoken.

Visit the island to explore traditions preserved since settlers arrived from the Scottish Highlands in the early 19th century. Find signs of the even earlier Acadian settlers in towns such as Chéticamp, where the Acadian French dialect can still be heard. Explore the heritage of the first people to dwell on this land, the First Nation communities who still thrive here.

One of the major attractions of the island is the Cabot Trail. Drive this 186-mile (300-kilometer) trail that winds around oceanfront cliffs for astonishing mountain views. Make time to stop at some of the numerous hiking trails, scenic lookouts and charming towns scattered along the route.

Another popular natural attraction is the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Discover its diverse mountain and forest habitats, home to animals including moose and eagles or head to Bras d’Or Lake to spot a huge array of waterfowl.

To experience Celtic culture at its strongest, time your trip to coincide with one the festivals of Scottish music and dance held throughout the year. Also be sure to visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, a museum dedicated to one of Scotland’s most famous sons, the inventor of the telephone. The museum is located in village of Baddeck on the northern shore of Bras d’Or Lake.

The Membertou community is one of the island’s five First Nation communities. Learn about their fascinating history at the Membertou Heritage Park. Explore a different experience of island life at the Fortress of Louisbourg, a detailed recreation of an 18th-century Canadian settlement, complete with actors in period dress.

Fly to Cape Breton Island’s domestic airport, the JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport. Although Cape Breton Island is now easily accessible by air, its remote location at the northern point of Nova Scotia has meant that it has historically been hard to get to. That’s why its patchwork of local traditions remains so distinctive.

Travelodge by Wyndham Sydney
Travelodge by Wyndham Sydney
2 out of 5
480 Kings Road, Sydney, NS
The price is ¥10,528 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
¥10,528
per night
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
6.8/10 (1,003 reviews)
"Staff was great room was clean"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Travelodge by Wyndham Sydney
Hampton Inn by Hilton Sydney
Hampton Inn by Hilton Sydney
2.5 out of 5
60 Maillard Street, Sydney, NS
The price is ¥16,004 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
¥16,004
per night
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"My room was very spacious and comfy!"

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

Hampton Inn by Hilton Sydney
The Simon Hotel Sydney
The Simon Hotel Sydney
3.5 out of 5
380 Esplanade, Sydney, NS
The price is ¥18,828 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
¥18,828
per night
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Clean & quiet"

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

The Simon Hotel Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ingonish Chalets
Ingonish Chalets
3 out of 5
36784 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Ingonish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (332 reviews)
"Really nice staff and quick to respond even in off season. Cabin is large and clean, high ceilings makes it feel even bigger. There is plenty of cooking supplies and a awesome place to stay."

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

Ingonish Chalets
La Cale - waterfront property
La Cale - waterfront property
Petit Étang
Stay at this apartment in Cheticamp. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a patio. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Centre de ...
9/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
Well stocked and well located
"For 2 couples travelling together, the accommodation was excellent. We appreciated the well stocked cupboards and access to the Park and the community. The only problem I had was with communication through VRBO when I tried to ‘reply’ to messages. We would stay again."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2023

La Cale - waterfront property
Sable Point Cottage->DISCOUNTED PRICE if less than 6 people (Send Me An Inquiry)
Sable Point Cottage->DISCOUNTED PRICE if less than 6 people (Send Me An Inquiry)
Grand River
Stay at this cottage in Saint Esprit. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and onsite parking. Discover genuine guest reviews for Sable Point Cottage->DISCOUNTED PRICE ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Relaxing stay
"We enjoyed our time at Christoph’s property in St Esprit. Christoph is a wonderful host and the property was very relaxing."

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2023

Sable Point Cottage->DISCOUNTED PRICE if less than 6 people (Send Me An Inquiry)
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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