Cape Breton Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Cape Breton Island which includes 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 ₹7,511 per night from 26 May to 27 May
₹7,511
per night
26 May - 27 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
6.8/10 (1,001 reviews)
"Cheap, clean and has a pool, free breakfast and pet friendly"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Travelodge by Wyndham Sydney
Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
300 Esplanade, Sydney, NS
Fully refundable
The price is ₹10,662 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
₹10,662
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews.
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Staff"

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront, an IHG Hotel
The Simon Hotel Sydney
The Simon Hotel Sydney
3.5 out of 5
380 Esplanade, Sydney, NS
The price is ₹12,763 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹12,763
per night
12 May - 13 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"the renovations are quite amazing!"

Reviewed on 9 May 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 cottage in Ingonish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a picnic area. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions Franey ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (334 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 18 Mar 2024

Ingonish Chalets
Lighthouse Cottages
Lighthouse Cottages
3 out of 5
8537 Route 19, Port Hood, NS
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Port Hood. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (119 reviews)
"Older property but well maintained. Quiet location with limited shopping - go prepared! easy access to sandy beach"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2023

Lighthouse Cottages
Chisholms of Troy Coastal Cottages
Chisholms of Troy Coastal Cottages
3.5 out of 5
1327 Highway 19, Troy, NS
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (191 reviews)
"This place was absolutely awesome. Highly recomended"

Reviewed on 19 Dec 2023

Chisholms of Troy Coastal Cottages
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Cape Breton Island