Voted the most beautiful island in the world, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia has such an extensive line up of activities and attractions that you will need to devote several vacations to this destination in order to enjoy them all. The island may be small, put it sure packs a punch in the numerous things to do when you choose this part of the country for your next vacation ..... and the one after that, and so on. With so many things to see and do, this article will provide you with a brief sampling of some of what awaits you on Cape Breton Island.
Considered one of the world's most scenic destinations, the awe-inspiring scenery along this route will set your heart fluttering. This route of 580 km will take you through many communities and along the tops of the high cliffs from which you have a panoramic view.
Start your tour in Baddeck with a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum where you will learn about this great inventor's life and inventions. There are hands-on activities for every member of the family and special events take place at various times of the year. Situated on 10 hectares of land, you can stroll the perfectly landscaped grounds and gaze out over the Bras d'Or Lakes.
Camping, backpacking, hiking, golfing fishing - the Cape Breton Highlands National Park has it all. Take part in the interpretative programs offered during the summer months and visit the displays and exhibits at the Visitor's Center.
The Scottish heritage of the early settlers is alive and well at the Great Hall of the Clans in St. Ann's. Here you will learn about the immigration of the Scottish settlers and see their traditional dress in the many figures representing the clans of Scotland who have settled the area and have kept their heritage alive through the centuries. The interactive displays will provide you with invaluable information about the culture of the people of this part of the island.
On Ingonish Beach you can tee off at the Highlands Links Golf Course. This 18-hole, par-72 course was designed by Thomas Campbell and has been named one of the top 100 golf courses in the world by Golf Magazine.
At the Margaree Salmon Museum, located in a former schoolhouse, you will learn about the salmon fishing on the Margaree River. Among the exhibits you will find samples of fishing tackle through the centuries and stories about famous fishermen who have caught big ones in this region.
Ceilidh Trail
Make a stop at Cape Breton's Interpretative Music Centre in Judique to learn about the musical culture of the province. The fiddle and the bagpipe are features of this musical adventure as well as recordings in the traditional Gaelic language of the early settlers. On Sundays, the ceilidh is a regular event and one that you don't want to miss.
The Glenora Distillery, located in Glenville, is the only distillery of single malt whiskey in Canada. You can take a tour of the distillery and the grounds, have sip to taste the fine brew and purchase a few bottles to take back home with you.
The eight display rooms of the Inverness Miner's Museum will give you a wealth of information about Nova Scotia's coal mining history. Learn about the dangers of this way of life, the tragedies that have occurred and see the exhibits featuring coal mining equipment from the past. There are also permanent displays of vintage photographs and fossils that have been uncovered in the mines.
Take some time to relax at the West Mabou Beach Provincial Park, where you will find 18km of sandy beach and a variety of hiking and walking trails that let you get close to nature.
Bras d'Or Lakes
A trip around the Bras d'Or Lakes is one of the scenic drives on Cape Breton Island. The Highland Village Museum is the only living museum dedicated to preserving the Gaelic language and the way of life of the Scottish settlers. There are eleven historic buildings to explore in this park, including a typical house from the Hebrides Isles of Scotland. This village is reminiscent of what you would find if you were able to take a trip back into the past and offers a delightful experience for young and old alike.
Does the name Rita MacNeil sound familiar to you? Known as one of the great performing artists of Nova Scotia, you can speak to Rita yourself with a visit to Rita's Tea Room in Big Pond. This tea room is located in a former one-room schoolhouse and offers home style cooking along with displays of photographs and the awards of this famous singer.
Fish from the pier at St. Peter's Canal National Historic Site and watch the canoes and other types of watercraft on the water. Learn the history of canals in the province and take in the wealth of outdoor displays and exhibits.
The Mik'Maq are the native peoples of Nova Scotia as is evidenced in many of the place names throughout the province, especially Cape Breton Island. The Wagmatcook Culture and Heritage Centre will take you on a journey into the past as you discover the lives of these people and the contribution they have made to the province. Reservations are required for this venue.
The Fleur-de-Lis Trail
Take a guided tour of the deeps at the Cape Breton Coal Miners' Museum located in Glace Bay. This was the heart of coal mining in the province and a typical village has been recreated on the site. You can also take in a concert by the Men of the Deeps, a group of singing coal miners, but you do need to arrange your tickets for the concert in advance.
Located in New Victoria, the Fort Petrie Military Museum has been erected on the former site of a World War II bunker. Climb the three stories of the Battery Observation Tower to have breathtaking views of both Sydney Harbour and the Cape Breton Highlands. There are guided tours available to help you understand the displays of armaments dating back to both world wars and artillery stores.
Visit the Fort Louisburg National Historic Site in Louisburg with its a re-creation of what the fort looked like 200 years ago. There are impressive walls, glorious gardens and reconstructed homes with staff dressed in period costumes. Enjoy the 18th century cuisine at the cafe and take a guided walking tour of the fort. This walk will take you a full day, so it is essential to wear comfortable footwear.
Learn about the creatures under the sea at the Louisburg Marine Museum as well as the equipment used by fishermen in the past and the present. There are displays of artifacts recovered from sunken ships around the coast of Cape Breton Island and model ships that are sure to entrance every visitor.
Two Rivers Wildlife Park, located in Marion Bridge, consists of 500 acres in which you can see the wildlife of the province in its natural habitat. Engage in swimming, hiking and fishing activities while you enjoy the exquisite views of the Mira and Salmon Rivers.
Events
If you choose the autumn for the time of your visit to Cape Breton, you have to include the Celtic Colours International Festival in your itinerary. This event takes place at various venues on the island with the sounds of fiddles and singing voices paying tribute to the famous musicians of the past and the present that have made Nova Scotia famous.
Feast on mussels and crabs at the Louisburg Crab Festival. At the Johnny Miles Festival in Sydney Mines, races of all kinds take place. There are also free concerts, a variety of luncheons and an annual car show.
Learn about the traditions of the Acadian people when you take in the events of the L'Ardoise Acadian Days Festival in the community of L'Ardoise.
In every community, you will find a wealth of activities to fill your days and your nights. Cape Breton is known for its warm and friendly people, so there is no doubt you will also make new friends that will bring you back time and time again.
Originally Published on http://www.helium.com
