Top Things to do in Cape Breton Island
The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Cape Breton Island, Canada
"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. Sydney Mines Heritage Museum and Fossil Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Richmond Adventure Planning - Sailboat Tours in Cape Breton
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
Book your adventure sail today for another of life's great experiences. This adventure is based around the St. Peter's Canal, Canada's oldest operating tidal lock. Our vessel provides a simple, pleasurable cost effective alternative to luxury yachts. We are ideally situated on the Lakeside of the canal amidst spectacular, rustic scenery. Visit us on Facebook, just search "Sailing in Cape Breton".
6. 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.
7. Salty Rose's and the Periwinkle Cafe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
EAT. SHOP. SLEEP. Salty Rose's and the Periwinkle Cafe is an experience in itself offering up the best in Cape Breton hospitality. The thoughtfully curated shop offers a selection of art and craft from Nova Scotia's finest creatives while the cheerful cafe serves up fair trade coffee and delicious local fare. Choose from four unique, bright and comfortable accommodation rooms for to complete your experience.
8. 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.
9. 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!
10. Uisge Ban Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By 843allanv - Amherst, Canada
3km return hike. Beautiful, small falls some neat views along the way. River, trees growing atop rocks, birds, etc. Would recommend hiking shoes or sneakers at the very least as the path can be muddy as well as roots protruding from the ground. The base of the falls consist of large, wet rocks.
