Top Things to do in Cape Breton Island
Things to do in Cape Breton Island, Canada: The Best Historic Sites
"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. Chapel Point Battery Site
2. 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!
3. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,088 reviews
This museum chronicles the life and career of Alexander Graham Bell with its rich collection of artifacts and documents accumulated by Dr. Bell and his family during their time in Nova Scotia.
Reviewed By SueK167 - Laguna Woods, United States
Had no idea the many contributions made by Alexander Bell in addition to the telephone, ie aviation, hearing impaired, boating, conservation, etc, etc. Beautiful museum displaying this man's many talents with minimal education. Highly recommend when in Baddeck NS
4. 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.
5. Jost House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
The Jost House is the oldest house in Sydney Nova Scotia, built in 1786. We are open June 1st to October 29th and/or all cruise ship days. During your visit, a guide will give you a personal tour of our 1786 kitchen and the ground floor of the museum. The basement has been restored to the original 18th century kitchen. On the ground floor we have many historical Victorian artifacts in our bedroom, parlour, dining room and store. The upstairs portion of the house, added in 1910, has four different exhibit rooms to browse around in at your leisure. Our Hours in September and October are 10-4 Monday to Saturday but vary on cruise ship days. We are open on Sundays if a cruise ship is in port.
Reviewed By dedicatedtraveller
Well worth visiting this house, one of the oldest remaining colonial houses in Sydney. VERY cheap to go in.. and certainly value for money! Very pleasant staff inside dressed in period costume. You could have a guided tour or walk around yourself. Very nicely laid out and although the rooms are small they are crammed full of interesting things to see and many items belonged to the Jost family. The kitchen area was lovely and cool.. boy was it a hot day outside! very informative gentleman gave us the history and description of what went on when the house was occupied and he got us to try and identify several artifacts.. we didn't do too well!! Highly recommend including Jost House in your plans when visiting super friendly and lovely Sydney. the whole town was a treat to visit!
6. Lone Shieling
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By 902JustaLancer - Lower Sackville, Canada
Cute little walking path at the base of the Highlands. Would take about 15 minutes to walk the whole thing. Has lots of signs to learn from about the history and the local biology and geology. The oldest hardwood forest in all the maritimes, which was gorgeous to be in, awesome to see such a beautiful place.
7. Victoria County Court House
8. Heritage Coast
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