Top 10 Museums in Cape Breton Island, Canada

September 14, 2021 Oliva Fomby

"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. Polycarpe Glass Art

837 East Margaree Rd., Margaree Forks, Nova Scotia B0E 1Y0 Canada +1 902-235-2842 http://www.facebook.com/polycarpeglassart
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Polycarpe Glass Art

2. Sydney Mines Heritage Museum and Fossil Centre

159 Legatto St, Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia B1V 2S6 Canada +1 902-544-0992 [email protected] http://sydneyminesheritage.ca/
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 42 reviews

Sydney Mines Heritage Museum and Fossil Centre

178 Loch Ban Road, Inverness, Nova Scotia B0E 1N0 Canada +1 902-258-2455 [email protected] http://www.dougfraserart.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

Doug Fraser Art Gallery and Sculptural Garden

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. Orangedale Railway Station Museum

1428 Orangedale Rd, Orangedale, Nova Scotia B0E 2K0 Canada +1 902-756-3384 http://www.novascotiarailwayheritage.com/orangedale.htm
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

Orangedale Railway Station Museum

5. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

559 Chebucto Street, Baddeck, Nova Scotia B0E 1B0 Canada +1 902-295-2069 [email protected] http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/grahambell
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,088 reviews

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

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

6. Cape Breton Miners' Museum

42 Birkley Street, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia B1A 5T8 Canada +1 902-849-4522 [email protected] http://www.minersmuseum.com/
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 504 reviews

Cape Breton Miners' Museum

Reviewed By motorhead2469 - Juniper, Canada

This is a must go to, we went to Louisburg in the morning and Miners Museum in the afternoon! The underground tour is great, amazing stories that keep you entirely engaged. Tough on taller people or if you have a bad back. Next time I will bring a kneeling pad to be more comfortable during the stops. Perhaps they could offer that there?

7. Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

259 Park Service Rd, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia B1C 2L2 Canada +1 902-733-3552 [email protected] http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg
Excellent
75%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,122 reviews

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

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.

8. North Highlands Community Museum

29243 Cabot Trail, Cape North, Nova Scotia B0C 1G0 Canada +1 902-383-2579 [email protected] http://www.northhighlandsmuseum.ca
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 54 reviews

North Highlands Community Museum

Our Museum can be found in Northern Cape Breton along the Cabot Trail Nova Scotia in the "Top of the Island" Region. We have a beautiful exhibit hall that includes local artifacts along with professional displays that take you back in time while getting a taste of our local heritage. We also have a blacksmith forge, settlers' garden, and a historic Church building that has become our Culture Centre where we feature talented musicians and other events each week. Our Museum also serves as the Information Centre for the the area, so there are many great reasons to stop in and visit us!

9. Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design

322 Charlotte St, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C8 Canada +1 902-539-7491 [email protected] http://www.capebretoncraft.com
Excellent
58%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 88 reviews

Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design

We serve the craft community of Cape Breton Island from beginners and recreational practitioners to highly accomplished professionals, offering instruction as well as resource and support services.CBCC&D offers a variety of educational opportunities in both contemporary and traditional craft, promotes and markets Cape Breton craft through exhibitions, special events, the maintenance of fine craft showcases throughout the Island and the operation of a permanent, year-round store-front Gallery and Gallery Shop representing over 75 Cape Breton artists.

Reviewed By CBYankee

This beautiful gallery space offers the best local crafts in Sydney. Items are available in every price range and in every art discipline. I visit here many times a year as the craft offerings can be different.

10. Margaree Salmon Museum

60 East Big Intervale Road North East Margaree, Margaree Valley, Nova Scotia B0E 2H0 Canada +1 902-248-2848 [email protected] http://margareesalmonmuseum.wordpress.com
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

Margaree Salmon Museum

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.