What to do and see in Cape Breton Island, Canada: The Best Free Things to do

April 23, 2022 Harland Bartelt

"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. White Point Hiking Trail

off the northern portion of the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia Canada http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-White-Point-Cape-Breton-near-Ingonish-NS-1885
Excellent
96%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 50 reviews

White Point Hiking Trail

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.

2. Bras d'Or Lake

Nova Scotia Canada
Excellent
71%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 98 reviews

Bras d'Or  Lake

Reviewed By BearBel50 - Oberhausen, Germany

This salt water lake has it all. Serenity, watersports, wildlife. It will take you more than a day to drive around and take it all in. You will always come back and want to see more.

3. Skyline Trail

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia Canada +1 902-224-2306 http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ns/cbreton/activ/randonnee-hiking/skyline.aspx
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 825 reviews

Skyline Trail

Reviewed By LuluReview - Canada, null

This trail is a must when traveling along the Cabot Trail! There is lots of free parking and bathrooms at the trail entrance. While the trail is located high up in the mountains, the terrain was quite level and easy to navigate. We did the shorter route and took our time to enjoy the views along the way, and especially at the end (even with some fog).

4. Black Brook Beach

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia 33637 Canada +1 902-224-2306 http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ns/cbreton/activ/baignade-swimming.aspx
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 66 reviews

Black Brook Beach

Reviewed By WHMeg - Willoughby Hills, United States

As we were doing a one day drive of the Cabot Trail, I tried to pick a few places to stop to enjoy views or hike. I saw the beach from a distance, and then saw the entrance. I had my husband pull in and I was so glad we did! Not only did I get the opportunity to dip my feet (well, up to my knees) in the ocean (I live in Ohio now — and, no, Lake Erie is not like the ocean) but we managed to climb up the rocks to view the beautiful waterfall at the end of the beach. There was a good collection of people (mostly couples or families) enjoying the beach, but it wasn’t so crowded that I felt bothered. Yes, the water is cold, but there were three younger teens having a blast jumping the waves, and other people in their bathing suits. Definitely a place I would recommend for anyone — even if you just eat your picnic lunch there.

5. 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.

6. Uisge Ban Falls

North Branch Road, Baddeck, Nova Scotia B0E 1B0 Canada +1 902-798-6700 http://www.trails.gov.ns.ca/shareduse/vi012.html
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 314 reviews

Uisge Ban Falls

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.

7. Meat Cove

Nova Scotia B0C 1E0 Canada
Excellent
63%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 184 reviews

Meat Cove

Reviewed By Krista713-78 - Sydney, Canada

Probably or if the most Beautiful places in Cape Breton. Stunning landscapes. So many photo opportunities. The skinny mountainside road can be a little scary so take it slow but you will be so glad u went. Worth every minute of the drive. Be sure to stop at the beach under the campground on the top of the mountain. Spectacular!

15856 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp, Nova Scotia Canada +1 902-224-1831 http://sunsetartgallery.ca/artists/william-d-roach/
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

Sunset Art Gallery

12225 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp, Nova Scotia B0E 1A0 Canada +1 902-224-2560 http://www.labellamonalisa.com
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Gallery La Bella Mona Lisa

10. Acadian Trail

Cheticamp Information Centre Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cheticamp, Nova Scotia Canada +1 902-224-2306 http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ns/cbreton/activ/randonnee-hiking/acadien_acadian.aspx
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 83 reviews

Acadian Trail

Reviewed By U4991XLmichelc - Cheticamp, Canada

Great hike, kind of like 5 hikes in one.....terrain goes from lush, moss, forest, canopy, to top of mountain open air. Great views of Cheticamp (make sure you do trail counter-clockwise to see views coming back down). Takes about 2-3 hours depending on how fast you go. Wild blueberries on the top! Wonderful hike close to the village of Cheticamp.

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