The Top 7 Things to do on Cape Breton Island

When I started my first long term travel adventure, I started by spending almost 5 months road tripping all around the Canadian Maritime provinces and Newfoundland. It is beautiful country out there. The rugged coast line, the wind whistling and a sparseness that makes you really enjoy driving without road rage. If you ever get the chance to come to this part of the world you won’t be disappointed.

Cape Breton Island, which is a part of Nova Scotia, is a place not to be missed on a trip out here.  To fully experience everything here you will need a car to get around. There is a lot you can do out here, but taking in the beauty that exists here could be an enjoyable full time job. I did a number of different things during my time in Cape Breton and I want to give you my top 7 things to do here.

Go Square Dancing in Mabou

• Get ready for some exercise! With live music and friendly people you will be able to join in with ease. If you make mistakes people are more than willing to help you along. This is an experience not to be missed!

Do the Skyline Trail

• There are a lot of hikes you can do up here but the Skyline Trail is the most popular and I think the most scenic. I did this one a couple times because I heard it is a great place to spot moose. On the second try I found the moose I was looking for 😀 It is not a hard hike, mostly flat, and you can choose between two trails, one longer than the other. The end of the trail leads you to a gorgeous lookout to the Golf of St. Lawrence.

Go to a Ceilidh or Kitchen Party

• I had never heard about these until a friend told me that I needed to go to one of these. I pictured me going to someone’s house and sitting in their kitchen while some people played music. That image was not correct, but not too terribly off. These are usually done in a hall and it is an evening show of traditional music and dance. There is a nominal fee to attend. The musicians and dancers are top notch and they take place in many different towns. You can find schedules to the Cape Breton ones here. https://kitchenfest.ca/

Drive the Cabot Trail

• The Cabot Trail is one of the most scenic drives in the world. The drive is 298 KM loop around Cape Breton, and the vistas you see around every corner will take your breath away. The road winds around the rugged coastline and it has many pullouts for you to stop and take in the views…and you will want to stop at every single one. The Cabot trail takes you through fishing villages and will lead you to trail heads to explore more on foot.  

Fortress of Louisbourg

• I really didn’t know what to expect going here. It is national historic site of Canada and it did not disappoint. Everything here has been recreated to represent the 18^th-century French fortress. Not only are you walking back into the 18^th century here, but they have actors in full costume making your experience here completely life like. With real canons going off, dances and a trial to watch it really doesn’t get any better. I didn’t find it cheesy, and spend a number of hours wandering around here and hitting up all the events I could.

Eat Ice Cream at Neil’s Harbour Lighthouse

• I happily stumbled upon this place. I am a fan of taking photos of lighthouses so when I saw this one from the road I pulled in. Once I got out of my car and got closer I realized that it was turned into an ice cream shop! I got a cone and enjoyed the view while the sunset. If you take a little stroll down the road from here you will come across a restaurant and I highly recommend it. I had the best crab cakes of my life here.

If You Get the Chance, go to a Chase the Ace

• Now this is not something that you can plan on seeing, but if you keep your ears peeled and hear about one go and try your luck. Chase the Ace is a lottery type fundraiser to raise funds for local charities. You buy tickets (just like a 50/50 ticket) for your chance to be the person who draws a card from the deck. One card is drawn each week until someone pulls out the ace. The jackpot gets larger the more weeks it goes on. The largest winning was 2.6 million. It is a great way to meet locals as there is usually a social and you can purchase drinks and food and most will also have a 50/50 draw within the event as well. Try your hand at lady luck while supporting a local charity and being a temporary part of the community.

I hope these inspire you to get out and try a few things that may not be on your radar. If you need any advice on timing, getting around or planning we would love to help. Contact us here.