With its rolling green hills and sandy beaches, Cape Breton Island is an underrated gem in Canada! A lot of people don’t know about it, but once you get to Cape Breton Island, you’ll want to come back again and again.
There are many possible vacation activities on Cape Breton Island, especially if you love nature. It is one of the best places for hiking and camping in Canada, and there are several hiking trails that will take you through rugged mountains, coastlines, and rural farmlands.
There are several amazing places to visit on the island – such as the Gulf of St. Lawrence, famous for its migrating whales and an excellent place for a whale watching tour. It’s truly a beautiful place.
Read on for more fun activities and attractions to enjoy on your next trip to Cape Breton Island, Canada.
The 14 Most Popular Things To Do In Cape Breton Island, Canada
13. Margaree Salmon Museum
4.7 (14 reviews)
Location: 60 E Big Intervale Road North East Margaree NS
Tel: 902 248 2848
Web Address: https://margareesalmonmuseum.ca/
Nestled against the Cabot Trail, the Margaree Salmon Museum is the ideal attraction for history buffs and seasoned anglers alike. It offers a look into the rich heritage of the area, including sport fishing history and material cultures.
The museum is home to the biggest collection of historic angling artifacts in North America. The collection includes various items such as lines, flies, reels, and rods, as well as photographs and stories.
12. Kidston Lighthouse
4.1 (15 reviews)
The Kidston Island Lighthouse dates back to the early 1900s and is located in the Bras d’Or Lakes. The Lighthouse can be viewed from the pier or while on a sailing tour on the lake. There is also the option of taking a ferry to the island, where visitors can explore on foot and view this quaint lighthouse up close.
Here, visitors will also find a small beach for swimming. The beach has lifeguards, making it an excellent attraction for the whole family.
11. Bell Bay Golf Club
4.5 (29 reviews)
Location:761 NS-205, Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0, Canada
Tel: 902 295 1333
Web Address: https://bellbaygolfclub.com/
Located around half an hour from Cape Breton Island in the lovely little historic town of Baddeck, the Bell Bay Golf Club’s course is well worth visiting. It is home to rolling hills and beautiful trees, making it ideal for a round of golf, a picnic lunch, or a leisurely walk.
The village itself is home to stunning views and offers a variety of outdoor and indoor activities.
10. Baddeck Forks Golf Course
4.5 (32 reviews)
Location: 12 Baddeck Forks Extension Baddeck NS
Tel: 902 295 2174
Web Address: http://baddeckforksgolf.com/
Nestled against the stunning Baddeck River, the Baddeck Forks Golf Club offers a 9-hole golf course and stunning views of the valley. There are also some breathtaking mountain views and the Cape Breton Highlands.
Additionally, the club is located just ten minutes from Baddeck Village, where visitors can enjoy mingling with locals and exploring all the activities the village has to offer.
9. Salt Mountain Trail
4.8 (51 reviews)
Location:89 Provincial Park Rd, Whycocomagh, NS B0E 3M0, Canada
The salt mountain trail is considered a moderately challenging hike. The trail is just over four kilometers long and loops through Whycocomagh Provincial Park. On average, it takes around an hour and a half to complete the trail.
While the area is popular among hiking enthusiasts, there is the option of more solitude if you opt for hiking outside of peak times. Peak seasons for hiking the trail are during the months of June to September. The trail is also dog-friendly, with some off-leash areas for your furry friend to enjoy.
8. Lake-O-Law Provincial Park
4.8 (83 reviews)
Location:1101 Egypt Rd, Margaree Valley, NS B0E 2C0, Canada
Web Address: https://parks.novascotia.ca/day-use-parks-guide#lakeolaw
Located along the famous Cabot Trail, on the shores of Lake O’Law, this inland park is an excellent place for swimming or boating. It is home to a boat launch, as well as picnic areas. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and spend a day relaxing outdoors.
7. Amoeba Sailing Tours (Bras d’Or Lake)
4.6 (90 reviews)
Credit: Dennis Jarvis, License, Flickr
Location: Bras d’Or Lake, Baddeck, NS B0E 2A0, Canada
Tel: 902 295 7780
Web Address: https://amoebasailingtours.com/
If you’re fond of sailing or being out on the water, be sure to try Amoeba Sailing Tours on your next trip to Cape Breton Island. The tours take groups of people out onto Bras d’Or Lake and include educational talks about the history of the area. If you’re fond of bald eagles, there is also the unique experience of seeing one of these stunning birds in flight.
This is a unique and fun way to explore more of Cape Breton Island and the surrounding villages.
6. Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park
4.7 (229 reviews)
Location:715 N Branch Rd, Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0, Canada
Web Address: https://parks.novascotia.ca/park/uisge-ban-falls
Another great trail for hiking enthusiasts is the Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park. The trail loops and takes around an hour and a half to complete, leading to the stunning Cape Breton Island waterfall. Alternatively, visitors can enjoy a longer hike of around two kilometers which travels along the North Branch River.
Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park is home to picnic tables and bathroom facilities, and there is parking available.
Our Top picks
5. The Cabot Trail
4.8 (100 reviews)
Credit: Tony Webster, License, Wikimedia Commons
Location: 18283 Cabot Trail, Petit Étang, NS B0E 2M0, Canada
Tel: 902 425 5781
Web Address: http://cabottrail.travel/
The Cabot Trail is one of the most famous scenic drives in Canada. It offers a variety of ways to experience Cape Breton’s beautiful natural landscape, from driving to walking paths and climbing stairs. The trail includes stops along quaint fishing villages and outlooks on breathtaking ocean vistas.
With the ocean on one side and a beautiful mountain range on the other, there is no better activity for nature lovers than to explore the Cabot Trail.
4. Skyline Trail
4.9 (260 reviews)
Credit: Kelly Wang, License, Wikimedia Commons
Location: Skyline Trail, Inverness County, NS B0E 2P0, Canada
The Skyline Trail runs through the Headlands and offers gorgeous cliff views of the surrounding mountains and the Cabot Trail below. It is an excellent trail for nature and animal lovers, with a wealth of native wildlife to be seen. These include bald eagles, boreal birds, moose, and bears.
Keep in mind that dogs are not permitted on the trail.
3. Cape Breton Miners Museum
4.8 (529 reviews)
Credit: Dennis Jarvis, License, Flickr
Location: 17 Museum St, Glace Bay, NS B1A 5T8, Canada
Tel: 902 849 4522
Web Address: http://minersmuseum.com/
Located on Cape Breton Island’s picturesque coast, the Cape Breton Miners Museum is one of the best attractions if you want to learn more about the rich history and heritage of the area. It is home to a wealth of fascinating exhibits well worth seeing. There is also the option of taking an underground tour through the mines, accompanied by a retired local miner as a guide.
Be sure to stop by the Miners Village Restaurant for lunch after a long day of sightseeing.
2. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
4.5 (1,362 reviews)
Location: 559 Chebucto St, Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0, Canada
Tel: 902 295 2069
Web Address: https://pc.gc.ca/bell
This ten-hectare property overlooks the Bras d’Or Lake and is home to a large collection of historic artifacts and documents that chronicle the career and life of famous inventor Alexander Bell. It is a fascinating attraction well worth visiting, especially if you are fond of history and museums.
Among the artifacts that can be seen at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum are telegraphs, electrical devices, and a full-scale replica of Bell’s Silver Dart aircraft.
1. Cape Breton Highlands National Park
4.9 (2,855 reviews)
Credit: Pi3.124, License, Wikimedia Commons
Location: Ingonish Beach, NS, Canada
Tel: 902 224 2306
Web Address: https://pc.gc.ca/capebreton
From camping to wildlife viewing, there is no end to the wealth of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in this 950 square kilometer-area of lush forest. If you enjoy being active, the area is home to many hiking trails. There are also the famous Highland red chairs – a popular photography and selfie spot.
Keep in mind that the park charges an entry fee.
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Cape Breton Island, Canada! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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