Cape Breton Island | Sydney, Nova Scotia

North America's #1 island isn't floating somewhere in the Pacific shrouded in tropical trees, but hanging right here, off the coast of Nova Scotia. Imbued with a rich (and proud!) Celtic, Indigenous and Acadian heritage and defined by a magnificent coastal scenery beckoning adventure, Cape Breton Island is an absolute must-see for all Canadians. Road-trip or hike to experience natural beauty at its best!

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Visit Cape Breton: Get Started

Start in Sydney, Nova Scotia to catch live Celtic music and learn about the island's history. Don't miss stopping in the Acadian village of Cheticamp before visiting the stunning Cape Breton Highlands National Park! Hikers will want to take on the epic Skyline Trail, while drivers should follow the Cabot Trail around the island. Check out tour packages or Flight & Hotel bundles to plan your vacation!

CAPE BRETON TRAVEL GUIDE

DESTINATION FACTS

Languages

English & French

What to eat

Sustainably sourced shellfish (especially lobster and snow crab), locally farmed produce available from Mabou Farmers’ Market or Cape Breton Farmers’ Market, and meals at the many micro-breweries or distilleries part of the so-called Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail.

What to bring back

An album of local Celtic folk music, hand-made Mi’kmaq arts and crafts from the Membertou Heritage Park, anything boasting the Cape Breton flag (from t-shirts to keychains!), and tartan everything.

Fun Fact

Cape Breton prides itself on being the “Celtic Heart of North America.” That means that some people on the island still speak Gaelic (called Canadian Gaelic to differ from equivalent dialects in Ireland or Scotland!) and you’ll spot Gaelic place names across your travels. Find out all about this rich heritage at the Highland Village Museum and don’t miss joining in a ceilidh (a traditional night of dancing and live folk music!).