Considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and rich in Celtic culture, Cape Breton in Nova Scotia has a lot to offer families. To really see it all, you need to jump in your car and explore the small communities and interesting attractions that make this such a special place to visit.
Drive Beautiful Cape Breton
Tea, chowder, and a biscuit at Rita MacNeil's Tearoom. Photo by Lola Augustine Brown.
Tea, chowder, and a biscuit at Rita MacNeil's Tearoom. Photo by Lola Augustine Brown.
Although this legendary Canadian singer just passed away, you should stop at Rita MacNeil’s Tearoom in Cape Pond for a bowl of chowder and one of her signature oatcakes. This low-key tearoom is the perfect spot to stop after a long drive around the Island.
Perdida Brown picks up a fiddle at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre. Photo by Lola Augustine Brown.
Just as you cross the causeway onto Cape Breton Island you reach Judique, home to the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre. Part museum, part immersive experience, here you can try instruments, step dancing, and meet professional musicans who are happy to show off their skills.
Fortress of Louisbourg, photo by Lola Augustine Brown.
Considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and rich in Celtic culture, Cape Breton in Nova Scotia has a lot to offer families. Driving around the Island is the absolute best way to see all the unique attractions that they have there, and visit its friendly communities.
Dancers at the Fortress of Louisbourg, photo by Lola Augustine Brown.
At the huge Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site you are immersed in 17th century history the minute you step through the gates, and soldiers, bakers, and townspeople take you back in time. Everyone plays their role completely, and it is a lot of fun to watch.
Looking out over the Skyline Trail, photo by Lola Augustine Brown.
There’s gorgeous hikes to take all over the Island, but the Skyline Trail is probably the most famous, offering outstanding views and lots of potential wildlife viewing (especially moose). It doesn’t get more pristine than this, and you feel absolutely in the middle of nowhere.
Traditional Acadien food, photo by Lola Augustine Brown.
At the Restaurant Acadien in Cheticamp, you can sample traditional Acadian (early French settlers in Maritime Canada) fare. Be sure to sample the meat pie, as it is very unique, and delicious, and enjoy listening to the locals chatting in their version of French.
Inverness Beach, photo by Lola Augustine Brown.
There are lots of beautiful sandy beaches to explore all around Cape Breton. Inverness Beach is lovely, and a great place for kids to run around and play on. Take a picnic, and stay a while.
The Glenora Distillery, photo by Lola Augustine Brown.
Try Canada’s only single malt on a Glenora Distillery Tour in Glenville. Kids are welcome, and won’t find the tour too much of a bore, and the restaurant on site offers great meals that everyone in the family will love.
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