Whales, eagles, golfers, cyclists, hikers, music lovers, history buffs, fly fishers, kayakers and travel writers all agree: a visit to Cape Breton has got to top your bucket list. The folks at Travel + Leisure magazine World's Best Awards 2009, pretty much summed it up for us naming Cape Breton the number one, must-see island to visit in North America and number three on its top islands of the world list.

Hike stunning highland trails where moose and bald eagles hang around to watch people go by. Or take to the water and watch pods of Pilot whales play in the shimmering waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Stroll the grassy shores or cruise to international boating destinations along the Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive.

Step back to the 18th century at the Fortress Louisbourg, the largest reconstruction of its kind in North America. Explore centuries-old Acadian villages. Descend to the deeps on a coal mine tour a mile beneath the ocean floor on the Fleur-de-lis and Marconi Trails and in Metro Cape Breton.

Tee off on the Fabulous Foursome – a collection of four of the finest golf courses in all of Canada. And toast the day with a sip of Cape Breton Rare, Canada’s only single malt whiskey, from Glenora Distillery between Mabou and Inverness.

And absolutely take part in a Ceilidh wherever you find one - at a pub, a concert hall, a kitchen or out on the lawn at the Highland Village. Celtic music in North America was born here and if the musicians of Cape Breton can’t get your toes tapping, you better check your pulse.

The only things more beautiful than the scenery and events are the people. The "best of" lists below will help you decide what to see and do in the Cape Breton region.