The Best of the Fleur-de-lis/Marconi/Sydney Region

Cape Breton Miners’ Museum

17 Museum Street, Glace Bay

Travel deep underground on a guided tour of the Ocean Deeps Colliery, and learn how Cape Breton’s rich coal seam impacted the island’s history and generations of its people.

Cossit House Museum

75 Charlotte Street, Sydney

Interpreters in period costume will guide you through the rooms of Sydney’s oldest house, which is filled with 19th-century period furnishings.

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

Hear the cannons and muskets fire, watch the changing of the guard and meet the villagers at this meticulously pre- served and recreated French fortification of over 250 years ago.

Louisbourg Marine Museum

7548 Main Street, Louisbourg

Survey the artifacts recovered from 18th-Survey the artifacts recovered from 18th-century shipwrecks like Le Chameau, and collections pertaining to the history of the Grand Banks fisheries, including a dory and fishing gear, lenses from the Louisbourg Lighthouse and an aquarium housing various saltwater marine species.

Louisbourg Playhouse

11 Aberdeen Street, Louisbourg

Enjoy live theatre and rousing Cape Breton musical entertainment at this unique 17th-century style theatre venue.

Marconi National Historic Site

Timmerman Street, Glace Bay

Guglielmo Marconi beamed the very first wireless message across the Atlantic from this site in 1902, ushering in a new era of communications and technology. When you visit, take a photo on your iPhone and email it to the folks at home.

Two Rivers Wildlife Park

4581 Grand Mira North Road, Marion Bridge

White-tailed deer, moose and black bears abound in this natural preserve where the Mira and Salmon rivers meet.

Whitney Pier Historical Society Museum

88 Mount Pleasant Street, Sydney Built around the Sydney Steel Plant, “The Pier” was home to people from all parts of the globe, who came seeking a new life. Explore the history of this culturally diverse community.

Mixed Media Artisans Craft Gallery

Sydney waterfront

Take your time browsing the traditional and contemporary crafts offered by this artist-run cooperative. Among the ever-changing display of treasures, you’ll find traditional woven baskets, wearable art like colourful hand-loomed linens and delicately carved wooden pendants, original prints and paintings.

Petroglyphs Gift Shop

Membertou Trade & Convention Centre, Sydney Take a piece of Nova Scotian heritage home. This beautiful shop carries Aboriginal arts and crafts and features both traditional and contemporary Mi’kmaq clothing, giftware and art, all made locally.

Coal Dust Days

July 16–24, 2011

New Waterford This beloved community festival is crammed with family entertainment, including a parade, music, sporting events, a teddy bears’ picnic and drive-in movies.

L’Ardoise Acadian Days Festival

July 28–August 1, 2011

L’Ardoise Learn about Acadian culture in Cape Breton, with a colourful program that will immerse you in tradition and activities.

Cape Breton Bikefest

August 3-6, 2012

Various venues There will be thunder in the Highlands, as motorcyclists rally during four days of music, entertainment, street dances and scenic rides, capped off by “storming” the Fortress of Louisbourg.

Louisbourg Crab Fest

July 30–31, 2011

Louisbourg Friday night mussels, fresh from the pot, will whet your appetite for the succulent crab dinners served from noon on Saturday until they’re gone. Foot-stomping live music will entertain you while you eat.

Action Week

July 30–August 7, 2011

Sydney Nine days of summer fun includes buskers on the waterfront boardwalk, sports tournaments, a night light parade, children’s activities, waterfront concerts, fireworks and more.

Johnny Miles Festival

August 5–7, 2011

Sydney Mines Stretch your legs at the 5-km road race that honours the great Johnny Miles, former resident and winner of the 1926 and 1929 Boston Marathons, before relaxing at the free concerts and fireworks.

Celtic Colours International Festival

October 7–15, 2011, various venues

Every autumn the sounds of fiddles, pipes and voices raised in song echo over the Cape Breton Island. More than 250 musicians, dancers, singers and storytellers performing at venues across the region preserve, strengthen and share Cape Breton’s “living” Celtic culture with the world.