A blue gondola travels up the side of a snowy mountain overlooking the water at Cape Smokey, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Island

Discover Cape Breton Island

Pjila’si! Bienvenue! Ciad mìle failte – One hundred thousand welcomes!

These words of welcome have long been offered to visitors as they arrive in Cape Breton, ready to explore a place filled with outdoor adventure, scenic drives and breathtaking views, and the freshest seafood imaginable.

From its storied history and culture to music, talented artisans, and friendly locals, a new discovery awaits you around every turn.

A group of individuals on snowmobiles on a trail surrounded by trees

Explore Cities & Towns on Cape Breton Island

Explore communities by clicking the points on the map.

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Iona and Area

Experience Scottish Gaelic culture at Highland Village, a living history museum that overlooks the Bras d’Or Lake.
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Louisbourg

Step back in time within the fortified walls of Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, the largest military reconstruction in North America.
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Ingonish

Home to Highlands Links, Keltic Lodge and Atlantic Canada’s first gondola at Cape Smokey near the entrance of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
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Inverness

Golf at two of the top golf courses in the world at Cabot Cape Breton, swim in warm beaches including Nova Scotia’s first wheelchair accessible beach.
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St. Peter’s

Home of the St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site which joins the Atlantic Ocean to the Bras d’Or Lake.
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Chéticamp

Discover vibrant Acadian history and culture near the entrance of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
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Cape North & Area

Pristine coastline dotted with beaches and sheltered coves perfect for kayaking and offers expansive mountain views.
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Sydney

The capital of Cape Breton Island, walk the waterfront, take in a ceilidh at a local pub, and have your picture taken with the world’s largest fiddle.
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Isle Madame

Discover Isle Madame where you’ll find comfortable places to stay, welcoming cafés and beaches, lighthouses and more to explore!
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Baddeck

The start and end point of the famous Cabot Trail, Baddeck is a favourite spot for travellers and sailors alike.
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Top Experiences on Cape Breton Island

Two cyclists take a rest and are standing with their bikes looking out at the water.

Celtic Shores Coastal Trail

Hit the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail which stretches from Port Hastings to Inverness with multiple trailheads in between, for four seasons of adventure.
Walk, hike or bike sections or all of this 92 km multi-use trail all year round and in the winter months, cross-country ski, snowshoe or explore the trail by snowmobile

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Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Discover breathtaking coastal cliffs, deep river canyons, and sweeping ocean views in one of Canada’s most iconic landscapes, where the mountains meet the sea.
Choose from 26 trails ranging from gentle forest strolls to challenging highland climbs, many with coastal views.
Enjoy year-round outdoor activities from summer hikes to winter skiing and gondola rides at Cape Smokey, offering panoramic vistas in every season.

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Two people stand in front of a reconstructed fortress.

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

Immerse yourself within the largest reconstruction of one of North America’s busiest 18th-century seaports
Fire a cannon, become a prisoner, or taste Fortress Rum aging in barrels onsite
Stay the night in a period home or fully equipped 18th-century-style tent within the walls of the Fortress

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Inverness Beach

Go swimming in some of the warmest ocean waters in the province this summer!
The beach is lifeguarded and fully wheelchair accessible with mobility mats from the parking lot to the beach, and sand chairs, sand walkers and swim chairs available to reserve onsite
Stroll the boardwalk through natural sand dunes that overlook the beach and watch as golfers play nearby at Cabot Links

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A blue gondola moves up a mountain looking out onto water views.

Cape Smokey

This year-round mountain playground offers four seasons of fun and adventure in Ingonish
Ride Eastern Canada’s first (and only) gondola to the top and have a snack at the mountain top snack shop
With tons of snow and a panoramic view from the top, Cape Smokey is a popular ski destination in the wintertime

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cape Breton Island, located in Nova Scotia, Canada, is a popular destination known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Cape Breton Island:

There are 4 ways to reach the Cabot Trail. Take Route 19 to Margaree Forks on the Cabot Trail; take Highway 105 to exit 5 in Whycocomagh, turn onto Route 395, turn right onto Route 19 to Margaree Forks on the Cabot Trail; take Highway 105 to exit 7 onto the Cabot Trail; take Highway 105 to either exit 11 onto the Cabot Trail or exit 12 (to Englishtown Ferry), Route 312, and right to the Cabot Trail.

The Cabot Trail takes approximately 5 ½ to 6 hours to drive.

This is a question we get so often we wrote a full blog post about this, have a read, and decide for yourself what way suits you best.

Yes! There are EV stations at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site and Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and other locations throughout Cape Breton. For a full list of EV stations in NS refer to https://www.plugshare.com/

There are only two propane fill ups in Cape Breton for RVs. Canadian Tire, Reeves Street, Port Hawkesbury and Canadian Tire, Blower Street, North Sydney.

There is a free dumping station located in Lennox Passage (Highway 104, exit 46). Campgrounds may be able to accommodate for a fee.

Yes! Meat Cove is approximately 30 kilometres from Cape North. At Cape North turn onto Bay St.Lawrence Road, then turn onto Meat Cove Road. The last 8 kilometres to Meat Cove is unpaved.

Featured Packages on Cape Breton Island

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Winter Cozy Getaway in Baddeck

$429/Starting Price • Per Couple

Embrace the beauty of winter on a 2-night getaway at Inverary Resort with boutique shopping, live local music, and full-service resort relaxation.

Inverary Resort
Baddeck
January 2, 2026 – April 5, 2026

Maple Adventure: Jeep Tour & Taste

$150/Per Person

Sweeten up your Cabot Trail adventure with an exciting on/off-road Jeep tour of the Margaree Valley, with guided maple grove tour and syrup tasting.

Cape Breton Backcountry Adventures
North East Margaree
January 1, 2026 – April 30, 2026

5 snowmobiles drive on a snow filled trail in winter in Cape Breton.

TNT’s 1 day Snowmobile Tour and 2 nights at the Inverary Resort

$1,560.00/Starting Price • Per Couple

Experience winter in the Cape Breton Highlands on a TNT Outdoor Adventures snowmobile tour with 2 nights at the Inverary Resort in Baddeck.

TNT Outdoor Adventures
Baddeck
December 15, 2025 – April 1, 2026

Side by Side SXS UTV rental from Highland Powersport Rentals in Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Explore the Cape Breton Highlands with a Snowmobile or SXS UTV Rental

Explore the Cape Breton Highlands by snowmobile in the winter or year-round with a Side-by-Side UTV from Highland Powersport Rentals in Baddeck.

Highland Powersport Rentals
Baddeck
October 15, 2025 – October 14, 2026

Cabot Trail Wellness & Spa Retreat

$758/Starting Price • Per Couple

Experience restful rejuvenation on the Cabot Trail with a couple's wellness getaway, complete with meals, unique accommodations and spa treatments.

Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort
Indian Brook
August 19, 2025 – December 31, 2026

Oceanfront Chef Dinner & Stay

$1,399 – $3,499/Per Family*

Gather your friends or family for an oceanfront cottage getaway with chef-led 3-course dinner onsite, plus hot tub and sauna.

Sidanna Retreat – multiple locations
Sugarloaf
October 4, 2025 – December 31, 2026

Drone view of Sidanna Retreat: Mystical Beachfront Retreat in the Cape Breton Highlands in winter in Nova Scotia.

Nordic Ski, Spa & Sauna Family Getaway

$1,199/Per Family*

Treat your family to an oceanfront getaway of hot tub relaxing, beach exploring & Nordic skiing or snowshoeing in the northern Cape Breton Highlands!

Sidanna Retreat
Sugarloaf
December 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026

Two people sit on snowmobiles in front of Inverary Resort.

Super Sledder’s Getaway

$329/Starting Price • Per Couple

Head to Cape Breton for a snowmobile adventure, complete with cozy stay and breakfast at the full-service Inverary Resort, on the Bras d'Or Lake.

Inverary Resort
Baddeck
January 2, 2026 – April 5, 2026

Ski and Stay at Inverary Resort

$429/Starting Price • Per Couple

On this 2-night getaway, ski Cape Smokey on the renowned Cabot Trail and relax at the full-service Inverary Resort, on the Bras d’Or Lake.

Inverary Resort
Baddeck
January 2, 2026 – March 31, 2026

A group of snowmobilers are stopped by the edge of a cliff. Everything is covered in snow and it is very picturesque.

TNT’s Cape Breton Highlands Snowmobile Tour

$565/Starting Price • Per Person

Re-discover winter fun on a guided snowmobiling tour in the Cape Breton Highlands with TNT Outdoor Adventures.

TNT Outdoor Adventures
Baddeck
December 15, 2025 – April 1, 2026

Membertou Heritage Park Guided Tour

$10 – $12/Per Person

Experience Mi’kmaw culture on a guided tour, see a traditional birch bark canoe and wigwam, and hear stories and teachings from Membertou.

Membertou Heritage Park
Membertou
August 22, 2025 – December 31, 2026

Snow Much Fun on the Cabot Trail

$568/Starting Price • Per Couple

Embrace the magic of winter on the Cabot Trail! Explore stunning coastal and woodland trails, relax in the hot tub and savour onsite meals.

Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort
Indian Brook
November 21, 2025 – March 21, 2026

Download Regional PDF

Words of welcome have long been offered to visitors as they cross the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton, ready to explore a region where history lives and breathes.

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