Things To Do
A directory of Cape Breton, curated from Baddeck
Trails, water, history and culture within reach of this house — every link goes straight to the operator or official site, not a booking middleman.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
26 trails, canyon country and the highest sea cliffs in eastern Canada — a third of the Cabot Trail runs through it.
Official siteSkyline Trail
The signature 7km boardwalk loop over the headland cliffs — book the parking reservation in peak season.
Official siteUisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park
An easy 1.5-hour round-trip forest walk to a 15-metre waterfall — a good half-day without the Cabot Trail drive.
Official siteBell Bay Golf Club
A par-72 course laid along the shore of the Bras d'Or Lake, consistently ranked among Canada's best.
Official siteBras d'Or Lake Biosphere Reserve
The inland sea at the centre of the island — background on the ecology and communities of the watershed.
Official siteBird Island Boat Tours
Boat trips out to the Bird Islands for puffins, razorbills, seals and eagles in season.
Official siteNorth River Kayak Tours
Guided sea-kayak tours along one of the island's most scenic paddling routes, running for three decades.
Official siteAlexander Graham Bell N.H.S.
Parks Canada's museum on Bell's life and inventions, with a deck looking straight across to Beinn Bhreagh.
Official siteHighland Village Museum
An outdoor living-history site on the Bras d'Or Lake tracing Gaelic settlement on the island.
Official siteLes Trois Pignons & Chéticamp
Rug-hooking museum and Acadian shops in a fishing village founded in 1785, at the park's western gate.
Official siteThe Gaelic College
Cape Breton's centre for Gaelic language, piping, fiddle and dance — with Wednesday Night Céilidhs in season.
Official siteCeltic Colours International Festival
Nine days, hundreds of events, Gaelic and Celtic music across communities the length of the island.
Official siteWagmatcook Culture & Heritage Centre
A Mi'kmaq cultural centre with exhibits, craft and dining overlooking the lake.
Official siteEskasoni Cultural Journeys
Guided cultural tours from the largest Mi'kmaq community in Nova Scotia, on the Bras d'Or shore.
Official siteGlenora Inn & Distillery
North America's first single-malt whisky distillery, open seasonally with tours and tastings.
Official siteVillage of Baddeck — Dining & Shops
The village's own guide to restaurants, cafés and shops, almost all within easy walking distance.
Official siteWant the deeper story behind these places?
Our guide covers the history and culture behind the highlights.