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5 Day Cape Breton Music Itinerary

How do we capture the essence of our Island? In low steady drum beats and flying fiddle reels. In soulful performances in three mother tongues. Through the fluid movements of centuries-old dances. By paintbrush stroke and needle-woven threads. With more fiddlers per capita than anywhere else in the world, you can bet music will be on tap wherever you go on our Island. It’s the heart and soul of Cape Breton Island—so be sure to hear it live. This itinerary will take you to some great destinations all over the Island giving you the best experiences for finding our traditional and contemporary musicians.

Day 1

Judique

Visit the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre in Judique on Canada’s Musical Coast. Learn how Cape Breton Island has created some of the world’s best known fiddlers then explore the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail and make some music of your own with musical elements found throughout the trail.

Day 2

Mabou

Stop by a local and tourist favourite, the Red Shoe Pub. This pub is owned by the Rankin sisters of the esteemed group, The Rankin Family and features live traditional music on the regular. It’s a must see destination for any music lover when visiting the Island.

 

  • Travel along Canada’s Music Coast to Mabou from Port Hood
  • Visit West Mabou Beach for a walk along the shore
  • Stop in to Glenora Distillery and Inn for lunch, a tune and tour of the Distillery
  • Swing by the Red Shoe Pub for supper and live music
  • If you’re lucky there may be a square dance at the Brook Village or West Mabou Hall

Day 3

Chéticamp

Continue driving north along Canada’s Musical Coast and you’ll discover the coastal community of Chéticamp. Home to rich Acadian culture and music this community embraces their heritage and primarily speak French. This community looks to involve visitors by offering music classes and putting on incredible live music at local venues.

Take a Bite out of Winter in Chéticamp! 9

Day 4

Baddeck

Continue your day by heading south on the Cabot Trail  and visit Baddeck and the Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College. A home for Gaelic culture and  Steeped in tradition, the College is dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional arts, including Cape Breton fiddle, piano, guitar, step-dancing, and piping, highland dancing, weaving, and of course Gaelic language.

6 Day - Celtic Heart Itinerary 1

Day 5

Sydney

Spend your evening in Downtown Sydney, home to the Big Fiddle and great restaurants that feature amazing tradtional and contemporary musicians.  Sydney’s downtown offers a boardwalk along Sydney harbour where you can watch the sunset on a great day of exploring Cape Breton Island’s musical history and talent

5 Things to do in downtown Sydney

Locals Know

Businesses and Activities from Itinerary

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Baddeck Lobster Suppers

Regions: Cabot Trail, Bras d’Or Lake

Community: Baddeck & Area

Baddeck Lobster Suppers is family owned and operated,  with over 100 years tradition of working in the fishing industry.  Offering...


46.0973 -60.7571

Glenora Inn & Distillery

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 448 Reviews

Region: Canada’s Musical Coast

Community: Inverness

The Glenora Inn and Distillery Resort is situated on a 200 acre site in Glenville, rich in the heritage of its Scottish culture and onl...


46.1513 -61.3183

Admiral Lounge & Café

Region: Canada’s Musical Coast

Community: Port Hood

About Admiral Lounge & Café: The Admiral is a relaxed, casual and friendly business with a fresh homestyle and comfort food menu. Open ...


46.013428 -61.529939

Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs

Regions: Cabot Trail, Bras d’Or Lake

Community: Baddeck & Area

Enjoy traditional Cape Breton music! A ceilidh is a kitchen party where everyone is welcome to perform if they wish. From the very beginnin...


46.10017 -60.75422

Centre de la Mi-Carême

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Trip Advisor Rating 27 Reviews

Region: Canada’s Musical Coast

Community: Chéticamp & Area

Mi-Carême (Mid-Lent) is a celebration involving masks and disguises. The Centre de la Mi-Carême offers a unique display of locally crafted...


46.5494 -61.0458

Governor's Pub & Eatery

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Trip Advisor Rating 1372 Reviews

Region: Sydney and Area / Marconi Trail

Community: Sydney & Area

Chef Ardon Mofford, award-winning chef and Cape Breton’s culinary leader welcomes you to Governors Pub & Eatery. This local ingredient...


46.1397 -60.1959
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