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Discover Vibrant Living Cultures on Cape Breton Island

When you travel to Cape Breton Island, you’re not only treated to beautiful seascape vistas, incredible hiking and amazing seafood, here you’ll also learn that Cape Breton Island is home to multiple, distinct cultures that enrich our Island. Explore our Mi’kmaq, Acadian and Gaelic cultures on this 5-day Island-wide itinerary.

Day 1

Sydney to Louisbourg – 35 km

Welcome to your first day exploring the Island and its cultures. Today you’ll venture to the 18th century at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site where you’ll learn how French settlers interacted and learned from the Mi’kmaq while trying to establish a colony in North America.

 

5 Day Living Culture Itinerary 6

Day 2

Louisbourg to Eskasoni – 73 km

Continue learning about the Mi’kmaq people and their culture as you travel to Membertou and Eskasoni where you will experience the Membertou Heritage Park and Eskasoni’s Cultural Journeys.

 

 

5 Day Living Culture Itinerary 1

Day 3

Iona to Arichat – 146 km

Learn about the Gaels and how they came to settle on Cape Breton Island as you journey through time at the Baile Nan Gael/The Highland Village. Next, drive along the scenic Bras d’Or Lake as your travel to the Acadian community of Arichat.

5 Day Living Culture Itinerary 2

Day 4

Arichat to Mabou – 107 km

Continue to learn about the Gaels and how their musical culture began to shape Cape Breton Island’s, Inverness County, also known as ‘Canada’s Musical Coast‘.

5 Day Living Culture Itinerary 5

Day 5

Mabou to Chéticamp – 84 km

Continue along Canada’s Musical Coast and the Cabot Trail to Chéticamp to learn more about the Acadians and how they came to call Chéticamp home.

7 Things To Do In Chéticamp 6

Cape Breton Island is a proud home to several distinct cultures each with their own unique history, customs and traditions.

Businesses Featured in Itinerary

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Glenora Inn & Distillery

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 449 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

The Clairestone Inn

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 87 Reviews

Region: Cape Breton’s South Coast

Community: Isle Madame

Experience sea level living on an island off an island at The Clairestone Inn: a newly renovated 17 room boutique hotel nestled in the quain...


45.5118 -61.0279

Centre de la Mi-Carême

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

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

Coal Miner's Café

Region: Canada’s Musical Coast

Community: Inverness

The Coal Miner’s Café boasts a dining room with a proud, historic atmosphere and a delicious pub style menu. Sure to be a crowd pleaser t...


46.23173 -61.30498

Eskasoni Cultural Journeys

Region: Bras d’Or Lake

Community: Eskasoni

Pjila’si! Nestled along the Bras d’Or Lakes in Cape Breton’s rolling heartlands – where the highlands meet the lowlands –  th...


45.9556 -60.5782

Iona Heights Inn

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 272 Reviews

Region: Bras d’Or Lake

Community: Iona & Area

The Iona Heights Inn is centrally located on Cape Breton Island along Highway 223, with an amazing view of the beautiful Bras d’Or Lak...


45.9472 -60.8189

La Goélette à Pépé Café

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 42 Reviews

Region: Cape Breton’s South Coast

Community: Isle Madame

Join us at La Goélette à Pépé Café where quality coffees, expresso and loose teas are just the beginning. Choose from ‘the local’s ...


45.5113 -61.0243
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