Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

Highlights

Note: Due to COVID-19, the visitor experience at Parks Canada places will be different than it has been in the past. The health and safety of visitors, employees and all Canadians is of the utmost importance. 

Parks Canada is asking visitors to comply with recommendations from Nova Scotia public health authorities by wearing a mask in indoor public spaces, and by respecting recommended social distancing measures at all times.

Parks Canada’s network of protected places is large and diverse. Visitor access, services, and even opening dates may vary across Cape Breton Island and Canso depending on local circumstances. Please visit pc.gc.ca/ns and follow Parks Canada’s social media channels for information and updates on the status of all Parks Canada places. 

On July 13, Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site reopened with self-guided tours and select visitor services available. To find out more information about what’s open and what’s closed on site, visit pc.gc.ca/bell

Overview

Be inspired by the fascinating life and work of Alexander Graham Bell – inventor, scientist, teacher, and devoted family man. Wake up your own spirit of innovation through diverse experiences, as you explore his inventions that helped shape our modern world.

Marvel at full-scale replicas of the Silver Dart airplane and HD-4 watercraft, take the White Glove Tour for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the genius of Bell, or Come Fly a Kite overlooking the beautiful water views of Baddeck Bay.

Bell’s interest in unique shapes and designs comes to life at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. The inspiring architecture guides all visitors through exhibits and multimedia displays that are wheelchair accessible via ramps, and offer ample space to explore, reflect, and discover. 

The site sits in the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. The Bells fell in love with the natural beauty of the island first known as Unama’ki, and their story is interwoven with that of the many settlers and cultures that continue to thrive here today. 

More than the telephone!

Did you know that Bell’s career began as a teacher of deaf and hearing impaired people? His curiosity and determination would lead to Canada’s first powered flight, the world’s fastest watercraft, advanced recording technology, giant tetrahedral kites and, of course, the telephone. Many of these remarkable inventions first took flight (literally!) in the scenic community of Baddeck, with the support of his wife Mabel Hubbard Bell and a group of innovators they inspired around them. 

Family fun

Do you love to discover new things? Are you curious about how things work? Think you might be the next big inventor in technology and science? Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site offers fun and inspiring experiences, perfect for young geniuses and the young at heart. Ask one of the friendly Parks Canada staff to enroll you in the Xplorers program or Club Parka, visit the Discover Zone, learn about hands-on experiments you can do at home, and let your imagination take flight with our popular kite programs. 

Bell’s legacy tells us to embrace playfulness and creativity at every age. Archival photos show the whole Bell family, from children to grandchildren, sharing in the fun of exciting experiments. Make your own family memories that will last a lifetime!

Outdoor experiences

The museum’s rooftop viewing deck provides a panoramic view of the Bells’ beloved “Beinn Bhreagh” (Gaelic for “beautiful mountain”) home still owned by their descendants and Baddeck Bay, part of the UNESCO Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve.

Take a moment to reflect at the First Peoples exhibit. Get a glimpse into the long history and living culture of the Mi’kmaq, as you take in the natural beauty of Unama’ki (Cape Breton Island).

Picnic tables, including one accessible for mobility-impaired visitors, are located adjacent to the rooftop viewing deck. Savour local flavours from the Tetra Café located inside the museum or enjoy take-out from one of the many restaurants within walking distance. 

Don’t forget to capture a picture-perfect moment in the iconic Parks Canada red chairs overlooking Baddeck Bay. Relax and enjoy the water views, lush gardens, and unique architecture of the museum, inspired by Bell’s tetrahedral kites. 

White Glove Tours 

The Canadian Signature Experience is the stamp of quality that the international tourism marketplace recognizes. There are eight Canadian Signature Experiences in Nova Scotia including the White Glove Tour. 

The Parlour White Glove Tour

 

Get an exclusive look into the often-overshadowed personal lives of Alexander Graham Bell and his loving and trailblazing wife Mabel Hubbarb Bell. With a passionate guide leading a small group, the Parlour White Glove Tour uncovers more of their story, including a closer look at Bell’s favourite jacket, a personal notebook, and a walking stick with an interesting backstory. 

 

The Bell-Baldwin White Glove Tour

 

In 1919, the HD-4 hydrofoil broke a world marine speed record as it zipped across Baddeck Bay. With an experienced guide leading a small group, the Bell-Baldwin White Glove Tour offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the work that went into this incredible achievement. On this tour, you will get up close and personal with artifacts such as propellers, blueprints, and figurines.