Sydney & Area

About

The Beaton Institute is a cultural heritage archive mandated to preserve the social, economic, political, ethnic and cultural history of Cape Breton Island. The archive is also the official repository for the historically significant records of Cape Breton University. 

The Beaton Institute provides access to its holdings through adherence to recognized standards in the arrangement and description of archival materials, the development of research tools, and the provision of quality reference services. 

The Institute promotes inquiry through innovative public programming and community-based initiatives, and is centre for local, regional, national and international research. It houses 2.5km of material consisting of thousands of maps and plans, sound recordings, moving images, books, and rare publications. The collection features hundreds of thousands of photographs and millions of pieces of textual records.

Amenities

  • Washrooms Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Locals Know Blog

Explore With Reshma’s Cape Breton Island Tour

We invited Ottawa-based content creator @ExplorewithReshma to explore Cape Breton Island to experience our vibrant living cultures, coastal trails and unforgettable food. Her multi-day adventure brought her from Downtown Sydney to the Cabot Trail, with memorable...

3 Minute Read

Why do you Fall for Cape Breton Island?

It is very hard not to fall in love with Cape Breton Island in the fall season. Read here why our ambassadors have fallen for this beautiful island, and perhaps why it will be a favourite...

9 Minute Read

Fly Fishing on Cape Breton Island

I have been fishing my entire life. I learned the best fishing stories never include a fish. Casting a fly under a canopy of fall colours, camping under the stars of the Cape Breton Highlands, and...

3 Minute Read