Gaelic & Celtic Traditions

Cape Breton Island is often called the Celtic Heart of North America, and for good reason. Gaelic language, music, and customs brought by Scottish settlers remain vibrant and deeply rooted in daily life and community gatherings.

You’ll hear the lilt of a fiddle at a local ceilidh, see step dancing passed down through generations, and experience the unique rhythms of a Gaelic milling frolic.
Places like the Highland Village, the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, and Colaisde na Gàidhlig/The Gaelic College bring history to life, offering immersive experiences that celebrate the enduring spirit of Gaelic Cape Breton. This is a culture that’s not just remembered, it’s joyfully lived.