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

5 Ways to Wet Your Whistle in Cape Breton

This fall, explore Cape Breton's variety of breweries and distilleries found all over the island.

4 Minute Read

Hidden Gem: Dundee Resort

My name is Tom and I am an outdoor enthusiast and photographer based in Sydney, Nova Scotia. I moved to Cape Breton from India in 2019 and immediately fell in love with this beautiful island.

3 Minute Read

10 Amazing Hikes on Cape Breton Island

When you come to Cape Breton hiking is something that everyone has to do! There are hikes for every age and every ability.

4 Minute Read