If you look at a map of Nova Scotia, you’ll notice a large island in its northeastern corner. This is Cape Breton Island and it is well worth a visit. My brother and I spent only two days in this corner of Nova Scotia — a nice sampler, but more time would have been better. The island is largely undeveloped, with great natural beauty and a unique culture.
Cape Breton Island is separated from Nova Scotia by the Strait of Canso. The island was a separate colony until 1820 when it was forced to merge into Nova Scotia and today is tethered to the mainland by a rock causeway known as the Canso Causeway (which is just under a mile long).
Around 132,000 people call the island home. There is a sizeable population of Scottish decent (from an early 19th century flux of immigrants) and the island is the only place in North America where Gaelic is spoken. There are also pockets of French, remnants of Acadian history. After the American Revolution, a number of Loyalists relocated from the USA to Cape Breton Island. Some famous inventors lived here in the 20th century, namely Alexander Graham Bell and Guglielmo Marconi.
The northern half of the island is especially notable for its natural beauty, including remarkable Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The southern part of the island had steel manufacturing and coal mining, with both industries in serious decline, although a boom in tourism was helpful at creating jobs (at least until CoVid struck).
The best way to see the island is by car and a great drive is the Cabot Trail, named in honor of Italian explorer John Cabot who is thought to have visited the island in the late 15th century. Most of the photos in this blog were taken along the Cabot Trail. The 190 mile long road gives you great ocean views, small fishing villages, and also goes through mountainous terrain.
There are lots of great restaurants, craft and gift shops, and B&Bs. So take some time to explore and linger if you can.
A great road trip that was one of my favorites. Love the people in Cape Breton too.
What a wonderful place! Love the Cabot Trail. The views are amazing! Interestingly, we ate the best Greek and Indian food in Cape Breton. There’s also an interesting mining museum where you can go down in the mines with a guide. Hard on you back if you are tall though but worth it. Had a great time!