Nature and History at Cape Breton Island Vacation Rentals
Located in Nova Scotia in Canada, Cape Brenton Island is a destination rich with natural and historic attractions. Follow the trails and explore museums, historic sites and monuments. At the same time, the island is scenically very beautiful. There are loads of outdoor activities that visitors can participate in. Join up with a walking tour, hire a bicycle, paddle around the island’s coastline or take a cruise. Cape Breton Island has a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect destination to unwind and take a break from busy city life.
What to see Near Cape Breton Accommodations
The Fortress of Louisburg Historic Site is one of Cape Breton Island’s great attractions. The fort has been reconstructed to depict a typical day in 1744. The streets are animated with people dressed in costumes of the era and the idea is that you really get to experience what life was like in those pioneer days. Sit in the pub with locals and soldiers as they talk about their battles with the British. There is a walking trail around the site and a picnic area and restaurants where you can enjoy lunch.
One of Nova Scotia’s most famous inhabitants was Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone. The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic site is tucked away in the small lakeside community of Baddeck. The museum exhibits artifacts, photographs and personal mementos once owned by the inventor. While he is best known for the telephone which he invented at age 29, Bell continued to create throughout his life, experimenting with kites and other flying machines. He is also credited with having the first controlled aerial flight in the British Empire.
The Highland Village provides visitors with a unique insight into the pioneer lifestyle of the early Scottish settlers. You can visit the Tagh Dubh which is known as a Blackhouse. This is the only one of its kind in North America. Some of the locals dress in traditional costumes and demonstrate traditional crafts such as weaving, soap making and farming.
The Elizabeth De Fort Gallery and Museum has some unusual portraits of famous statesmen and public figures. They are all portraits intricately created out of wool. There are some impressively large and detailed works that depict historical scenes and historic timelines.
The St. Peter’s Canal is a historic man-made canal that joins the Bras D’Or Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. You can watch the boats and yachts pass through the lochs as you relax on the manicured lawns.
The Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts is a wonderful cultural experience. Watch dancers dressed in kilts do traditional dances to the sounds of the bagpipes. If you have a Scottish heritage, you can visit the Great Hall of the Clans. You can also have a traditional kilt made up in your family tartan as a souvenir.
Travel Tips for Cape Breton Island
The nearest International Airport is Halifax on Nova Scotia. From Halifax, you can get a domestic connection on to Sydney Airport. The airport receives both scheduled and charter flights. Once on Cape Breton Island, you can hire a car to do some independent exploring or you can use taxis to get around.
When to Visit Cape Breton Island Cottages
The island’s attractions are most accessible in the warmer summer months. It is a popular destination for family vacations as there is so much to see and do on the island. It’s also a great cultural experience to enjoy with the family. Children can learn about Scottish culture and what pioneer life was all about.