Baddeck sits on the northwest shore of the Bras d'Or Lake — the inland sea that fills the centre of the island — and serves as the official start and end of the Cabot Trail. It's the kind of village where tourists arrive expecting a stop and stay an extra day.
Alexander Graham Bell built his summer home, Beinn Bhreagh, here in the 1880s and tested the first powered flight in Canada from the frozen lake in 1909. The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site anchors the waterfront. The downtown is a single walkable strip of inns, cafés, and a wharf where you can sail on the Amoeba schooner.
Baddeck also sits on the Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive and makes a natural overnight when planning a Cabot Trail loop.
Local businesses
Baddeck Lobster Suppers
All-you-can-eat mussels, chowder, and a whole lobster on the lake.
★★★★★ (807)
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Explore Alexander Graham Bell's inventions, from the Silver Dart airplane to the telephone, at this inspiring national historic site in Baddeck with interacti
★★★★★ (2488)
Tom’s Pizza Restaurant
Enjoy fresh pizzas and live music at Tom's Pizza in downtown Baddeck, Cape Breton, a family-owned spot serving quality pies since 1985.
★★★★★ (1095)
Highwheeler Cafe & Bakery
From-scratch bakery and coffee roastery in central Baddeck — reliable Wi-Fi remote-work spot.
★★★★★ (913)
Inverary Resort on Baddeck Bay
Stay at this year-round lakeside resort on Bras d'Or Lake in Baddeck, offering waterfront cottages, an indoor pool, spa, and direct access to the Cabot Trail.
★★★★★ (735)
Trailsman Lodge & Restaurant
Stay at Trailsman Lodge in Baddeck overlooking Bras d'Or Lakes with waterfront grounds, outdoor pool, and easy access to hiking trails and attractions.
★★★★★ (588)
Lobster Galley Restaurant
Dine on fresh lobster overlooking St Ann's Bay at this waterfront Baddeck restaurant with an on-site pound and homemade baked goods.
★★★★★ (500)
Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground
Camp near Baddeck on the Cabot Trail with 120 RV sites, cabins, tiny homes, heated pool, and canoe rentals on Cape Breton Island.
★★★★★ (498)
Bell Buoy Restaurant & Supper House
Dine on wild-caught seafood, hand-cut steaks, and house-made everything at this Baddeck restaurant overlooking Bras d'Or Lake, with gluten-free and nut-free o
★★★★★ (446)
Big Spruce Brewing – Organic Craft Beer and Rose’s Smash Burgers
Visit Big Spruce Brewing in Baddeck for organic craft beer, burgers, and lakeside views of the Bras d'Or Lake at Atlantic Canada's only on-farm brewery.
★★★★★ (408)
Silver Dart Lodge
4-star · Baddeck
★★★★★ (388)
Auberge Gisele’s Inn
Stay at this 4-star inn in Baddeck with garden and Bras d'Or Lakes views, fine dining, and easy access to the Cabot Trail and Alexander Graham Bell site.
★★★★★ (330)
Lynwood Inn & Restaurant
Stay at Lynwood Inn in Baddeck with lake views, whirlpool tubs, and dine at the onsite licensed restaurant open June through October.
★★★★★ (313)
Bean There Cafe
Enjoy locally roasted Nova Coffee and fresh-baked treats at this cozy year-round café in Baddeck, with a seasonal dog-friendly patio.
★★★★★ (313)
Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park
Hike to a spectacular 50-foot waterfall in a granite gorge near Baddeck on Cape Breton Island, with scenic trails through hardwood forest.
★★★★★ (307)
Telegraph House & Motel
Stay at this historic 1861 Victorian inn and motel in Baddeck with 39 rooms, cabins, and cottages near the Cabot Trail and Alexander Graham Bell site.
★★★★★ (286)
Co-op Victoria Farmers
Shop fresh groceries, farm produce, baked goods, and deli items at Co-op Victoria Farmers in Baddeck, Cape Breton's trusted local grocer since 1985.
★★★★★ (285)
Cabot Trail Motel
Stay at Cabot Trail Motel in Baddeck with lakefront views, 37 motel units and 4 chalets overlooking Bras d'Or Lake, plus dining and private beach access.
★★★★★ (279)
Three Doors Down
Enjoy hearty comfort food and all-day breakfast at this warm, family-friendly restaurant in Baddeck, Cape Breton.
★★★★★ (266)
Ceilidh Country Lodge
2.5-star · Baddeck
★★★★★ (235)
St. Ann’s Motel
Stay at St. Ann's Motel in Baddeck with panoramic harbour views, direct access to the Cabot Trail, and hiking to Nova Scotia's highest waterfall nearby.
★★★★★ (225)
Cape Breton B&B
Stay at Cape Breton B&B in Baddeck with comfortable rooms, free WiFi, and bay views overlooking Bras d'Or Lake.
★★★★★ (225)
Theatre Baddeck
Catch professional theatre with Cape Breton flavour at Theatre Baddeck in Baddeck, ranked #1 on TripAdvisor for things to do.
★★★★★ (185)
Chanterelle Inn & Restaurant
Stay at this Baddeck inn and restaurant featuring local Cape Breton cuisine from farms and fishers within 100km, nestled on the scenic Cabot Trail.
★★★★★ (142)Things to see & do
Uisge Ban Falls Trail
Easy forest walk to a 15-metre waterfall tucked in a steep mossy gorge.
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Museum in Baddeck dedicated to the inventor's decades of work at his Bras d'Or Lake estate.
Bras d'Or Lakes Campground
The only lakefront campground in Baddeck.
Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground
Full-service campground at the gateway to the Cabot Trail.
Adventures East Campground & Cottages
Family-run campground and cottages just outside Baddeck.
Bell Bay Golf Club RV Village
On-course RV sites at one of Canada's top public golf clubs.
