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Big Pond

Bras d'Or village famous as the home of singer Rita MacNeil.

On the Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive

Big Pond sits on the eastern shore of the Bras d'Or Lake — the inland sea at the heart of the island. It is best known as the home of singer-songwriter Rita MacNeil (1944–2013), and Rita's Tea Room in her former home is open in summer.

The Big Pond Concert every July was, for decades, one of the great summer music events in Atlantic Canada.

Things to see & do

Other towns along the same trails

Around Cape Breton

More news →
CBC · May 27, 2026
WWI Canadian soldier with ties to Cape Breton identified

A WWI Canadian soldier with connections to Cape Breton has been identified after years of mystery.

CTV News · Jun 15, 2026
Transit Cape Breton users can now ‘tap and ride’

Transit Cape Breton has introduced a tap-and-ride payment system for easier bus travel.

CTV News · May 30, 2026
Cape Breton Regional Municipality's viability in jeopardy, according to study

A new study raises concerns about the long-term viability of Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Big Pond, Cape Breton