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Inverness

Former coal town turned golf destination — Cabot Cliffs, Cabot Links, and a long sand beach.

On the Ceilidh Trail

Inverness is the centre of golf tourism on Cape Breton Island, home to two of the world's most acclaimed modern courses: Cabot Links (a true links course on the site of the old colliery) and Cabot Cliffs (consistently ranked in the top ten globally). The third course, Cabot by Bill Coore, is in development.

The town itself retains its working coastal character: a long sandy beach, a boardwalk above the dunes, and a community deeply shaped by 100 years of coal mining. The Inverness Miners' Museum tells that story.

A weekly farmers market runs in summer, and the surrounding Mabou Highlands offer some of the quietest hiking on the island.

Local businesses

Cabot Cape Breton

Cabot Cape Breton

accommodation

Experience world-class golf at two top-100 courses, luxury oceanview accommodations, and upscale dining at this award-winning Cape Breton resort on a mile of

★★★★★ (685)
Cabot Cliffs

Cabot Cliffs

attraction

Play Canada's #1 ranked golf course at Cabot Cliffs in Inverness, a walking-only links course carved along dramatic ocean cliffs with stunning coastal views.

★★★★★ (685)
Coal Miner’s Café

Coal Miner’s Café

restaurant

Dine at Coal Miner's Café in Inverness for hearty pub-style breakfast, lunch, and supper in a historic atmosphere.

★★★★ (371)
Route 19 Brewing

Route 19 Brewing

brewery

Inverness microbrewery anchoring the Ceilidh Trail's craft beer scene.

★★★★ (368)
Inverness Beach Village

Inverness Beach Village

accommodation

Stay in beachfront cottages with private beach access in Inverness, Cape Breton, near world-class golf courses and the Cabot Trail.

★★★★ (275)
The Annex Inverness

The Annex Inverness

restaurant

Dine at The Annex in Inverness, a new bar and restaurant celebrating local, in-season ingredients in a seaside setting.

★★★★★ (248)
Cabot Public House

Cabot Public House

restaurant

Clubhouse pub at Cabot Cape Breton with ocean-view dining for golfers and visitors.

★★★★ (174)
Whit’s Public House at Cabot Cape Breton

Whit’s Public House at Cabot Cape Breton

restaurant

Dine at Whit's Public House in Inverness with ocean views, live music, local seafood, and craft beer on an outdoor patio.

★★★★ (174)
MacLeod’s Beach Campsite

MacLeod’s Beach Campsite

accommodation

Camp at MacLeod's Beach in Inverness with 97 overnight sites, ocean views, sandy beach swimming, and full amenities including showers and a games room.

★★★★ (160)
Shean Co-op (Inverness)

Shean Co-op (Inverness)

service

Inverness's main grocery store, a short walk from the famous boardwalk and beach.

★★★★ (109)
Glamping off the Beaton Path

Glamping off the Beaton Path

accommodation

Book a glamping tent in Inverness with Gulf of St. Lawrence views, fully equipped with beds, kitchen supplies, and sunset verandas.

★★★★★ (63)
Dusky Diamonds Bed & Breakfast

Dusky Diamonds Bed & Breakfast

accommodation

Stay at this Victorian bed & breakfast in Inverness with 4 ensuite rooms, free Wi-Fi, breakfast included, and easy access to beaches, hiking, and golf courses

★★★★ (56)
Inverness County Centre for the Arts

Inverness County Centre for the Arts

attraction

Explore galleries, live performances, and workshops at this regional arts hub in Inverness, Cape Breton, overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

★★★★★ (43)
Coore’s Lobster Shack

Coore’s Lobster Shack

restaurant

Experience a classic Atlantic Canada lobster boil at Coore's Lobster Shack in Inverness, featuring fresh seafood, smoked meats, and outdoor games.

★★★★★ (40)
Cape Breton Villas

Cape Breton Villas

accommodation

Luxury villas seconds from Cabot Cape Breton golf

★★★★★ (38)
Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital

Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital

service

Community hospital serving Inverness, Mabou and the Ceilidh Trail.

★★★★ (34)
The Corner Store by missbrenna

The Corner Store by missbrenna

restaurant

Visit The Corner Store by missbrenna in Inverness for fresh coffee, baked goods, local gifts, and artisan goods with deck seating on Cape Breton Island.

★★★★★ (29)
Cabot Bar

Cabot Bar

restaurant

Dine at Cabot Bar overlooking the 18th hole at Cabot Links in Inverness, featuring locally caught seafood, Canadian beef, and curated wines.

★★★★★ (27)
Inverness Adventures E-Bike Rentals

Inverness Adventures E-Bike Rentals

attraction

Rent e-bikes in Inverness to explore the 92 km Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, a scenic multi-use path perfect for 2-3 hour adventures through Cape Breton.

★★★★★ (25)
Panorama at Cabot Cape Breton

Panorama at Cabot Cape Breton

restaurant

Dine with Gulf of St. Lawrence views at this premier Inverness restaurant featuring Nova Scotia ingredients and an expertly curated wine selection.

★★★★ (22)
Eagle Eye Tours

Eagle Eye Tours

attraction

Book bluefin tuna and deep sea fishing charters with Eagle Eye Tours in Inverness, featuring on-board lobster dinners and access to the Celtic Shores Coastal

★★★★★ (20)
Quincy Street Market

Quincy Street Market

attraction

Shop locally made gifts, art and crafts at Quincy Street Market in Inverness, featuring curated collaborations with Cape Breton artisans and live music events

★★★★★ (19)
Lakeland Cottages

Lakeland Cottages

accommodation

Mixed cottages and chalet at Broad Cove near Inverness

★★★★★ (13)
Bear Paw Cottages

Bear Paw Cottages

accommodation

Stay at Bear Paw Cottages above Lake Ainslie near Inverness, offering fully equipped two-bedroom cottages with beach access and outdoor amenities.

★★★★★ (13)

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.

Inverness, Cape Breton