Iona is a small village on the Barra Strait of the Bras d'Or Lake, named for the Hebridean island that many local settlers came from. The Highland Village Museum here is one of the great living-history sites in Atlantic Canada — eleven period buildings spanning 1773–1920, with costumed interpreters demonstrating Gaelic crofting life.
A short ferry crosses the Barra Strait to Grand Narrows, a useful Bras d'Or shortcut.
Local businesses
Highland Village Living History Tours
Gaelic immersion at an outdoor museum
★★★★★ (639)
Highland Village Museum/Baile nan Gàidheal
Explore North America's only living Gaelic history museum on 43 acres in Iona with historic buildings, traditional crafts, and views of Bras d'Or Lake.
★★★★★ (639)
Iona Heights Inn
Stay at Iona Heights Inn with views of Bras d'Or Lake, enjoy dining at Frolic'n Folk Pub & Grill, and relax with onsite massage services on Cape Breton Island
★★★★★ (308)
The Frolic’n Folk Pub & Grill – Iona Heights Inn
Enjoy comfort food and pub fare with Bras d'Or lake views at The Frolic'n Folk Pub & Grill in Iona, Cape Breton, open daily for lunch and dinner.
★★★★★ (123)
Hector’s Point Vacation Rentals
Stay in newly built 1-bedroom suites with Bras d'Or views near Iona village, featuring full kitchens and large balconies close to beaches and attractions.
★★★★★ (11)
Jill’s Chocolates
Enjoy handcrafted Nova Scotia themed chocolates at Jill's chocolate cafe in Iona, featuring signature flavors like sea salt caramel and Glen Breton.
★★★★★ (7)
Àros na Mara Centre of Learning and Discovery
Explore the Bras d'Or Lake ecosystem at this hands-on centre in Iona with touch tanks, interpretive panels, and stunning waterfront views.
★★★★★ (1)