Mabou
Mabou is the music village of Cape Breton — a tiny crossroads on the Ceilidh Trail with an outsized influence on the island's traditional Scottish-Gaelic music. The Rankin Family grew up here, and the Red Shoe Pub (owned by the Rankin sisters) hosts live fiddle and step-dance most nights of the season.
The surrounding Mabou Highlands offer some of the best coastal hiking on the island — the Cape Mabou trail system is unmaintained but spectacular. Glenora Distillery, North America's first single-malt whisky distillery, sits in a hollow just south of town.
Local businesses
Red Shoe Pub
Live Cape Breton music seven nights a week. Owned by the Rankin Sisters.
★★★★★ (957)
Glenora Distillery’s Washback Pub
Dine on gourmet Nova Scotia cuisine at Glenora's Washback Pub in Mabou Highlands, featuring Glen Breton Rare whisky and live Celtic music.
★★★★★ (790)
Mabou Freshmart
Shop Mabou Freshmart for fresh groceries, meat, produce, and prepared food in Mabou, Cape Breton. Open 7 days a week.
★★★★★ (153)
Mabou River Inn
Stay at Mabou River Inn on Cape Breton's Ceilidh Trail near West Mabou Beach, featuring rooms with private baths, hot breakfast, and a licensed restaurant.
★★★★★ (147)
Duncreigan Country Inn of Mabou
Stay at this historic country inn in Mabou overlooking the harbour, with easy access to warm beaches, hiking trails, and Cabot Links golf courses.
★★★★★ (58)
The Mull Café & Deli
Casual Mabou stop for sandwiches, soups and homemade desserts.
★★★★★ (57)
Northeast Cove Geodomes
Four waterfront geodomes on Mabou Harbour
★★★★★ (54)
Strathspey Performing Arts Centre
Catch live theatre and international performers at this 488-seat professional venue in Mabou Station, Cape Breton's premier performing arts destination.
★★★★★ (48)
The Glendyer Bed and Breakfast
Stay at this charming heritage bed and breakfast near Mabou with three ensuite rooms, hot breakfast, and direct access to the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail.
★★★★★ (29)
Mother of Sorrows Pioneer Shrine
Visit the Mother of Sorrows Pioneer Shrine, a miniature pioneer church in Mabou dedicated to Our Lady of Seven Sorrows and local pioneers.
★★★★★ (18)
Ann Schroeder Studio – Fine Art Quilts
Visit Ann Schroeder's home studio in Mabou to view fine art quilts, mixed media paintings and collages inspired by Cape Breton's landscapes and music.
MacEachern’s Cove Cottage
Book this 3-bedroom seaside cottage in Mabou Harbour with views of mountains and water, full amenities, and easy access to restaurants and Celtic entertainmen
