A standout week settles over Baddeck and the Bras d'Or Lake shoreline, anchored by the beloved FestiVille Baddeck kicking things off Monday evening with local food, music, and shopping, and culminating Saturday night when tenor John McDermott with Drew Jurecka & Jason Fowler takes the stage at the iconic Little Church Concert Series.
The Golden Anniversaries is a comedy-drama by Canadian playwright Mark Crawford, following a couple who have spent fifty years returning to the same cottage to celebrate their anniversary — until a crisis on the eve of their golden milestone forces them to reckon with a lifetime together. A warm, witty, and deeply human two-hander, it promises audiences an evening of laughter, memory, and heart.
This festival takes over Baddeck's village centre on August 10th from 4-9PM with live entertainment, local food and drink, and shop access. It's designed as a family-friendly celebration of local culture and community.
The Golden Anniversaries is a comedy-drama by Canadian playwright Mark Crawford, following a couple who have spent fifty years returning to the same cottage to celebrate their anniversary — until a crisis on the eve of their golden milestone forces them to reckon with a lifetime together. A warm, witty, and deeply human two-hander, it promises audiences an evening of laughter, memory, and heart.
Theatre Baddeck stages a comedy about a couple celebrating 50 years of marriage at their traditional anniversary cottage, though this year brings unexpected complications. The play explores marriage, memory, and long-term relationships through humorous conflict. Tickets are $35.09 for adults, $31.58 for seniors, and $22.81 for youth.
Live music happens Wednesday evenings at The Frolic and Folk Pub throughout July and August, featuring different genres each week. Shows run 8-10pm with ticketed performances to be announced. Bring friends and enjoy a drink while listening to live music in an intimate setting.
Weekly trivia night at the club where teams compete answering questions across various topics. Bring a group or join a team on arrival.
Concert featuring Irish traditional and contemporary music performed by John McDermott with guitarists Drew Jurecka and Jason Fowler. The program includes selections from McDermott's recent albums The Old House and My Gentle Harp: A Tribute To Thomas Moore, drawing on traditional folk songs and Moore's 19th-century poetry and compositions.
The week opens on a festive note Monday when FestiVille Baddeck transforms the village centre into an open-air celebration from 4 to 9 p.m. — local artisans, regional food, and live music make it an easy first evening for anyone arriving in town. Before the festivities begin, a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site offers rich context for the village itself; the interactive exhibits trace Bell's remarkable decades of invention at his Bras d'Or Lake estate, from the telephone to the Silver Dart airplane. Later that same evening, catch the Masonic Hall-Theatre Baddeck — The Golden Anniversaries for a dose of live theatre in one of Baddeck's most characterful venues.
Tuesday offers another chance to see The Golden Anniversaries — both at the Masonic Hall-Theatre Baddeck and later at Theatre Baddeck presents The Golden Anniversaries by Mark Crawford, Mark Crawford's wry and tender portrait of a couple confronting 50 years of marriage when an anniversary getaway becomes something far more revealing. Fuel up beforehand at Highwheeler Cafe & Bakery, Baddeck's from-scratch bakery and coffee roastery, a reliable mid-afternoon stop for pastries and a properly pulled espresso.
Wednesday is ideal for time on the water before the Summer Concert Series at The Frolic and Folk Pub fires up in the evening at the Frolic'n Folk Pub & Grill at Iona Heights Inn. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from The Adventure Centre at Inverary Resort and spend the morning reading the glassy surface of Bras d'Or Lake, then dry off with a lobster dinner at Baddeck Lobster Suppers — all-you-can-eat mussels and chowder preceding a whole lobster, with the lake as your backdrop.
Thursday evening brings friendly competition to the waterfront when Trivia Thursdays runs at the Bras d'Or Yacht Club — teams gather weekly for bragging rights in one of Baddeck's most convivial settings. For hikers, Thursday or Friday morning is a fine time to lace up boots for the Uisge Ban Falls Trail, an easy forest walk that rewards with a 15-metre waterfall tucked in a mossy gorge, or the more moderate McNaughton's Falls trail in Wagmatcook First Nation, a 4-kilometre return hike climbing 300 metres to a beautiful cascade.
Saturday evening belongs to John McDermott with Drew Jurecka & Jason Fowler at the 7:30 p.m. Little Church Concert Series — an unmissable night of musical craftsmanship in one of Cape Breton's most beloved intimate venues. Make it a full day by spending the afternoon at Whycocomagh Provincial Park on Skye Mountain, where views over the Bras d'Or stretch wide, then settle in for the evening at Inverary Resort on Baddeck Bay, whose waterfront cottages put guests within easy reach of every evening's entertainment. Tom's Pizza Restaurant, a family-owned downtown staple since 1985, makes for a relaxed pre-concert dinner.
Uisge Ban (Gaelic for "white water") tumbles 15 metres down a slate cliff into a fern-lined amphitheatre near Baddeck. The most popular route is the 3-kilometre Falls Trail through old hardwood forest with several brook crossings on small bridges. A second loop, the River Trail, adds another two kilometres for those wanting a longer outing. The provincial park is signed off Highway 105 via Baddeck Forks; the final stretch is gravel.
A wooded provincial park on Salt Mountain (Skye Mountain) overlooking Whycocomagh Bay, an arm of the Bras d'Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere.
37 overnight sites: 27 unserviced and 10 with water and electrical. Yurts available with beds, propane BBQs and decks. Flush toilets, showers, dump station, playground, boat launch, cooking shelters, dish and laundry stations, wood and ice on site. Wheelchair-accessible washrooms.
Families and travellers staging between the Causeway and the Cabot Trail. Solid mid-tier RV option with provincial-park calm.
Reservations 1-888-544-3434 or parks.novascotia.ca. 2026 season June 5 – October 19. Walk-ups accepted but call ahead in summer.
Salt Mountain hike (panorama of the Bras d'Or), the Highland Village in Iona, and Glenora Distillery (35 min).
A 15-meter waterfall on Wagmatcook First Nation land, reached by a 4-km moderate hike that takes about 2 hours. The trailhead is on Humes Rear Road, 750 m from the parking area near a school and baseball field off the Trans-Canada Highway between St. Patrick's Channel and Nyanza. Partial cellphone coverage available.
Overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake in Baddeck, the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site explores the inventor's wide-ranging career—telephones, hydrofoils, kites, aviation, and his deep ties to the deaf community. Highlights include the original HD-4 hydrofoil and a full-size replica of the Silver Dart, the first powered aircraft to fly in the British Empire (Baddeck Bay, 1909). Bell's Beinn Bhreagh estate is visible across the bay.
Be inspired by the fascinating life and work of Alexander Graham Bell – inventor, scientist, teacher, and devoted family man. Wake up your own spirit of innovation through diverse experiences, as you explore his inventions that helped shape our modern world. Marvel at full-scale replicas of the Silver Dart airplane and HD-4 watercraft, take the White Glove Tour for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the genius of Bell, or Come Fly a Kite overlooking the beautiful water views of Baddeck Bay. Bell’s interest in unique shapes and designs comes to life at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. The inspiring architecture guides all visitors through exhibits and multimedia displays that are wheelchair accessible via ramps, and offer ample space to explore, reflect, and discover. The site sits in the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. The Bells fell in love with the natural beauty of the island first known as Unama’ki, and their story is interwoven with that of the many settlers and cultures that continue to thrive here today. More than the telephone! Did you know that Bell’s career began as a teacher of deaf and hearing impaired people? His curiosity and determination would lead to Canada’s first powered flight, the world’s fastest watercraft, advanced recording technology, giant tetrahedral kites and, of course, the telephone. Many of these remarkable inventions first took flight (literally!) in the scenic community of Baddeck, with the support of his wife Mabel Hubbard Bell and a group of innovators they inspired around them. Family fun Do you love to discover new things? Think you might be the next big inventor in technology and science? Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site offers fun and inspiring experiences, perfect for young geniuses and the young at heart. Ask one of the friendly Parks Canada staff to enroll you in the Xplorers program or Club Parka, learn about hands-on experiments you can do at home, and let your imagination take flight with our popular kite programs. Bell’s legacy tells us to embrace playfulness and creativity at every age. Archival photos show the whole Bell family, from children to grandchildren, sharing in the fun of exciting experiments. Make your own family memories that will last a lifetime! Admission for youth aged 17 and under is free! Accessibility The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site features a single accessible building surrounded by terraced green spaces, inclined paved pathways, with accessible parking to the left of the main entrance. Inside, ramps guide visitors from the lobby to the mezzanine of the Water Hall, where various exhibits, including family-friendly workshops and artifact tours are accessible. An elevator is located in the Water Hall, which takes visitors to the lower level that houses both the Hydrofoil and Silver Dart replica. The site also offers accessible washrooms on the mezzanine of the Water Hall and in the freestanding building adjacent to the left of the main entrance. Outdoor experiences Discover Mabel Bell’s historic contributions in Mabel’s Gardens, new interpretive gardens developed in collaboration with Ecosystem Health and Food Security researcher Dr. Alana Pindar and the Alexander Graham Bell Foundation. Learn about the innovative practices Mabel used at the original gardens at Beinn Bhreagh and how you can create your own sustainable garden through this new, interactive space on the grounds of the museum. The museum’s rooftop viewing deck provides a panoramic view of the Bells’ beloved "Beinn Bhreagh" (Gaelic for "beautiful mountain") home still owned by their descendants and Baddeck Bay, part of the UNESCO Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve. Take a moment to reflect at the First Peoples exhibit, located on the museum’s rooftop, overlooking Pitu-paq: the Bras d’Or Lake. Get a glimpse into the long history and living culture of the Mi’kmaq, as you take in the natural beauty of Unama’ki (Cape Breton Island). Picnic tables, including one accessible for mobility-impaired visitors, are located adjacent to the rooftop viewing deck. Savour local flavours from the Tetra Café located inside the museum or enjoy take-out from one of the many restaurants within walking distance. Don’t forget to capture a picture-perfect moment in the iconic Parks Canada red chairs overlooking Baddeck Bay. Relax and enjoy the water views, lush gardens, and unique architecture of the museum, inspired by Bell’s tetrahedral kites. Did you know that Alexander Graham Bell was an early believer in climate change? In 1914, Bell used the term “greenhouse effect” to describe the heating of the earth due to foreign particles in the atmosphere. He also advocated for replacing coal and oil with cleaner forms of energy. You can follow Bell’s vision of a greener future when you use our electric vehicle charging stations to “fuel” the next part of your trip. White Glove Tours The Canadian Signature Experience is the stamp of quality that the international tourism marketplace recognizes. There are eight Canadian Signature Experiences in Nova Scotia including the White Glove Tour. Get an exclusive look into the lives of Alexander Graham Bell and his loving and trailblazing wife Mabel Hubbard Bell. With a passionate guide leading a small group, this behind-the-scenes tour uncovers more of their inspiring story. See fascinating objects and artifacts up close, like Bell’s personal notebook and walking stick. Museum Store The Alexander Graham Bell Museum Association, a non-profit co-operating organization, operates the Museum Store. Products include books, kites, educational toys, souvenirs, and other items that relate strongly to Bell, his work and the themes of the site. Tetra Café The Alexander Graham Bell Museum Association operates the Tetra Café serving coffee, tea and other beverages, as well as delicious baked goods. The café offers free wireless internet service. Browse, snack, and get connected within unique architectural design elements, plenty of natural light, and a stellar view of Baddeck Bay, part of the UNESCO Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve. Parks Canada Discovery Pass Get ready for exciting new experiences with the Parks Canada Discovery Pass – 450 000 km2 of memories await! Get the pass that provides access to all Parks Canada-administered sites for 12 full months from date of purchase. Get curious about natural and cultural treasures in Canada, hear stories from Indigenous cultures, or explore hidden gems. Do it all with the Parks Canada Discovery Pass. To purchase online visit: https://www.commandesparcs-parksorders.ca/en/decouverte-discovery
All-you-can-eat mussels, fish chowder, and a whole boiled lobster on the Bras d'Or Lake. A Baddeck institution that draws cruise-ship visitors and Cabot Trail road-trippers in equal numbers, served family-style under one roof.
Watercraft and activity rental centre dockside at Inverary Resort in Baddeck. Rents stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, bicycles, and pontoon boats for exploring the Bras d'Or Lake and surrounding area at your own pace. The site includes a lakeside patio with food and drinks, plus a nightly bonfire.
Inverary Resort is a year-round lakeside destination nestled on the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake in Baddeck, Cape Breton. Just steps from the start of the Cabot Trail, Inverary blends Cape Breton hospitality with modern comfort, offering the perfect escape for couples, families, and adventure seekers alike. Set on 11 acres of waterfront property, the resort features a range of accommodations—from cozy lodge rooms and waterfront cottages to accessible suites—many newly refurbished to reflect the warmth and charm of its surroundings. Guests can enjoy a full range of amenities including an indoor pool, hot tubs, sauna, fitness centre, and on-site spa. Dining at the Lakeside Restaurant showcases fresh local seafood and seasonal flavours, while live music and bonfire nights at the Narrows Café & Bar create unforgettable evenings. During the warmer months, guests can paddle the lake by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or rent a pontoon boat to explore the beauty of Baddeck Bay. Winter transforms Inverary into a hub for snowmobiling and snowshoeing, while golf lovers can take advantage of stay-and-play packages at Bell Bay Golf Club from spring through fall. Inverary also offers more than 5,000 square feet of event space, ideal for weddings, retreats, and conferences—with a dedicated events team on site. Deeply rooted in Cape Breton’s history and storytelling tradition, Inverary continues to evolve under family ownership, offering both comfort and connection. Whether you’re here to explore the Island or simply unwind by the fire, Inverary Resort welcomes you like one of our own.
Highwheeler is the closest thing Baddeck has to a third-place café. They roast their own coffee, bake bread and pastries on-site, and tolerate laptop users politely outside of peak breakfast/lunch hours.
Wi-Fi is free for customers, the morning rush (8-10 a.m.) and lunch hour (12-1 p.m.) get crowded so plan around it. Outdoor seating in summer adds another dozen tables. Open seasonally — generally May through October, with reduced hours on shoulder months.
TOM’S PIZZA is a small family owned and operated, licensed pizza restaurant. Located right in the heart of Baddeck, Cape Breton. Serving fresh quality pizzas since 1985. We also have regular live music evenings & are proud to serve locally brewed beer!
Whether the draw is live theatre, a tenor's voice carried across an old stone church, or simply a kayak drifting on the Bras d'Or at golden hour, Baddeck delivers a quietly remarkable August week — come find your own rhythm of it.
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