Cape Breton's inland sea comes alive this week with the Eskasoni Mawio'mi (Powwow) — the island's largest Mi'kmaq gathering — kicking off Friday, while Wednesday evening brings a rare opportunity to be in the live studio audience for a CBC Laugh Out Loud Live Taping at Inverary Resort during the Cape Breton Comedy Festival.
A couple arrives at their cottage for their 50th anniversary weekend, but Sandy has cancelled the party and kicked Glen out. Glen stages an intervention as they recount five decades together in this comedy by Canadian playwright Mark Crawford. Adult tickets $35.09, seniors $31.58, youth $22.81.
A comedy about a couple celebrating 50 years of marriage at their traditional anniversary cottage—except the wife has just kicked out her husband a week before their big milestone. The play follows their attempts to reconnect while recounting decades together. Presented by Theatre Baddeck.
Live comedy taping for CBC's Laugh Out Loud radio show, hosted by Ali Hassan with comedians Gavin Crawford, Chris Holef, Nick Beaton, Clifton Cremo, Luba Magnus, and Dan Hendricken. Doors open at 7PM, showtime at 8PM. Tickets available at capebretoncomedyfestival.ticketspice.com.
A song circle featuring three blues musicians trading songs and stories in a round-robin jam at The Frolic & Folk. Charlie A'Court (Nova Scotia), Jon Hines (Cape Breton), and Frank Sultana (Australia) each bring their own blues style to an informal, no-setlist evening. Local food and drinks available.
Live music happens Wednesday evenings at The Frolic and Folk Pub throughout July and August, with performances running 8-10pm. The lineup rotates through folk, blues, indie and other genres; ticketed shows will be announced separately.
Weekly trivia night at the club where teams compete answering questions across various topics. Bring a group or join a team on arrival.
Comedy about a couple celebrating 50 years of marriage at their traditional cottage getaway, except one of them has just kicked the other out. Theatre Baddeck presents this Mark Crawford play about the highs and lows of long-term commitment. Tickets $35.09 adult, $31.58 senior, $22.81 youth.
Traditional Mi'kmaq gathering held annually at the Eskasoni Powwow Grounds. Grand entry, host drums, jingle and fancy dancers from across Mi'kma'ki, plus craft, food and language demonstrations.
Largest powwow in the region. Three days of dance competitions, drum circles, and feasts. Respectful protocol expected.
Eskasoni Cultural Journeys runs the Goat Island walking trail nearby — pair with the powwow. The double-ball game demos.
Free entry. Tent or cabin nearby; closest hotels in Sydney (40 min). Bring sun protection — grounds are open.
Eskasoni is the largest Mi'kmaq community in the world and this is its biggest open-doors weekend.
Start the week with a morning visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in the heart of Baddeck, where interactive exhibits trace Bell's remarkable arc of invention from the telephone to the Silver Dart airplane. Afterward, follow the village's main street to Highwheeler Cafe & Bakery for a from-scratch pastry and a properly roasted coffee — it's also a reliable spot to catch up on correspondence before the evening's entertainment begins.
Tuesday night at 10:30 p.m., Theatre Baddeck raises the curtain on The Golden Anniversaries by Mark Crawford, a comedy that puts a couple's 50-year marriage under a gentle but probing light. The show returns Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. — a matinee-hour performance that frees up the rest of the evening — and again Thursday at 10:30 p.m. for those who arrive mid-week.
Wednesday is the week's busiest evening. After the theatre's 5:30 curtain comes down, head to the Frolic'n Folk Pub for a double bill: the Summer Concert Series brings its regular Wednesday live music to Iona Heights, while the Folk'n Blues Song Circle hosted by Charlie A'Court rolls out a round-robin jam alongside it. Later that night, Inverary Resort on Baddeck Bay hosts the CBC Laugh Out Loud Live Taping at 10:00 p.m. — a nationally recorded comedy set with host Ali Hassan and six performers. Staying at the resort puts guests steps from the taping and from the lakeside bonfire that follows most evenings.
Thursday afternoon is well spent on the water. The Adventure Centre at Inverary Resort rents kayaks, paddleboards, pontoon boats, and bicycles right from the dock on Bras d'Or Lake — a gentler alternative to the open Atlantic that suits all ages. Cap the afternoon with a pizza at Tom's Pizza Restaurant, a family-owned Baddeck staple serving fresh pies since 1985, before heading back to Theatre Baddeck for the final performance of The Golden Anniversaries and then over to the Bras d'Or Yacht Club for Trivia Thursdays at 10:00 p.m.
Friday, make the short drive along the lake shore to the Eskasoni Powwow Grounds for the Eskasoni Mawio'mi, Cape Breton's largest Mi'kmaq powwow, beginning at noon. On the way back, a stop at Highland Village Museum / Baile nan Gàidheal in Iona layers in the island's Gaelic heritage alongside its Indigenous roots — 43 acres of living history with panoramic views over the Bras d'Or. For a quieter Saturday morning, Whycocomagh Provincial Park on Skye Mountain offers a campground perch above the lake that makes a fine base for the whole week.
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).
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.
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
Discover North America’s only living history museum for Gaelic language and culture when you visit Highland Village Museum | Baile nan Gàidheal. Our breathtaking 43-acre site features one of the most unbelievable views of the Bras d’Or Lake, eleven historic buildings, including three frame houses (c1830-1900), a store, a carding mill, a church, a shingle mill and a forge. Take part in a traditional céilidh, hear Gaelic singing, learn to speak Gaelic phrases, and become captivated by the spirit of the pioneering Scottish Gaels. Gaze in wonder as first-person costumed animators demonstrate traditional skills such as weaving, quilting and rug hooking. Explore the beautiful rural setting that features a Hebridean style blackhouse, a 19th-century wooden church, period farmhouses, and rare farm animals such as Soay sheep and Highland cattle. Parking is available on site and bus tours are welcome. Visit the village’s gift shop for a wide selection of souvenirs, unique gifts and Celtic music, or consult the site’s genealogical service, Roots Cape Breton.
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.
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!
From a nationally recorded comedy night to Cape Breton's largest powwow, the week of August 17–23 offers the full depth of what the Bras d'Or region does best — come for a day and find reasons to stay the week.
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