Summer Concert Series at The Frolic and Folk Pub
Live music runs Wednesday evenings at The Frolic and Folk Pub throughout July and August, with performances spanning folk, blues, and indie genres. Shows run 8-10pm; ticketed lineups to be announced.
Baddeck & Bras d'Or Lake: What's On August 3–9, 2026
Mark Crawford's sharp comic drama Theatre Baddeck presents The Golden Anniversaries runs Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday afternoon the Baddeck Farmer's Market 2026 returns to the grounds of the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site — two strong reasons to plant yourself in Baddeck for the week.
🎵 Live this week
Theatre Baddeck presents The Golden Anniversaries by Mark Crawford
A couple celebrating 50 years of marriage gathers at their favorite cottage for a romantic getaway, but Sandy has just kicked Glen out and cancelled their anniversary party. Glen attempts a last-ditch intervention as the two recount the highs and lows of five decades together. Theatre Baddeck presents this comedy by Canadian playwright Mark Crawford. Tickets are $35.09 for adults, $31.58 for seniors, and $22.81 for youth.
Theatre Baddeck presents The Golden Anniversaries by Mark Crawford
A couple celebrating 50 years of marriage gathers at their favorite cottage for a romantic getaway, but Sandy has just kicked Glen out and cancelled their anniversary party. Glen attempts a last-ditch intervention as the two recount the highs and lows of five decades together. Theatre Baddeck presents this comedy by Canadian playwright Mark Crawford. Tickets are $35.09 for adults, $31.58 for seniors, and $22.81 for youth.
Baddeck Farmer’s Market 2026
This weekly farmers market sets up in the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site visitor parking lot every other Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm, running June 20 to October 10, 2026. You'll find local produce and goods from regional vendors.
Performance schedule: Sat at 1:00 p.m., Jun 20 – Aug 8 (8 performances)
Sat, Jun 20 · Sat, Jun 27 · Sat, Jul 4 · Sat, Jul 11 · Sat, Jul 18 · Sat, Jul 25 · Sat, Aug 1 · Sat, Aug 8
Midsummer Music Series: Pianist Jennifer King at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
This classical piano concert features Canadian pianist Jennifer King at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site's Water Hall. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., performance starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $25 (available at the door or in advance at Flying Kite Artisan Shop in Baddeck).
Masonic Hall-Theatre Baddeck — The Golden Anniversaries
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.
16th Annual Show N’ Shine Car Show
This annual car show features vehicles from local clubs including antique, custom, Mustang, and British car enthusiasts, along with live music, BBQ, beer garden, games, and prizes. Free to attend and held at the Grand Narrows Waterfront.
📍 Suggested itinerary
A week centred on Baddeck rewards those who move at an unhurried pace. Begin Monday or Tuesday with a morning walk to Uisge Ban Falls Trail, an easy forest path that leads to a 15-metre waterfall tucked in a mossy gorge — a cool escape before the August heat builds. Back in town, Highwheeler Cafe & Bakery is the natural stop for from-scratch pastries and locally roasted coffee, whether the plan is a full day of exploring or a quiet morning with a book.
The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site anchors any visit to Baddeck. The museum traces Bell's decades of invention at his Bras d'Or Lake estate — from the telephone to the Silver Dart aircraft — and its interactive galleries reward a leisurely two-hour visit. On Saturday afternoon, the Baddeck Farmer's Market 2026 sets up in the very same parking lot at 1:00 p.m., turning the site into a community gathering point. That same evening, pianist Jennifer King performs classical works in the site's Water Hall as part of the Midsummer Music Series — an elegant cap to a full Saturday.
For time on the water, The Adventure Centre at Inverary Resort rents kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles, and pontoon boats right from the dock on Bras d'Or Lake. An afternoon paddling the sheltered bay gives a different perspective on Baddeck's church spires and wooded shoreline. Guests staying at Inverary Resort on Baddeck Bay can walk from their waterfront cottage straight to the dock, making it easy to get on the water before dinner.
Thursday through Saturday evenings belong to Theatre Baddeck and Mark Crawford's comedy The Golden Anniversaries. The play follows Sandy and Glen as they return to their anniversary cottage for the 50th time — except Sandy has kicked Glen out, and Glen is determined to stage an intervention to save their marriage. It's the kind of locally produced live theatre that defines summer in Cape Breton. Before the curtain, dinner at Baddeck Lobster Suppers — all-you-can-eat mussels, chowder, and a whole lobster overlooking the lake — sets the evening off properly. Or, for something more casual, Tom's Pizza Restaurant has been turning out fresh pies in downtown Baddeck since 1985.
On Wednesday night, the drive out to Iona Heights is worth it for the Summer Concert Series at The Frolic and Folk Pub, running every Wednesday through August. Sunday brings a change of pace at the Grand Narrows waterfront, where the 16th Annual Show N' Shine Car Show draws local clubs for a noon gathering with live music, BBQ, and a beer garden beside the lake. Those with energy left after the car show can head toward Whycocomagh Provincial Park, perched on Skye Mountain above Bras d'Or Lake, for a final sunset view before the week winds down.
🥾 Worth the drive
Uisge Ban Falls Trail
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.
What you'll see
- A 15-metre veil-style waterfall tumbling into a fern-draped slate amphitheatre.
- Mature hardwood forest with yellow birch, sugar maple, and beech.
- A clear brook with several easy crossings on plank and stone bridges.
- Hermit thrushes, wood thrushes, and kinglets on summer mornings.
- Brilliant fall colour from late September into early October.
On the trail
- Falls Trail: 3 km return with modest elevation change.
- River Trail loop adds another 2 km if you want a longer outing.
- Surface is packed dirt with roots and small rocks; uneven in places.
- Several small bridges over the brook.
- Well-signed; takes 60 to 90 minutes for the Falls Trail alone.
What to bring
- Sturdy walking shoes — runners are fine in dry weather.
- Water and a snack.
- Bug spray, especially in June.
- A swimsuit if you want to wade at the base on a hot day.
- A camera; the falls amphitheatre is the kind of place that needs a tripod for low-light shots.
Park & access
- Signed off Highway 105 at Baddeck Forks; final 8 km is gravel.
- Free day use; no gate.
- Vault toilet at the trailhead.
- Open year-round, but the access road may not be plowed in winter.
Combine it with
- The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck, 20 minutes south.
- A wander on the Baddeck waterfront.
- The Cabot Trail loop starting from Baddeck — Uisge Ban is a great morning warm-up before driving north.
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
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.
Highlights
- The original HD-4 hydrofoil, which set a world marine speed record in 1919 right out on Baddeck Bay.
- A full-size replica of the Silver Dart, displayed in the same exhibit space as artefacts from the Aerial Experiment Association.
- An entire gallery devoted to Bell's tetrahedral kite experiments — the giant cell-built structures that look like alien geometry.
- The Helen Keller and Mabel Bell exhibits, reframing the inventor's career through his lifelong work with deaf education.
- A view across the bay to Beinn Bhreagh, the Bell family estate, still owned by descendants and occasionally visible by boat.
Plan your visit
- Allow at least two hours; three if you have curious kids who linger at the hands-on stations.
- The hands-on workshop is excellent — kids can build and fly a small tetrahedral kite.
- Parks Canada admission applies; the site is part of the discovery pass.
- Open daily late spring through fall, with reduced hours in shoulder season.
- The site is fully wheelchair-accessible with elevators between levels.
- The cafeteria is basic; for a real meal walk down into Baddeck village.
Combine it with
- A wander along the Baddeck waterfront and a coffee at one of the harbour cafés.
- A boat tour of Baddeck Bay — several outfits run trips that pass close to Beinn Bhreagh.
- Uisge Ban Falls Trail, 20 minutes inland, for a forest-and-waterfall outing in the afternoon.
Whycocomagh Provincial Park
A wooded provincial park on Salt Mountain (Skye Mountain) overlooking Whycocomagh Bay, an arm of the Bras d'Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere.
Sites & amenities
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.
Best for
Families and travellers staging between the Causeway and the Cabot Trail. Solid mid-tier RV option with provincial-park calm.
Park & access
Reservations 1-888-544-3434 or parks.novascotia.ca. 2026 season June 5 – October 19. Walk-ups accepted but call ahead in summer.
Combine it with
Salt Mountain hike (panorama of the Bras d'Or), the Highland Village in Iona, and Glenora Distillery (35 min).
McNaughton’s Falls
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.
🍽️ Where to eat & stay
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
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
Baddeck Lobster Suppers
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.
What to expect
- Big, busy dining room with long tables and lake-view windows
- Bib-on, butter-fingers atmosphere — this is not a date-night spot
- Hot rolls and biscuits brought to the table; bottomless mussels and chowder
- Service moves quickly; turnover is brisk in peak season
Don't miss
- The mussels in white-wine broth — easily the best value at the table
- The seafood chowder, thick and Maritime-style
- Strawberry shortcake or gingerbread for dessert if it's on that night
Good to know
- Open seasonally, roughly late May to late October
- Lobster-free options (snow crab, salmon, ham) for non-shellfish eaters
- Reservations are smart in July and August
- Wheelchair accessible main floor; ample parking
Pair it with
- A walk down to the Baddeck wharf and an Amoeba sunset sail
- The Alexander Graham Bell Museum, 5 minutes away
- A nightcap at Bell Buoy or Highwheeler if you have room
The Adventure Centre at Inverary Resort
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 on Baddeck Bay
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 Cafe & Bakery
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.
What to know
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 Restaurant
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!
Baddeck and the Bras d'Or Lake shoreline offer a rare combination of culture, wilderness, and waterfront ease — and the week of August 3–9 packs all three into a natural, unhurried itinerary. Come for the theatre, stay for the lake.