Baddeck turns up the traditional music this week, with the Baddeck Gathering Céilidh running every evening at St. Michael's Parish Hall and a standout Tuesday night featuring Howie MacDonald & Beverly MacLean — two of Cape Breton's most celebrated performers sharing the same stage.
A daily ceilidh held in Baddeck at 7:30pm, named after a traditional fiddle tune and dedicated to the memory of late musician Charlie MacCuspic. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children, includes tea and locally baked oatcakes, and tickets are available at the door from 5-7pm (cash only). Reservations are recommended.
Howie MacDonald and Beverly MacLean are two celebrated Cape Breton musicians who bring the island's Celtic fiddle tradition to life. Howie MacDonald is a well-respected fiddler who has composed dozens of tunes and, although best known as a fiddler, he is a superb pianist whether chording for fiddlers or performing piano solos. He has released eleven albums and spent many years touring and recording with the Rankin Family, and has also gained popularity in musical comedy revues including the Cape Breton Summertime Revue. Beverly MacLean, from Southside Boularderie, is a Cape Breton fiddler and piano player who has performed regularly in KitchenFest and at the Louisbourg Playhouse as well
A daily ceilidh held in Baddeck at 7:30pm, named after a traditional fiddle tune and dedicated to the memory of late musician Charlie MacCuspic. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children, includes tea and locally baked oatcakes, and tickets are available at the door from 5-7pm (cash only). Reservations are recommended.
Dara Smith-MacDonald is a Nova Scotia fiddler with family roots in Inverness who has performed at Celtic Colours, the Antigonish Highland Games, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland. Together with award-winning Cape Breton pianist Adam Young of Marion Bridge, the duo has released multiple albums and performed at concerts, ceilidhs, and festivals across Canada, the U.S., and beyond.
A daily ceilidh held in Baddeck at 7:30pm, named after a traditional fiddle tune and dedicated to the memory of late musician Charlie MacCuspic. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children, includes tea and locally baked oatcakes, and tickets are available at the door from 5-7pm (cash only). Reservations are recommended.
Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of traditional Gaelic culture, offering instruction in over ten disciplines, and year-round learning and fun. As a cultural destination, it will delight visitors with the unique opportunity to experience first-hand the living culture of the Nova Scotia Gaelic people.
A Celtic music showcase at Colaisde na Gàidhlig features Cape Breton piper Cameron MacNeil, a member of the Cape Breton Island Pipe Band and longtime youth camper and duty piper at the Gaelic College, alongside award-winning fiddler Andrea Beaton, known for her powerful bow and driving style. Members of the acclaimed group Còig, Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen have been performing together for more than a decade, hailing from Cape Breton, with their duo project winning the 2024 Music Nova Scotia Award for Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year, all joined by pianist Joël
A daily céilidh featuring traditional Cape Breton music and dancing, held in honour of fiddler Charlie MacCuspic. Doors open at 5pm for ticket sales, with the performance starting at 7:30pm. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children, includes tea and oatcakes, and cash only; reservations are recommended.
Arrive on Monday in time to shake off the road at Inverary Resort on Baddeck Bay, where waterfront cottages put the Bras d'Or Lake right outside the door. Before the evening céilidh, grab a coffee and a fresh-baked pastry at Highwheeler Cafe & Bakery in the heart of the village, then wander down to the lake. At 7:00 p.m., make your way to St. Michael's Parish Hall for the Baddeck Gathering Céilidh — tea, oatcakes, and the kind of fiddle music that makes first-time visitors want to extend their trip.
Tuesday is a day for discovery. Spend the morning at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, where interactive exhibits trace Bell's remarkable decades of invention at his Bras d'Or Lake estate — from the telephone to the Silver Dart aircraft. In the evening, Howie MacDonald & Beverly MacLean take the stage at St. Michael's Hall, followed by the nightly Baddeck Gathering Céilidh at St. Michael's Parish Hall — two venues, one unforgettable Tuesday night.
On Wednesday morning, lace up the hiking boots for the Uisge Ban Falls Trail, an easy forest walk that rewards with a 15-metre waterfall in a mossy gorge — one of the most photogenic spots in the Baddeck area. Back in town, Tom's Pizza Restaurant has been feeding Cape Breton families since 1985 and makes a satisfying pre-show dinner. The evening then opens into a triple feast of traditional culture: Dara Smith-MacDonald & Adam Young at St. Michael's Hall, the Wednesday Night Ceilidh at the Gaelic College in St. Ann's at 7:30 p.m., and — for those with stamina — A Waterfall Ceilidh back at the Gaelic College at 10:30 p.m.
Thursday calls for time on the water. The Adventure Centre at Inverary Resort rents kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats right on Baddeck Bay — a morning paddle on the Bras d'Or Lake, with the hills of Victoria County rising in the background, is hard to beat. For a longer day hike, the McNaughton's Falls trail in Wagmatcook First Nation covers 4 km each way through 300 metres of elevation to a 15-metre falls — allow around two hours each way. Cap the week with a proper Cape Breton feast at Baddeck Lobster Suppers, where all-you-can-eat mussels and chowder precede a whole lobster served with the lake as backdrop, before the Baddeck Gathering Céilidh closes out the week at St. Michael's Parish Hall.
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.
Waterfall Season Select! McNaughton’s Falls, Wagmatcook First Nation Height: 15 m Distance (one way): 4 km Difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 300 m Hiking Time: 2 hours Cellphone Coverage: Yes (partial) Finding the Trailhead: From the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 105) between St. Patrick’s Channel and Nyanza, turn onto Humes Rear Road, located 1 km southwest of the bridge over Middle River. Drive on the Humes Rear Road for 750 m and park near the school and baseball field. Trailhead: 46º04’25.7”N, 60º55’19.0”W Waterfall: 46°04’36.4"N 60°57’45.7"W The Hike: From where you parked, start walking on the continuation of the Humes Rear Road. There is a loss of elevation at first to a large wooden bridge over MacNaughtons Brook. After the first bridge, you cross another smaller brook and then walk uphill to an intersection after walking 1.5 km from your car. Turn to the right at the intersection and hike uphill for approximately 2 km until you see flagging on the right side of the trail. Turn right and follow the footpath downhill for another 50m or so. There is a small viewing platform for this waterfall.
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.
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
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.
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!
Baddeck and the Bras d'Or Lake shore have a rare gift for slowing visitors down — the music pulls them in, the water keeps them there. Plan a few nights and let the week fill itself in.
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