Gaelic Cape Breton roars to life this week as KitchenFest! Cultural Demonstrations at the Gaelic College kicks off Monday afternoon in St. Ann's, while the nightly Baddeck Gathering Céilidh keeps the music going well past dark on the shores of Bras d'Or Lake.
Chrissy Crowley is a Cape Breton fiddler with a firm foundation in traditional music , earning a 2013 Canadian Folk Music Award and numerous East Coast Music Association nominations. She is joined by Hilda Chiasson, one of the most sought-after piano players of her generation, a native of Chéticamp who has played on more than 50 recordings and performed alongside a who's who of Cape Breton fiddlers. Together they bring an irres
This event at the Gaelic College in St. Ann's features demonstrations of Gaelic cultural traditions throughout the day, including kilt construction, language learning with a milling frolic, traditional music, bagpiping or weaving, and storytelling. Sessions run from 10:30am with a lunch break midday.
Live music and food sessions held at Colaisde na Gàidhlig during KitchenFest. Admission is $15, all ages welcome, pay at the door. Features performances by J.P. Cormier, Ben Smith, Donald Gillis, and Finley MacDougall.
A daily céilidh in Baddeck featuring traditional music and dancing. Admission ($15 adults, $10 children) includes tea and oatcakes. Tickets sold at the door between 5 and 7pm (cash only); reservations recommended. Starts at 7:30pm.
Cultural demonstrations at the Gaelic College in St. Ann's showcasing kilt construction, Gaelic language, traditional music, bagpiping, and storytelling. Schedule runs 10:30am to 1:30pm with a lunch break; sessions cover milling frolic, dance steps, and weaving alongside musical performances.
Live music and lunch happen together during festival weekdays, with food service from noon to 1pm and performances from 12:15pm to 1pm. Tickets are $20 for all ages with reserved seating, available through Gaelic College starting June 1.
A céilidh featuring songs, stories, and music that explores the traditions and history of Nova Scotia's Gaelic-speaking people. Included with Highland Village admission.
A music festival running June 26 to July 4, 2026 celebrating Gaelic culture with concerts, céilidhs, and dances across Cape Breton. The Big Bash on opening night features three bands—Signal Hill, Beech Hill, and Coastline—at the Great Hall of the Clans at Colaisde na Gàidhlig. Tickets are $35 plus fees (19+), and shuttle service runs from Baddeck between 7:30 pm and 1:30 am.
Start Monday with a long afternoon in St. Ann's. The KitchenFest! Cultural Demonstrations at the Gaelic College begin at 1:30 p.m., offering hands-on windows into kilt construction, Gaelic language, traditional music, and storytelling at Colaisde na Gàidhlig. By evening, the festival's Getting Primed: Afternoon Pub at the College warms up the crowd with live music and food before the rest of the night's events take hold. Cap the day in Baddeck with the Baddeck Gathering Céilidh at St. Michael's Parish Hall — traditional music, tea, and locally baked oatcakes from 10 p.m. onward.
Tuesday morning is ideal for exploring the water. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from The Adventure Centre at Inverary Resort and spend a few hours on Baddeck Bay before the afternoon's programming begins. Back on land, the KitchenFest! Cultural Demonstrations at the Gaelic College continue at 1:30 p.m., followed by the KitchenFest! Blas Math Lunchtime Céilidh at 3:15 p.m. — live music alongside lunch at the College. At 5:00 p.m., the KitchenFest! Céilidh at the Highland Village at the Highland Village Museum draws visitors into songs, stories, and music rooted in Gaelic tradition. The week's marquee concert, the KitchenFest! – The Big Bash: Signal Hill / Beech Hill / Coastline, closes out Tuesday night at the Gaelic College from 8:30 p.m.
Mid-week offers breathing room to take in Baddeck's quieter side. A morning walk to Uisge Ban Falls Trail rewards with a 15-metre waterfall tucked in a mossy gorge, while the more ambitious hike to McNaughton's Falls in Wagmatcook — 4 km each way with 300 metres of elevation — delivers panoramic Bras d'Or views and a dramatic 15-metre cascade. Refuel at Highwheeler Cafe & Bakery in central Baddeck, where from-scratch baking and freshly roasted coffee make it a reliable morning or afternoon stop.
No visit to this corner of Cape Breton is complete without a stop at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, where interactive exhibits trace Bell's decades of invention — from the telephone to the Silver Dart airplane — at his Bras d'Or Lake estate. The adjacent Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site sits right in Baddeck and pairs well with a slow lakeside afternoon. For dinner, Baddeck Lobster Suppers delivers all-you-can-eat mussels, chowder, and a whole lobster on the lake — a quintessential Cape Breton meal. Families or groups looking for a more casual evening can find fresh pizza and live music at Tom's Pizza Restaurant, a family-owned Baddeck fixture since 1985.
Those staying the week would do well to base themselves at Inverary Resort on Baddeck Bay, which puts waterfront cottages, an indoor pool, and direct access to the Cabot Trail within easy reach. For a more rugged overnight, Whycocomagh Provincial Park on Skye Mountain above Bras d'Or Lake offers commanding views and a classic provincial campground experience.
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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
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!
From Gaelic song in St. Ann's to flat-water paddling on Bras d'Or Lake, this stretch of Cape Breton rewards any pace of travel — plan a few days and let the week unfold naturally.
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