Celtic Colours International Festival sweeps through Chéticamp this week, bringing plateau vistas and Gulf breezes on the Celtic Colours Guided Hike: Acadian Trail and the rhythmic clatter of wooden spoons at Come Spoon With Us — a week that distills everything vivid and alive about Cape Breton autumn in one compact stretch of the Cabot Trail.
Guided hike through Acadian forest in Cape Breton Highlands National Park with views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Chéticamp River valley. The 8.4 km loop takes 3-4 hours at moderate difficulty, with elevation gain to 365 m. Parks Canada staff lead the walk and discuss local natural and cultural history. Register in advance by calling 902-224-2306 or emailing [email protected].
A guided hike led by Cape Breton Highlands National Park staff through Acadian Forest, with views of the plateau, river canyon, and Gulf of St. Lawrence. The 8.4 km moderate difficulty trail departs October 12, 2026 at 10 am from the Chéticamp Visitor Centre and is included with park admission. Bring water and a snack.
A one-hour workshop where participants learn to play musical spoons, an instrument rooted in Acadian and Cape Breton culture. You'll hear the history and try playing yourself, with spoons provided. Registration is required.
Parks Canada leads a two-hour guided hike through Acadian hardwood forest to Corney Brook, covering 6.5 km with elevation gains up to 170 metres. The route follows a river canyon and includes information about local natural and cultural history. Advance registration recommended; contact Parks Canada at 902-224-2306 or [email protected].
Hands-on weaving workshop where participants learn basic skills using natural materials to create a small item inspired by the park while sharing stories about weaving traditions across cultures. Contact 902-224-2306 or [email protected] to register.
A one-hour workshop where participants learn to play musical spoons, an instrument rooted in Acadian and Cape Breton culture. You'll hear the history and try playing yourself, with spoons provided. Registration is required.
Local dancers teach Chéticamp-style square sets and square dancing to live traditional music from local musicians. You can join in, learn the steps, or watch—it happens after the afternoon show La Swing du Suête.
This trio plays country, bluegrass, and easy listening music at what appears to be a Cheticamp venue. The group includes Adrien Aucoin on guitar, Ashley Aucoin on vocals, and Gervais Cormier on bass.
Monday morning sets the tone for the week. Lace up sturdy boots and join Parks Canada staff on the Celtic Colours Guided Hike: Acadian Trail, an 8.4 km moderate trek through the Acadian hardwood forest of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with sweeping views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Chéticamp River valley unfolding below the plateau. Back in town by early afternoon, the Enragée Point Lighthouse on Chéticamp Island makes a rewarding short detour — the octagonal lighthouse stands sentinel at the harbour entrance, and the October light is particularly flattering on the water. Round out Monday at the Come Spoon With Us workshop at 3:00 p.m., where participants pick up the basics of musical spoon playing rooted in Acadian tradition. Dinner afterwards at Le Gabriel Restaurant & Lounge on the Cabot Trail offers fresh seafood and traditional Acadian dishes, with homemade desserts worth saving room for.
Tuesday opens with another chance to explore the highlands on foot. The Celtic Colours Guided Hike: Corney Brook departs Corney Brook Campground at 10:00 a.m. — a 6.5 km walk through Acadian hardwood forest with minimal elevation gain, well-suited to most fitness levels. In the afternoon, head to Mkwesaqtuk/Cap-Rouge Campground for Celtic Colours: Weaving Our Tales, a hands-on program led by park staff using natural materials; participants leave with a take-home woven piece and a tangible connection to regional craft traditions. The Come Spoon With Us workshop runs again at 3:00 p.m. for those who missed Monday's session. Stay up late: the Veillée Rustique | Chéticamp After Party begins at 10:00 p.m., with local dancers teaching Chéticamp-style square sets to live traditional music — the kind of impromptu community gathering that defines Cape Breton nights. L'abri Café, Restaurant and Bar is a reliable stop for homemade food and specialty coffee before or after the evening festivities.
Wednesday evening belongs to Free Live Music w/ River's Bend, with the band performing country, bluegrass, and easy-listening sets at 7:00 p.m. in Chéticamp — a loose, welcoming close to a festival-packed stretch. For dinner beforehand, Harbour Restaurant & Bar in nearby Petit Étang serves fresh seafood and pasta with family-run Acadian hospitality and views overlooking the Cabot Trail. Those arriving earlier in the week or looking for a quick, casual meal will find Wabo's Pizza, Sub & Donair in Chéticamp a dependable year-round option with dine-in and takeout available. The Skyline Trail remains one of the area's most iconic walks any day of the week, with headland cliff views over the Cabot Trail and the ocean beyond — October foliage makes the hike as dramatic as it gets.
Enragée Point Lighthouse stands on the western tip of Cheticamp Island, an octagonal wooden tower painted bright white. A gravel road and short walk lead out to the point, with sweeping views back to the Cheticamp village waterfront and west to the open Gulf. Wind here is often fierce, as the name (French for "enraged") suggests.
Le Gabriel, with its unique lighthouse entrance, is situated on the Cabot Trail in Cheticamp. Our varied menu includes fresh seafood such as lobster, crab, sole. Experience Acadian culture with traditional dishes, fricot, and paté à la viande. Complete your meal with a selection from our delicious homemade desserts.
L’abri café, restaurant and bar is located along the Cabot Trail in Chéticamp, NS. We serve homemade food and fresh baked goods to go with our deliciously brewed lattes, cappuccinos, and coffee! Come check out our patio and our local brews on tap.
We are a family run company that takes pride in satisfying our local and touring visitors. Our goal is to offer our guests a unique experience, whether you are relaxing in our newly renovated suite, or enjoying a fine meal of seafood or pasta at our adjacent Harbour Restaurant & Bar, whale watching, golfing, horseback riding on the beach, strolling the boardwalk, moose watching while hiking the trails in The Cape Breton Highland National Park. Experience our Acadian culture with local music, rug hooking and traditional cuisine. You are sure to enjoy your stay with the Bay Wind Suites; we will help make your stay in Cheticamp, Cape Breton Island a memorable one.
Wabo’s offers a unique dining experience. Our traditional pizza shop (located on the upper level) operated year-round and offers take-out as well as seating for 10 people. Key menu items are pizzas, subs, donairs, garlic-fingers & a variety of appetizers.
The Rusty Anchor is Cape Breton’s best kept secret!The halfway point on the Cabot Trail, serving the best lobster roll and fish n chips in the area. Come for the food and stay for the view!
Chéticamp and the Margaree Valley wear October particularly well, and this week — with Celtic Colours lacing guided hikes, craft workshops, and late-night dancing through the schedule — is as good a reason as any to finally make the drive up the Cabot Trail.
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