Strait Area, Cape Breton: What's On August 10–16, 2026

Tuesday Island Tunes is a weekly summer music series held at St. John's Centre for the Arts in Arichat, on Isle Madame in Richmond County. The series runs on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM at the St. John's Centre for the Arts in Arichat. Admission is by donation at the door, and refreshments are served. The series is a weekly music showcase at St. John's Centre for the Arts featuring local performers. The format suits a broad audience — visitors exploring Isle Madame and the Strait area, summer residents, and locals alike. The intimate setting and accessible admission make it a low-barrier community gathering as much as a performance event. St. John's Centre for the Arts is located in the heart of historic Arichat and was constructed in 1895, designed by renowned architect William Critchlow Harris. The building is noted for its excellent acoustics, beautiful woodwork, and views of the Atlantic Ocean. Originally an Anglican church, it is now owned and operated by the Friends of St. John's Arichat Society, who preserve the building for its heritage value and use it as a multipurpose venue. The building's acoustic qualities make it a natural home for an intimate live music series.

Free summer concert series held outdoors in Arichat from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Performances feature local and regional talent in a family-friendly setting where you can bring a blanket or lawn chair.

Annual gathering with traditional Scottish heavy events including caber toss, hammer throw, sheaf toss and stone put, plus solo piping, pipe bands and Highland dance competitions.

What to expect

Massed pipe bands, kilted athletes, dance circles, vendor row. Family-friendly all-day event.

Highlights

The caber toss is the showstopper. The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre is steps away in Judique — stop in.

Plan ahead

$15 at the gate. Judique is on the Ceilidh Trail; Mabou and Port Hood have inns.

Why go

The heavy events feel surprisingly direct and Cape Breton's piping scene is world-class. A great gateway to the Ceilidh Trail.

This outdoor community market in Johnstown operates Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the summer, held at Johnstown Landing across from the Parish Hall on Highway 4. Local producers and artisans sell fresh produce, handmade crafts, and regional goods, with the market moving indoors if weather requires.

This 22-km trail runs from the Canso Canal to Chisholm's Brook along the eastern shore, with surfaces ranging from gravel to hard-packed beach. Cell service is available, and dogs are permitted on leash. The route passes through tide-washed sections, abandoned rail bed, and coastal views with interpretive panels about local history and culture.

A 6-meter waterfall accessible via a 1.7 km easy hike from Port Hawkesbury. The trail crosses a brook on a sturdy bridge and wooden stairs before reaching a viewing deck overlooking a ravine, then continues to the main fall carved into shale. The waterfall flows best after heavy rain or during spring melt; watch for a worn side path on your left near the trail intersection to reach the overlook.

Casual dining with a professional touch. Adjoining Maritime Inn Port Hawkesbury, Miller’s offers a casual relaxed atmosphere, with summertime patio dining. Our menu features a variety of local flavours. Start with a delicious seafood appetizer, such as our homemade seafood chowder or crab cakes. Then choose from the wide variety of dishes on our main menu – from steaks and ribs to salmon and mussels – or opt for the nightly feature, carefully chosen and prepared by our culinary team. Port Hawkesbury is a perfect base from which to start your Cape Breton vacation, and Miller’s offers meals for every taste along with the professional, friendly service you will come to expect in Nova Scotia.

4-star property in Port Hawkesbury with a guest rating of 4.2/10 (927 reviews).

Amenities include Wheelchair accessible, Conference space, Cross-country skiing nearby, Hiking/biking trails nearby, Breakfast available (surcharge), Laundry facilities, Garden, Free newspapers in lobby.

Bookable directly through CapeBretonFirst.

Cruise the UNESCO-designated Bras d'Or Lake Biosphere from the historic St. Peter's Canal. A relaxed, narrated tour through one of the largest inland seas in North America, with eagles, seals, and history at every turn.

What to expect

• Covered and open-air seating on a stable mid-size tour boat
• Guide commentary on the canal, lock, and Mi'kmaq history of the lake
• Snacks and drinks usually available on board
• Family-friendly pace — kids stay engaged

Don't miss

• Watching the lock cycle as you enter or leave the canal
• Bald eagles patrolling the shoreline — almost guaranteed
• The view back toward Battery Provincial Park

Good to know

• Seasonal operation, typically June through early October
• Reservations recommended in summer
• Restrooms on board; bring sunscreen and a windbreaker
• Free parking near the canal

Pair it with

• A walk across the historic St. Peter's Canal lock
• The Nicolas Denys Museum in town
• A stop at Battery Provincial Park for a swim and picnic