The Strait Area kicks off September in fine maritime fashion, with the River Roots Open House drawing families to River Bourgeois on Tuesday and the 17th Annual "Luck of the Draw Boat Run" sending vessels out across the water come Saturday.
A family-friendly community celebration held as part of the River Bourgeois Annual Festival, a beloved tradition in this small Acadian village on Cape Breton's south shore. The festival is known for featuring live music, activities for children, heritage walks, canoe races, dances, and a potluck supper. Visitors can expect light refreshments and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with musicians and a full schedule to be announced closer to the event.
This boat run starts with registration at 10:00 am at the River Bourgeois Floating Docks on Saturday, September 5, with September 6 as the rain/wind date.
Live local music and seafood specials run Saturday evenings from 4 to 7 PM at this restaurant and lounge in Seal Cove. The specials are available from 5 to 7 PM, with entertainment throughout the evening.
Outdoor market at Johnstown Landing (Highway 4, across from Johnstown Parish Hall) featuring local producers and artisans. Held Sundays 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with indoor space at the Parish Hall during poor weather. The waterfront setting overlooks the Bras d'Or.
Tuesday afternoon is the place to start if you're arriving early in the week. The River Roots Open House at 3:00 p.m. celebrates its 4th annual edition during the River Bourgeois Festival, with live music, activities for kids, and refreshments — an easygoing way to settle into the rhythm of the Strait Area.
For dining after the open house, Port Hawkesbury offers reliable options. Miller's Seafood & Chophouse serves fresh local seafood and steaks with a summer patio overlooking the Strait, while Papa's Pub and Eatery pairs craft pizzas and Canadian cuisine with an extensive wine list in a warm, welcoming room. Either makes a natural end to an evening in town.
Those looking to settle in for the week have strong choices. Dundee Resort & Golf Club in West Bay offers lakeside accommodations with kayaking, paddle boats, and a championship golf course — ideal for anyone wanting to mix relaxation with recreation. Closer to Saint Peter's, the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn brings Canada Select 4.5-star comfort, locally-sourced dining, and live entertainment five nights a week in summer. The Battery Provincial Park Campground is a strong alternative for those who prefer a saltwater beach, hiking trails, and views over St. Peter's Bay.
Saturday is the week's most active day. Registration opens at 10 a.m. at the River Bourgeois Floating Docks for the 17th Annual "Luck of the Draw Boat Run" — a long-running community event that draws boaters from across the region. That evening, the Saturday Sessions at the Seal Cove Restaurant & Lounge run from 7 p.m., pairing live local music with seafood specials in a setting that captures the easy spirit of a Cape Breton summer night.
Sunday morning rounds out the week beautifully at the Johnstown Landing Artisan & Farmers Market, held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Highway 4 across from Johnstown Parish Hall. Local producers and artisans fill the outdoor market, with indoor space available at the Parish Hall. Before or after the market, breakfast at Country Kitchen at the Hearthstone Inn in Port Hastings — a Cape Breton institution since 1955 — sets the right tone for a morning on the road.
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.
Dundee Resort & Golf Club is located in West Bay, Cape Breton Island where you are surrounded by rich forests, lush lawns, a championship golf course and the brilliant Bras d’Or Lakes. Spend the day golfing at our world-class course or visit our onsite Lakeside Adventure Centre and enjoy paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, tennis, volleyball and beach swimming. We are just a short drive from the legendary Cabot Trail and the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a preserved and recreated French fortification dating back 300 years. Our accommodations include 61 hotel rooms (Queen, King) with balcony (view of golf course or the Bras d’Or Lakes), some with fireplace or jacuzzi; 38 one- and two-bedroom cottage units (Twin, Double; light housekeeping facilities) with a large deck, lake view; and all with 4-piece bath. No cribs; however, we do have playpens. Cots are available for rooms in the hotel only. Air conditioning and Wi-Fi (in hotel rooms only). Enjoy complimentary scheduled summer recreation activities (July – August) including canoeing and kayaking from our lakeside adventure centre. Guest features include dining room and pub; pro shop; banquet and conference facilities; 18-hole golf course; indoor and outdoor pools; sauna; walking trail; canoe, kayak, and paddleboats; and barbecues. Small pets are permitted in the cottages at a minimal charge. Check out our golf, family and all-inclusive packages! All major credit cards are accepted.
The Bras d’Or Lakes Inn is a Canada Select 4.5 star Inn, offering twenty comfortable rooms for accommodation with an onsite restaurant which is known for its fantastic cuisine, with a newly developed focus on locally-sourced dining. The Inn is located in the Village of St. Peter’s, Nova Scotia, “where the ocean meets the inland sea”, and is the main gateway to the Bras d’Or Lake. St. Peter’s has historic roots, music enthusiasts, and friendly locals. Our dining room hosts local entertainers five nights a week in July and August, who truly reflect the culture of the south side of Cape Breton Island, which is a hidden-gem visitors pleasantly stumble upon every year. Amenities included: air-conditioning, cable television, telephone, Wi¬Fi, hair dryer, coffee maker, fridge, microwave, iron and ironing board, and laundry facility. Use of outdoor hot tub. Exercise room onsite. Pet friendly. Our rooms and cabin have been extensively renovated this past year. Please have a look at the “Lodging” section of our website to see the most updated changes.
Battery Provincial Park is situated on a hillside overlooking St. Peter’s Bay adjacent to the St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site. The park entrance is on the east side of the bridge at the canal. Battery features a small saltwater beach (unsupervised), an interpretive display, picnic area with ocean frontage, and 3.4 km / 2.1 mi of hiking trails. Jerome Point Lighthouse is located on the entrance road to Battery Provincial Park. Nearby: Point Michaud Beach Provincial Park, Nicolas Denys Museum (St. Peters), and LeNoir Forge Museum (Arichat). Campground accommodations include: 53 open and wooded overnight sites (4 with electrical service, 3 with electrical and water, 46 unserviced). Park amenities include: flush toilets, showers, disposal station, fire grills, wood, and ice. Boat launch nearby. Wireless Internet access available at the administration building. This is a Campground Host park. Leashed pets permitted. Detailed Information: Outdoor activities: Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, SnowshoeingDirections: On east side of Canal Bridge.
Our restaurant offers a unique dining experience that will leave your taste buds tantalized. Our cuisine is inspired by the best of both worlds – traditional Canadian dishes with a modern flare. Our cuisine is sure to leave you wanting more. Our chefs have crafted a unique menu that includes everything from Starters, Main Course to Dessert. Our wine list is extensive and includes both local and international wines. Our Papa’s Pub and Pizzeria is located in a beautiful town of Port Hawkesbury. Our wait staff is attentive and polite and our atmosphere is warm and inviting. We look forward to serving you and making your dining experience a memorable one.
Located in the Hearthstone Inn Port Hawkesbury, not far from the causeway, the Country Kitchen restaurant has been around since 1955. We’re well known for fabulous hearty home cooked Cape Breton cuisine! You will savour our flavourful local dishes and fresh seafood while being catered to by a restaurant staff with second to none Cape Breton hospitality. We always offer delicious daily specials that we’re sure you will enjoy.
The Strait Area offers a quieter, deeply local side of Cape Breton that rewards those who linger — from boat runs on the harbour to Sunday markets by the water. September is a fine time to discover it.
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