
Access Awareness Week 2026 Proclamation and Flag Raising
Celebrate Access Awareness Week with us !

June arrives in the Strait Area with a burst of creative energy: Seaside Studio throws open its doors on the Port Hawkesbury waterfront, and the twentieth annual student art show brings fresh talent to the J. Franklin Wright Art Gallery all week long.

Celebrate Access Awareness Week with us !

This event celebrates Access Awareness Week and recognizes Richmond County Community Champions through a scholarships and awards ceremony in 2026. Check the source for specific dates, times, and location details.

A new art studio and gallery opens June 1-6 on the Port Hawkesbury waterfront, hosted by painter Dana Ryan. The week-long opening celebration features local artists and musicians doing live demonstrations daily, with visitors welcome 9AM-9PM. Stop by to meet the creators and enter for a chance to win a signed print.

This annual student art show features work from Strait Area Education-Recreation Centre students and is hosted at the J. Franklin Wright Art Gallery.

Celebrate Access Awareness Week with us !

A new art studio and gallery opens June 1-6 on the Port Hawkesbury waterfront, hosted by painter Dana Ryan. The week-long opening celebration features local artists and musicians doing live demonstrations daily, with visitors welcome 9AM-9PM. Stop by to meet the creators and enter for a chance to win a signed print.

This annual student art show features work from Strait Area Education-Recreation Centre students and is hosted at the J. Franklin Wright Art Gallery.

Join us for your morning cup of coffee at the St George’s Channel Hall (3363 W Bay Hwy, St. Peter's, NS)
Monday morning sets a civic and celebratory tone across the Strait Area. At 10:00 a.m., the Access Awareness Week 2026 Proclamation and Flag Raising marks the official start of a week-long commitment to inclusive communities. Half an hour later, the Scholarships and the Richmond County Community Champion Awards Celebration gathers residents to recognise the volunteers and young scholars who keep Richmond County thriving.
By noon on Monday, the energy shifts to the creative with the grand opening of Seaside Studio on the Port Hawkesbury waterfront. Live demonstrations from local artists continue throughout the week at 1 Water St, making it easy to drop in on Tuesday as well for a second look at new work. Just a short drive away, the Strait Area Education-Recreation Centre Art Show opens Monday afternoon at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, where the J. Franklin Wright Art Gallery hosts its twentieth annual showcase of student art — a milestone worth seeing on both Monday and Tuesday.
Tuesday also brings Intercultural Training as part of Access Awareness Week — a timely programme for those interested in building more connected communities across Cape Breton. After an afternoon at the gallery, settle in at Miller's Seafood & Chophouse for fresh local seafood and steaks on their summer patio overlooking the Strait, or head to Papa's Pub and Eatery for craft pizzas and an extensive wine list in Port Hawkesbury's warm pub atmosphere.
Wednesday morning offers a slower pace: the Morning Coffee at St. George's Channel Hall in St. Peter's is a welcoming community gathering that doubles as a launching pad for a day of outdoor exploration. From St. Peter's, the Ceilidh Coastal Trail stretches 22 km along the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail from the Canso Canal toward Long Point — ideal for a half-day walk with the Strait glittering to the north. Afterwards, cruise the Bras d'Or with Bras d'Or Lake Boat Tours, launching from St. Peter's onto the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve waters.
For those staying the week, Dundee Resort & Golf Club in West Bay offers a championship golf course and a lakeside adventure centre with kayaking and paddle boats — a fine base for exploring the Isle Madame side of the Strait. Lennox Passage Provincial Park on the north shore of Isle Madame provides a picnic area with easy access to the water, while the Jerome Point Lighthouse — originally constructed in 1883 — rewards a short detour with a glimpse of the region's maritime history. Campers will find 53 sites, hiking trails, and saltwater beach access at Battery Provincial Park Campground near the St. Peter's Canal, with views stretching across St. Peter's Bay.

Length : 22 km (13.75 mi) – Canso Canal to Chisholm’s Brook, Long Point (linear) Cell Service : Yes Dogs Permitted : On Leash Trail Surface : natural, beach cobble, hard surface, gravel The Ceilidh Coastal Trail section of the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail begins at the entrance to Cape Breton Island, at the Trans Canada Trail Pavilion and Trailhead Kiosk beside the Canso Canal. The first kilometre of this 22-km (13.75-mi) multi-use trail is gravel-surfaced and single track, before entering a 2-km, hikeable tide-washed section. This section is “hike a bike”, but the scenery is amazing with the Strait of Canso on one side and beautiful Long Pond on the inland side. Cyclists are recommended to access the trail in Troy along Route 19. The next 4.5 km (3 mi) of the trail is undeveloped rail bed. Though the surface is a bit too rough for cyclists, its worth the walk, as you will often have a front row view of ocean-going tankers, tugs, sailboats, yachts and barges approaching the Canso Canal locks. Depending on the season, you may see people or the occasional eagle fishing along the shoreline. The next 1.5 km (1 mi) of trail is a gravel-surfaced double track, followed by 2.5 km (1.5 mi) of paved trail (recycled asphalt). The final 11 km (7 mi) is gravel trail, double track. In addition to the stunning coastal views, the trail features wayfinding signage and interpretive panels, which outline the history and culture of the surrounding communities. Trailhead : After crossing the Canso Causeway at the entrance to Cape Breton, you’ll see a parking area and the Trans Canada Trail Pavilion and Trailhead Kiosk on your left. Walk the length of the parking lot and continue along the right side of the chain link fence surrounding the Canso Canal property. The trail continues along what is known as a ‘parallel bar,’ which is a long, thin ribbon of sand, gravel and rocks. Cyclists are recommended to access the trail from the Troy Station Trailhead Kiosk along Route 19. 71 Hwy 104, Port Hastings. Troy Station Trailhead: 45.691553, -61.439462 (civic: 1020 Route 19)

Lennox Passage Provincial Park located on the North Shore of Isle Madame on Cape Breton Island (5 km / 3 mi east of the junction of Routes 320 and 206) offers a picnic area with tables scattered through a forest and open areas, a saltwater beach, and 2 km of walking trails. The park also has an operating lighthouse for visitors to explore, and swimming, kayaking, and biking opportunities. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing may occur in the park; however, visitors are reminded that the park is unserviced during the winter season and parking is available at the gate only.

The Jerome Point Lighthouse was originally constructed in 1883 as a wooden, square, pyramidal tower of almost eleven meters with an attached dwelling. The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1956 without the attached dwelling. By sea, the lighthouse is located on St. Peter’s Bay identifying the entrance to the St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Bras d’Or Lake inland sea by North America’s only tidal locks. By land, the lighthouse is located at the entrance of Battery Provincial Park on Hwy #4 at the St. Peter’s swing bridge. These landmarks are among the many sites and activities that attract visitors and long-term guests to the Village of St. Peter’s, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

Length: 7.5 km (4.7 mi) return Hiking Time: 2+hr Type of Trail: crushed stone, natural surface, rock Uses (no snow): walking, ATVs Uses (snow): snowshoeing Facilities: interpretive panels, garbage cans, benches Dog Use: off-leash permitted Gov’t Topo Map: 11F11 (Port Hawkesbury) Rating (1-5): 2 Trailhead GPS Reference: N 45 38” 53.4’ W 61 24” 46.0’ Access Information: On the Canso Causeway, turn left (north) immediately after crossing the canal. Park in lot next to trail pavilion. From Port Hastings, turn right just before the steel truss swing bridge. Introduction: The Inverness and Richmond Railway Company was incorporated in 1887 to construct a railway from the district of Margaree to Mabou, and Port Hood, and Port Hawkesbury, with a branch to Whycocomagh. In the end, they developed a route from Port Hastings to Inverness, the first train running in 1901. Following financial problems, the line was leased to Canadian National from Feb, 1, 1924 until they purchased it in 1929. CN operated the line until the late 1980’s, when its biggest customer, the Evan’s Coal Mine in Inverness, was shut down due to flooding. Although it is part of the much longer Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, Ghost Beach is more like its own separate trail, because it cannot be biked. Its setting in the Strait of Canso so close to the causeway and all its human activity gives it the feel of a walk in a city park – until the wind howls down and dashes waves completely over the narrow land bridge that is your route. Despite its proximity to these busy communities, it can have the feel of a challenging hike. When a rain or snow squall descends, which happens often in the shoulder seasons, the exterior world disappears and it is easy to imagine that you are trekking on the edge of the earth. It is exhilarating, and if you are lucky enough to have a pod of pilot whales cruise past at the same time: unforgettable. Cautionary Notes: High winds and waves. Ratings are designated from 1 to 5 indicating suitability for all fitness and experience levels, with 5 being suitable only for experienced and very fit outdoor people. Novices should only choose level 1 and 2 hikes, and work their way up. Level 4 and 5 hikes have indicators associated with their ratings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Whether the draw is fresh gallery work on the waterfront, a community ceremony worth witnessing, or a long morning walk along the Ceilidh Coastal Trail, the Strait Area delivers a full and unhurried week this June — come and settle in for a few days.
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