COMFORT TEA in D'Escousse
A tea event held in D'Escousse on June 16th, 2026. Details about location, time, and admission cost are not provided.
Strait Area, Cape Breton: What's On June 15–21, 2026
The Strait Area turns up the volume this week as Lennie Gallant in Concert at the D'Escousse Civic Improvement Society Hall brings his celebrated songwriting to one of Richmond County's most beloved community venues on Saturday night. Earlier in the week, the Heartland Tour - Lennox Passage Provincial Park offers free guided walks, bike rides, and line dancing for visitors of all ages — a perfect way to ease into a June weekend on the Bras d'Or shore.
🎵 Live this week
the Carriage House — open mic with host Rob Smith
Every Wednesday from 7–10 pm, the Carriage House in Port Hawkesbury welcomes local musicians and newcomers alike to its lively open mic night, hosted by Rob Smith. It's a relaxed, drop-in experience where singers, songwriters, and instrumentalists take the stage in a friendly lounge setting — a great way to catch authentic local talent in Cape Breton.
Jeudis Art / Art Thursdays : Peinture acrylique avec spatule - Acrylic painting with a palette knife
Acrylic painting workshop using a palette knife, held in two sessions on June 18 and 25 at 6:30 p.m. Instructor Shirley Bonin leads the class at La Picasse community cultural centre in Petit-de-Grat. Registration required; $10 per session. Contact Andrée Lacourse at 902-226-0149.
St. Michael’s Hall — Melody Cameron & Derrick Cameron & Brian Doyle
Melody Cameron and Derrick Cameron are a beloved Cape Breton duo from Mabou, Inverness County, with Melody on fiddle and step dance and Derrick on guitar, joined here by guitarist Brian Doyle. The trio has performed at celebrated venues including the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, the Washington Irish Folk Festival, and the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention in Aberdeen, Scotland. Melody and Derrick have also been featured in the Genuine Pictures documentary "And They Danced" and have released three recordings together.
Bras d’or Yacht Club-Tiller & Wheel Lounge — musician's circle / Jam sessions
musician's circle / Jam sessions; all welcome
Heartland Tour - Lennox Passage Provincial Park
This annual health and active-living campaign stops at Lennox Passage Provincial Park each summer, featuring free activities like supported bike rides, guided walks and hikes, and line dancing for all ages and abilities. Presented by the Cardiac Cycle Society of Nova Scotia, participants can choose their activity and distance level. 2026 marks the tour's 20th year.
Lennie Gallant in Concert at the D’Escousse Civic Improvement Society Hall
Lennie Gallant performs at the D'Escousse Civic Improvement Society Hall with accompaniment from Patricia Richard. The East Coast songwriter is touring his album Shelter From the Storms.
📍 Suggested itinerary
Tuesday afternoon invites a gentler pace: the COMFORT TEA in D'Escousse is exactly what it sounds like — a warm, community gathering in the heart of Richmond County at 1:30 p.m. It's a fine excuse to arrive early, settle in, and get a feel for the unhurried rhythm that defines life along the Strait. Afterward, a short drive leads to the Jerome Point Lighthouse, a historic structure first raised in 1883, where the view across the water makes a natural end to a quiet afternoon.
Wednesday evening picks up with the Carriage House — open mic with host Rob Smith starting at 7:00 p.m. — a welcoming showcase of local and visiting talent. Before heading out, dinner at Miller's Seafood & Chophouse in Port Hawkesbury sets the tone nicely, with fresh local seafood, steaks, and a summer patio overlooking the Strait Area.
Thursday brings a creative interlude: Jeudis Art / Art Thursdays : Peinture acrylique avec spatule - Acrylic painting with a palette knife runs at 6:30 p.m. for just $10 per session, with a second class available the following week. For those with daylight to spare beforehand, Embree's Brook Falls offers an easy 1.7 km hike to a six-metre waterfall — a rewarding stretch of the legs before an evening of painting.
Friday opens with a longer adventure on the Ceilidh Coastal Trail (part of Celtic Shores Coastal Trail), a 22 km linear route from the Canso Canal to Long Point that traces some of the most storied coastline in Cape Breton. By late afternoon, the Bras d'or Yacht Club-Tiller & Wheel Lounge — musician's circle / Jam sessions begins at 5:00 p.m., and the night ends at St. Michael's Hall — Melody Cameron & Derrick Cameron & Brian Doyle for an evening of authentic Cape Breton music. Visitors staying overnight will find comfortable rooms at the Maritime Inn Port Hawkesbury in Port Hawkesbury, ideally positioned for the full weekend ahead.
Saturday morning belongs to the outdoors: the Heartland Tour - Lennox Passage Provincial Park offers free supported bike rides, guided hikes, and line dancing starting at 9:00 a.m. Those looking to extend the day on the water can book a tour with Bras d'Or Lake Boat Tours out of St. Peter's, cruising the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that defines so much of the island's interior. As evening arrives, Lennie Gallant in Concert at the D'Escousse Civic Improvement Society Hall draws the week to a memorable close, with Gallant performing songs from his album Shelter From the Storms alongside Patricia Richard.
🥾 Worth the drive
Ceilidh Coastal Trail (part of Celtic Shores Coastal Trail)
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.
Jerome Point Lighthouse
This square wooden lighthouse was built in 1883 and rebuilt in 1956 without its original attached dwelling. It marks the entrance to St. Peter's Canal National Historic Site, where tidal locks connect the Atlantic Ocean to Bras d'Or Lake. The lighthouse sits at Battery Provincial Park on Highway 4 near the St. Peter's swing bridge.
Embree’s Brook Falls
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.
Ghost Beach
A 7.5 km crushed stone and natural surface trail along the Strait of Canso with interpretive panels about the historic Inverness and Richmond Railway (1901-1980s). The narrow route between the causeway and water can feel exposed when wind and waves are heavy. Dogs are permitted off-leash.
🍽️ Where to eat & stay
Miller’s Seafood & Chophouse
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.
Maritime Inn Port Hawkesbury
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.
Bras d'Or Lake Boat Tours
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
Dundee Resort & Golf Club
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.
Papa’s Pub and Eatery
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.
Battery Provincial Park Campground
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.
The Strait Area rewards visitors who slow down enough to take it all in — the trail views, the community halls, the music drifting off the water. Plan the week, pack light, and let Richmond County do the rest.