National Indigenous People's Day Celebration
This celebration at St. Peter's Canal brings together Indigenous culture and community on June 22. Potlotek First Nation organizes the event, which marks the national day recognizing Indigenous peoples.
Strait Area, Cape Breton: What's On June 22–28, 2026
The Strait Area opens the last full week of June with a powerful cultural moment — National Indigenous People's Day Celebration at St. Peter's Canal on Monday — before rolling into a weekend stacked with Cape Breton fiddle, pub nights, and the warm glow of KitchenFest! Pub Night at the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn.
🎵 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 — Kevin Levesconte & Neil McDaniel
Kevin LeVesconte is a fiddler and pianist from St. Peter's, Cape Breton, steeped in the island's rich traditional music, while Neil McDaniel hails from Margaree Forks and dazzles audiences with his singing and multi-instrumental talent spanning mandolin, guitar, banjo, tin whistles, and piano. Together they bring the warmth of a classic Cape Breton ceilidh to the stage, performing regularly at beloved venues such as the Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh and the Red Shoe Pub.
KitchenFest! Pub Night at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn
Live music event at the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn featuring Wendy Abbott, Rosie Sampson, Shelly Campbell, Allan Dewar, and Kenny Stewart. The pub night includes performances and sing-alongs in a relaxed setting.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #53 — Pub Night
Pub Night ; @ $10 | 19+ | Pay at the Door Featuring: Doug Lamey, Mac Morin, Gillian Head, Chris Babineau, Rob MacLean
Evergreen Seniors' Club — jam
jam ; @$ 5; light lunch included ; MC- Duncan Gillis. come and join in;
📍 Suggested itinerary
Monday, June 22, sets a meaningful tone for the week. Potlotek First Nation hosts the National Indigenous People's Day Celebration beginning at noon at St. Peter's Canal — a gathering that honours Mi'kmaw heritage in one of Cape Breton's most historically layered corners. Afterward, the canal-side setting makes a natural starting point for a stroll or a cruise on the Bras d'Or: Bras d'Or Lake Boat Tours departs from St. Peter's and offers visitors a chance to experience the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve from the water.
Tuesday and Wednesday invite a slower pace of outdoor exploration. The Ceilidh Coastal Trail (part of Celtic Shores Coastal Trail) stretches 22 kilometres of natural surface, beach cobble, and hard-packed trail from the Canso Canal to Long Point — ideal for a half-day walk with the Atlantic never far from view. On Wednesday evening, head to the Carriage House — open mic with host Rob Smith at 7:00 p.m. for a casual, community-driven night of music where local talent takes the stage.
Thursday offers something hands-on for creative visitors. Jeudis Art / Art Thursdays runs at 6:30 p.m. — a $10 acrylic painting session using palette knives that's as social as it is instructive. Earlier in the day, Lennox Passage Provincial Park on the north shore of Isle Madame is worth a visit for its picnic area and easy access to the water, while the historic Jerome Point Lighthouse — originally built in 1883 — makes a scenic detour along the way.
The weekend is where the Strait Area's music culture moves to the front. Friday delivers a trio of live-music options: the kitchen-party atmosphere of KitchenFest! Pub Night at the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn at 6:00 p.m., followed by Kevin Levesconte & Neil McDaniel at St. Michael's Hall, and the high-energy Royal Canadian Legion Branch #53 Pub Night at 8:00 p.m. featuring five performers including Mac Morin and Gillian Head. For dinner before any of these shows, Miller's Seafood & Chophouse in Port Hawkesbury serves fresh local seafood and steaks on a summer patio overlooking the Strait, while Papa's Pub and Eatery offers craft pizzas and Canadian cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere well-suited to a pre-show meal.
Sunday wraps the week gently. The Evergreen Seniors' Club jam at 2:00 p.m. is one of those quintessentially Cape Breton Sunday afternoons — $5 entry, a light lunch, and an open invitation to join in under MC Duncan Gillis. Those staying the weekend will find comfortable bases at the Maritime Inn Port Hawkesbury in town, the lakeside Dundee Resort & Golf Club in West Bay with kayaking and championship golf, or the tent-and-trailer sites at Battery Provincial Park Campground in Saint Peter's, perched above St. Peter's Bay near the canal.
🥾 Worth the drive
Ceilidh Coastal Trail (part of Celtic Shores Coastal Trail)
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
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.
Jerome Point Lighthouse
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.
Ghost Beach
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.
🍽️ Where to eat & stay
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Strait Area rewards visitors who take their time — there's a beach walk, a pub session, a painted canvas, or a boat ride waiting at almost every turn this week. Come for a day and find reasons to stay the weekend.