OVERVIEW

Browse the only living history museum for the Gaelic culture in North America, a setting that captures the spirit of the pioneering Scottish Gaels. The unique Highland Village Museum sprawls across 43 acres in the Bras d’Or Lakes region in the center of Cape Breton Island. You will be free to explore this fascinating folklore center independently, which will allow you to concentrate on the attractions that you find most appealing. The 11 buildings include 18th- and 19th-century farmhouses, a period wooden church, a shingle mill and a forge. Costumed guides are in each one, eager to explain the joys and challenges of life for the early Gaelic settlers and how the culture changed over the years. You might watch them weaving, dying wool and working with traditional livestock such as long-haired Highland cattle and rare Soay sheep. The guides will also be happy to teach you some Gaelic phrases.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get a glimpse of the island’s early Gaelic culture at the outdoor Highland Village Museum.
• Explore independently and focus on the attractions that sound most interesting to you.
• Browse historical buildings with period furnishings for a look at the early Gaelic lifestyle.
• Watch costumed guides perform traditional chores such as tending livestock.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Drive along the phenomenally scenic Cabot Trail into Cape Breton Highlands National Park – the largest protected wilderness area in Nova Scotia – and stop along the way at landmark attractions. As an introduction to the island’s natural beauty, you will first pause at St. Anns Overlook to snap photos of the sweeping panorama. Other brief stops will be made at The Gaelic College, where traditional Gaelic arts are taught, and at the Keltic Lodge, a premier hilltop resort with a highlands link golf course. Lunch follows at a popular restaurant in the nearby town of Ingonish, which was founded as a fishing port perhaps in the early 1500s. Free time follows on Ingonish Beach, a narrow strip of land that borders the ocean on one side and a large freshwater lake on the other. It was the favorite beach of Alexander Graham Bell, the famed Scottish that lived in nearby Baddeck.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a scenic drive along Cabot Trail, which loops through the island’s northern half.
• Behold the island’s natural beauty from atop St. Anns Overlook.
• Pause at historical landmarks such as The Gaelic College and the Keltic Lodge.
• Dine in the town of Ingonish and spend free time exploring its namesake beach.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Embark on a captivating tour that showcases the Sydney area and introduces you to the charming communities in and around the city center. Discover the many influences that have shaped Sydney's colorful character since its founding by Loyalists in 1785.Your journey begins with an introductory drive through the historic North End, where you’ll see beautifully preserved buildings and learn about the city’s early settlers. As you continue into bustling downtown Sydney, you'll experience the vibrant atmosphere and local culture that define this area. Next, you’ll arrive at the charming Whitney Pier, known for its multicultural churches that reflect the diverse heritage of the community. Here, you’ll gain insights into the various cultures that have contributed to Sydney’s rich tapestry. Midway through our journey, we will make a memorable stop at Fort Petrie, a key military fort from WWII. This site offers stunning views of the harbor and is a perfect opportunity for photos that capture the essence of Sydney’s history. After a short drive to the next stop, you will have free time to explore the Colliery Lands Park, which pays tribute to the area’s coal mining industrial past. Enjoy the natural beauty, walking trails, and informative displays that tell the story of Sydney’s coal mining heritage. As we continue our scenic drive back to the port, you’ll enjoy breathtaking coastal views while passing through Dominion beach, picturesque fishery village, mining towns and the impressive wind farms at Lingan, a testament to the region's commitment to renewable energy. This unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes for an unforgettable experience that highlights the essence of Sydney.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the heart of Sydney and the surrounding landscape of Sydney Harbor.
• Learn about the city’s history and its significant role in the coal, steel, and fishing industries.
• Enjoy a memorable photo stop at Fort Petrie, capturing stunning views of the harbor.
• Explore Colliery Lands Park at your leisure, immersing yourself in the area's coal mining heritage and natural beauty.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Travel back to the 1700s and discover what life was like at the Fortress of Louisbourg, a re-creation of a French colonial fortified town that is so impressive it has become a National Historic Site. The original settlement was founded in 1713 and thrived as a center of fishing and trade until the British destroyed it later that century. After an enlightening guided tour of the town – which archaelogists have painstakingly excavated, yielding literally millions of artifacts – you will be free to explore on your own. The reconstructed site contains period-style houses, a museum, a bakery and all sorts of defensive buildings. Feel free to converse with the costumed characters as they can provide a rare glimpse into the challenges that the residents of the 18th-century town faced. You might also learn about military life at the former home of Captain De Gannes and how the town was laid out and constructed at the Engineer’s Property.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore a reconstruction of an 18th-century fortified town that is a National Historic Site.
• See the Louisbourg from the guide’s perspective and while exploring on your own.
• Listen to costumed characters recount the challenges of the harsh conditions centuries ago.
• Visit buildings ranging from officers’ homes to storehouses to a tavern.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover inventor Alexander Graham Bell’s many remarkable contributions to the world in his namesake museum in Baddeck, a lovely village on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake. You will drive there along the spectacularly scenic and circuitous Trans-Canada Highway. Upon arriving at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, you will be struck by its unusual design, which is based on the tetrahedron form that the inventor used in his flight test kites. Although Bell is renowned for inventing the telephone, that groundbreaking accomplishment only touches upon the Scotsman’s scientific achievements. Bell earned 18 patents on his own and collaborated on another 12 in areas as diverse as medicine, genetics, electricity, sound, speech, aeronautics and marine engineering. You can learn more about the principles of drag, lift and weight as you explore the exhibits at the museum. On the return to Sydney, you will enjoy extraordinary views of Boulanderie Island and Kelly’s Mountain.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn about inventions by Alexander Graham Bell that go far beyond the telephone.
• See models of some of his co-inventions in aeronautics and watercraft.
• Recognize how the museum’s design evokes the look of Bell’s innovative kites.
• Enjoy ever-changing views of Nova Scotia’s natural beauty during the panoramic drives.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Delve into Cape Breton’s history by browsing two museums in the island’s Bras d’Or Lakes region, one focusing on the Gaelic culture, the other on the island’s most famous resident. While meandering about the Highland Village Museum, you will begin to understand what island life what like in the 18th and 19th centuries. This outdoor museum boasts a collection of historical buildings with costumed guides that will demonstrate traditional skills such as quilting and wool dying. It offers an entertaining way to learn about the once prominent Gaelic lifestyle. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the village of Baddeck. The area’s most celebrated resident was Alexander Graham Bell, a Scotsman who lived in nearby Baddeck. At his namesake museum, you will learn about some of his inventions, which go far beyond the telephone. Bell held or co-held 30 patents in fields as diverse as medicine and marine engineering. Inside, you will find full-scale replicas of his co-inventions, including the Silver Dart airplane.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get a glimpse of the island’s early Gaelic culture at the outdoor Highland Village Museum.
• Browse historical buildings and watch costumed guides perform traditional chores.
• Tour Alexander Graham Bell’s namesake museum for a look into his life and inventions.
• See models of some of his co-inventions in fields such as aeronautics and electricity.
• Spend free time independently exploring Bell’s hometown of Baddeck.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Watch a performance that celebrates the Celtic musical heritage of Cape Breton and the fiddle, its most iconic instrument. Although steel and coal production once drove the economy, Sydney is now known as a hotbed of Celtic music. A 50-foot-high Celtic fiddle at the cruise terminal honors that history and will provide an ideal setting for a piper to play a tune that will introduce you to the island’s iconic music. After taking a seat in the pavilion’s Kavanaugh Room, you will see a lengthier performance of traditional music that reflects the island’s Scottish, Irish and Acadian influences. Cape Breton supposedly has more fiddlers per capita than anywhere else in the world, so it is only fitting that a fiddle will be featured. The performance will also include singers and a unique form of step-dancing in which the movement of the upper body is more limited than in other forms of step-dancing. Refreshments will be served during the performance—be sure not to miss the traditional Cape Breton oatcakes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Listen to a piper play a Celtic tune at the 50-foot-high fiddle statue at the cruise terminal.
• Watch a performance of traditional Celtic music inside a pavilion at the cruise terminal.
• Be awed by the talent of the accomplished fiddle players, singers and step-dancers.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Board your motor coach to explore Sydney, the largest community and commercial center of Cape Breton Island. Begin your tour in the historic north end settled in 1785 by British Loyalists from the New England colonies and pass by Victoria Park, the site of the original garrison camp. Continue through downtown Sydney proceeding to Whitney Pier, the former site of Sydney Steel Mill which dates to 1900. Visit the Historical Museum and learn about the importance the Sydney Coal Fields have on the local economy. These industries brought immigrants from many parts of the world resulting in a multicultural mix of more than 50 ethnic backgrounds. Continue through the First Nations community of Membertou, a modern-day blueprint for all aboriginal communities in North America. Return to the pier where you can do some shopping at the cruise terminal, visit the Interpretation Center and The Big Ceilidh Fiddle.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel to Whitney Pier Museum with City Highlights
• Visit Whitney Pier Museum

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a hearty lobster boil at The Flavor on the Water Beer Garden, a popular outdoor venue that looks out over Sydney’s historical waterfront. Locally caught, ethically and sustainably harvested lobsters are always available on Cape Breton Island. They are among the world’s tastiest lobsters because of the favorable environmental conditions that impact their flavor. These crustaceans are cooked in every way imaginable but as you will discover firsthand boiling them may be the most classic preparation. A chef will demonstrate how it is traditionally done on the island. Afterwards, a local musician and lobster expert will demonstrate how to properly shuck a lobster after it is boiled. He will also regale you with entertaining songs about life along the eastern coast of Canada and how lobstering has changed over the years. Your lobster lunch comes with melted butter, a side of potato salad and a beverage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dine on locally caught, freshly boiled lobster at an outdoor waterfront restaurant.
• Watch how a chef prepares the lobster for your meal.
• See how to easily and properly remove the lobster meat from the shell by shucking.
• Listen to entertaining songs by a local musician while dining.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing for an outdoor dining experience.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
• Alternate indoor venue is available in case of inclement weather.

OVERVIEW

Watch a captivating performance of live music and storytelling while dining on mussels, one of the most characteristic dishes served on Cape Breton Island. The stage is just a few steps away in the Royal Cape Breton Room in the cruise pavilion overlooking the dock. How fitting that Sydney’s iconic 50-foot-high Celtic fiddle is right outside as Buddy MacDonald, a renowned Celtic singer and musician, will provide the entertainment. Sydney is known as a hotbed of Celtic music and Cape Breton Island-born MacDonald one of the genre’s most celebrated artists. He has toured all over the world but performing on the island is among his favorite venues. While listening to his original music and entertaining stories, you will learn about the local history, coal mining and fishing. During the performance, you will dine on steamed mussels and garlic toast accompanied by a flight of local craft beers and hard ciders.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a performance by celebrated Celtic musician and storyteller Buddy MacDonald.
• Gain insight into the local history and culture through MacDonald’s music and stories.
• Dine on native Cape Breton Island mussels and a flight of beers and cider during the show.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Board your motor coach to explore Sydney, the largest community and commercial center of Cape Breton Island. Begin your tour in the historic north end settled in 1785 by British Loyalists from the New England colonies and pass by Victoria Park, the site of the original garrison camp. Continue to the First Nations community of Membertou where you’ll celebrate the heritage, culture, and unique history of these people through educational and interactive experiences. Your tour guide and/or Elders of Membertou will encourage you to experience their story, learn Mi’kmaq dance and drum as they provide a hands-on demonstration. Sample traditional Mi’kmaq food and or treat as you learn about the history of their food. Enjoy a walk in their garden area and visit Petroglyphs Gift Shop featuring arts and crafts from the Mi’kmaq Nation and other First Nations across Atlantic Canada. You’ll then proceed to Whitney Pier, the former site of Sydney Steel Mill which dates to 1900. Visit the Historical Museum and learn about the importance the Sydney Coal Fields have on the local economy. These industries brought immigrants from many parts of the world resulting in multicultural mix of more than 50 ethnic backgrounds. You’ll then board your coach returning to the ship along the waterfront.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive Through Sydney with Guided Highlights
• Continue to the First Nations community of Membertou.
• Visit Whitney Pier Museum

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the historical district of Sydney with a guide dressed in a period costume and see landmarks that reflect how the city has evolved since its founding in 1785. Taking shape around the coal & steel industries, many buildings from that time remain, although they serve different purposes. See the oldest church in town, St. Patrick’s Church, which is now a museum, housing artifacts from Sydney’s earliest years. You will visit & browse Jost House – the town’s oldest wooden building – which now holds a museum with items such as a beehive bake oven, models of ships and an apothecary. Pausing outside the Cossit House, the oldest residence in Sydney, you will gain great insight into the life of Reverend Ranna Cossit and his wife, who died there at age 47 while giving birth to their 13th child. Visiting St. George’s Anglican will also be enlightening as it is Sydney’s oldest building.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through Sydney’s historical downtown, which dates to the late 1700s.
• Hear stories of Sydney earliest years from a guide dressed in a period costume.
• See the oldest church, oldest residence and oldest wooden building in Sydney.
• Browse the artifacts in historical buildings that are now museums.
• Remain in Sydney after the walking tour and explore on your own if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.