Attractions in Victoria County

Victoria County is blessed with many of Cape Breton Island's  finest cultural and outdoor attractions. Take time to explore these treasures and learn more about our communities.  There is plenty to do and lots to see. Experience our culture, our scenery and friendly hospitality.  

 

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site - Baddeck

At Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site you can explore the amazing worlds of a lifetime that has touched all of us. Discover how air and water captured Dr. Bell's imagination and find out how he bridged the world between sound and silence. Participate in experiment, kitemaking, and kite flying programs and enjoy hands-on activities designed especially for children. Take in a presentation in Mr. Bell theatre and view films, artifacts and photographs to see how ideas led Bell to create man-carrying kites, airplanes and a marine record setting hydrofoil boat. Picnic facilities are available on the beautiful grounds overlooking the Bras d'Or Lakes.

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site Video - New Media
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Cabot Trail

World reknown, the Cabot Trail is one of North America's top touring destination areas. Named for the famous explorer, John Cabot, the Cabot Trail  (300 km) winds around the rocky splendour of Cape Breton's northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This highway is carved into the sides of the mountains that rise high above the shimmering waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Lookoffs offer unforgettable vistas. Take 3-5 days when touring the Cabot Trail and enjoy one of the world's top gems.

Weekly Newsletter of Events & Activities
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Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands is one of Canada's most stunning and diverse national parks located at the northern and most rugged tip of Cape Breton Island, between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. Within its 950 km2 (366 sq mi), the park encompasses a great variety of wildlife and landscape: a magnificent highland plateau with windswept barrens, deep-walled canyons, picturesque waterfalls, sandy beaches and and spectacular cliffs plunging into the sea. Through it all winds the Cabot Trail, one of North American's top touring destination areas. Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers 24 look-offs with exhibits, 550 camping sites in six spectacular settings and 26 hiking trails from easy strolls to challenging climbs to panoramic views of canyons, highlands and seacoast.

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Wagmatcook Culture & Heritage Centre, Wagmatcook.

The Wagmatcook Centre is dedicated to learning and reviving the Mi'kmaq culture on the First Nation of Wagmatcook and beyond. The Centre welcomes you to experience all that is Mi'kmaq. As you arrive at the Wagmatcook Centre, Mi'kmaq guides will greet you for an excursion through time. Interpreting the Mi'kmaq culture and traditions, they will leave you with a glimpse into the lives of their people, through the tales of the centuries. A splendid vaulted ceiling and brilliant Mi'kmaq murals await you in the Great Hall, the grand achievement of the Centre. Here you will enjoy daily multi-cultural entertainment ~ feel our culture come alive in Mi'kmaq drumming, dancing and story-telling by spiritual leaders. The Centre features a museum, craft shop and restaurant.

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Gaelic College of Celtic Arts & Crafts, St. Ann's

Immerse yourself in the traditional Scottish dance, music folklore, and language at North America's only Gaelic College.
The Gaelic College was founded in 1938 by Rev. A.W.R. MacKenzie as a school devoted to the study and preservation of the Gaelic Language and Celtic Arts & Crafts. The College programs and activities include a summer school for student and adults, Gaelic Immersion weeks, March Break Camps, and a Summer Ceilidh Series and concert featuring some of Cape Breton's finest performers. While at the College visit the Great Hall of Clans and learn more the Clan History. The College features an excellent gift shop featuring tartans, kilts and much more.

Gaelic College Video -New Media
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Bras d' or Lakes Scenic Drive

Finest Sailing in the World
Welcome to Cape Breton's rolling heartland, where the highlands meet the lowlands along the shores of the island's beautiful inland sea -- the Bras d'Or Lakes. The Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive circles the lake along shoreline roads that offer an ever-changing panorama of woodlands, farms and villages, and are ideal for walking, biking and birdwatching. The region is a major nesting area for bald eagles, and these impressive birds can often be seen soaring aloft or perched on shoreline trees. There's something new around every corner along this route. Experience the daily life of the early Scottish settlers at the Nova Scotia Highland Village Museum.
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Bras d'Or Lake Interpretive Centre - Baddeck

In Baddeck is a great way to explore the ecology of the Lake and its watershed area. The centre is located on the main street in the old Post office and Public Library building. The centre consists of several displays and exhibits and computer stations. Open seven days a week.

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Nova Scotia Highland Village Museum - Iona

A living museum that recreates the 200 year history of Scottish settlement in Cape Breton. The Highland Village depicts the life of Gaelic-speaking Scots in Nova Scotia. Experience their language, singing, dancing as a reminder of the simple joys that were treasured and that have preserved the Gaelic culture. Inside the 43 acre village, ten restored historic buildings reflect the various periods of the history of the Scottish settlers and communities.  See costumed animators demonstrate weaving, rug hooking, soap making and blacksmithing. Set high on a hillside, the village also provides panoramic views of the Bras d'Or Lakes and surrounding countryside.  The Highland Village is home to the Roots Cape Breton Genealogy Centre & Family History Centre. A number of great events will take place at this village this summer including Codfish Suppers, Highland Village Day. Open May 18- October 20.

NS Highland Village Video - NS Tourism
NS Highland Village Video - New Media

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Octagon Arts Centre - Dingwall

Located in Northern Cape Breton,  The Octagon Arts Centre is fast becoming one of the top performance venues on Cape Breton Island.  On Friday evenings throughout the summer and fall, Cape Breton top Celtic artists  play at the Ceilidh Series while on Sunday afternoons, Nova Scotia's top classical artists perform at the Chamber Music Series. Located on the Cabot Trail and adjacent to Markland resort.
Well worth the drive.

Events Schedule - 2008

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