Victoria County's Official Tourism Website

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia




St. Ann's Bay  is an area rich in history, culture and Gaelic language. Home to the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts & Crafts, the only institution of its kind in North America. 

Some of Cape Breton's finest artisans live on St. Ann's Bay and offer you the opportunity to visit their studio while working.

Englishtown, one of the communities in this region, is one of the oldest settlements in North America having been established as a French fishing port in 1597. Later in 1629, the first French fortification in the New World was built here. Fort St. Ann was the site of the first Jesuit mission in North America.

Activities:

  • Enjoy ceilidhs Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm. during the summer at the Gaelic College

  • Visit the Great Hall of Clans museum at Gaelic College.

  • Hike to the Highest Waterfalls in Nova Scotia at North River Provincial Park.

  • Visit St. Ann's and North Shore CAP Site and learn more about the local area. Check your e-mail and local destinations web sites

  • Take time to enjoy the picnic parks at St. Ann's, North River and Plaster.

  • Visit the many artisan and studio shops along the North River, Tarbot, Indian Brook, North Shore, Little River and Wreck Cove areas. 

  • Take a lesson an learn to kayak on St. Ann's Harbour, or go on overnight trips. 

  • Take a tour to Bird Islands from Englishtown and see the many unique birds such as puffins, bald eagles, gannets. You may even see a glimpse of a whale or sea lion.

  • Visit the Giant MacAskill Museum at Englishtown and learn more about our Cape Breton Giant.

  • Drop in to  Little River Fishing Harbour for local fish and friendly conversation.

  • Enjoy wonderful seafood, and dining at our restaurant, our cafe/deli and our tea room.

  • Hike the Barachois Trail near the St. Ann's Bay United Church at Indian Brook, which offers wonderful views on the St. Ann's Bay, Red Island and MacDonald's Pond.

  • Try your luck at trout and salmon fishing on one of Nova Scotia's top rivers.

 

Community Services: 
St. Ann's Bay area features accommodations, campgrounds, boat tours to 
Birds Island, arts & crafts shops, restaurant, deli/cafe/bakery, general store, 
gas station, picnic parks, and so much more.

Community Portals - 
St. Ann's area - http://www.stanns.ca 
North Shore area - http://www.northshoreportal.com