Kidston Island Lighthouse, Baddeck

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Discover the Island’s inland sea.

Stunning scenery is a fact of life in Nova Scotia, and that is especially true in the Bras d’Or Lake region. Literally translated as “Arm of Gold,”

the name surely was inspired by the sunsets over Canada’s only inland sea. With a complex sequence of barrier beaches, rocky headlands, barachois ponds, and wetlands, it is no surprise that the area is a desig-nated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Here, you can experience the heritage of some of the founding cultures of Nova Scotia. Discover what life was like 10,000 years ago for the Mi’kmaq while hear-ing stories and music and sharing a traditional feast during an Eskasoni Cultural Journey. Learn about the lives of early Scottish settlers at the Highland Village Museum, a 43-acre living history museum where cos-tumed interpreters greet you in Gaelic (see page 180).

Then, pick up some picnic supplies and visit the St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site (see page 180), where you will learn how the canal has provided a link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Bras d’Or Lake for over 140 years.

Eskasoni Cultural Journeys, EskasoniThe Eskasoni First Nation and the Highland Village Museum have collaborated to develop a unique multicultural tour to share their two intertwined cultures: Mi’kmaq and Gaelic. The tour explores the two distinct cultures reflect-ing the common threads linking the cultures in history and present day. Experience authentic Mi’kmaw culture by visiting Goat Island and sharing a traditional feast, hearing stories and music, or learning through participation in the traditional fishing practices of the Mi’kmaq. eskasoniculturaljourneys.ca

Unexpected Discoveries

Eileanan Brèagha Vineyards, River Denys

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St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site

Kidston Island

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Highland Village Museum, Iona

Not-To-Be-Missed ExperiencesThere’s history, culture, and beauty waiting to be discovered. The following off ers you the defi nitive Bras d’Or Lake experience; see page 180 for details on these and other area attractions.

Ferry

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Bras d’Or LakePort Hastings

Johnstown

Big Pond

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Whycocomagh

St. Peter’s

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Learn a storyWagmatcook Culture & Heritage CentreExperience a story over 10,000 years in the making. Learn about the music, storytelling, nature, food, language, and spirituality of Nova Scotia’s fi rst people, the Mi’kmaq, in a beautiful setting on the shores of the sparkling Bras d’Or Lake (see page 180).

Eileanan Brèagha VineyardsEileanan Brèagha Vineyards is the fi rst and only estate winery on Cape Breton Island. The vineyard’s name, pronounced AY-len-an BREE-ah, means “beautiful is-lands” in Gaelic, and describes the view from its location perched upon Marble Mountain overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake. Stop in to sample and purchase some wine, or ask for a glass at local restaurants (see page 180).

Become a blacksmith for a dayFireHouse Ironworks, WhycocomaghBlacksmiths were once as important to a community as a doctor. They provided everything from nails to forks. Stop in to FireHouse Ironworks to watch blacksmith Grant Haverstock create functional and artistic works, or take part in a hands-on workshop (see page 181).

We’koqma’q Pow Wow

– Visitor Information Centre locations

Taste local cra  beerBig Spruce Brewing, NyanzaUsing certifi ed organic hops they grow themselves, Big Spruce Brewing cra� s microbrews with fun names like Cereal Killer Oatmeal Stout and Ready Yer Knot ... Regatta Red Irish Red Ale. Choose your pint while relaxing in their tasting room, overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake. For more information on local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, pick up a Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail Passport or download it online. bigspruce.ca

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The Lakes Golf Club

Sailing on Bras d’Or Lake

Outdoor AdventuresThe Bras d’Or Lake region offers outdoor enthusiasts an array of adventures for every age; a complete listing of Bras d’Or Lake’s outdoor experiences starts on page 181.

Step aboard the Puffin ExpressBird Island Boat ToursJust off the coast of Big Bras d’Or, the dramatic Bird Islands rise from the sea like rocky pillars. Take a tour with Bird Island Boat Tours to see thou-sands of nesting sea birds, including razorbills, kittiwakes, and over 300 pairs of Atlantic puffins (see page 204). Golf lakesideThe incredible lake views will inspire you to play your best 18 holes on our acclaimed courses. Choose from Dundee Resort & Golf Club or The Lakes Golf Club. golfcapebreton.com

Cruise the lakeKnown for gentle, fog-free waters, beautiful anchor ages, and hundreds of coves and islands, the Bras d’Or Lake is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Take a sailing cruise of the historic St. Peter’s Canal and the Bras d’Or Lake with Cape Breton Sailing Charters or Richmond Adventure Planning. You will see bald eagles, cormorants, and herons. You can also brush up on your sailing skills or take an introductory lesson (see pages 204 & 205).

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BRAS D’OR LAKE SCENIC DRIVE LISTINGSCommunities are listed in order as found when travelling through the region on the Scenic Travelway roads.

ACCOMMODATIONSAll properties listed have been licensed by the Province of Nova Scotia and approved by at least one of three recognized quality programs (Canada Select, NS Approved, CAA/AAA) to ensure that they are clean and comfortable. Most rates are shown as daily rates. For a key to other codes and symbols, see p. 2.

SOUTH SIDE WHYCOCOMAGH BAY1A Cape Breton Cottage Bed & Breakfast,.H $69–89902-756-2865info@capebretoncottage.comwww.capebretoncottage.comD•Pvt bath•4-wk CXL•Full b’fastB&B: 1 Cottage: 1 • May 1–Oct 31

ORANGEDALEEagle d’Or CottagesqcccdH $900 weekly321 Joseph MacFarlane Dr902-756-3525cmac_lean4@hotmail.comwww.eagledor.comD,T•Pvt bath•48-hr CXLCottage: 2 • May 13–Oct 15

DUNDEEDundee Resort & Golf Clubpcccd.H $99–259, XP $152750 West Bay Hwy902-345-2649, 844-638-6333dundeeinfo@capebretonresorts.comwww.dundeeresort.comK,Q,T•Ens or pvt bath•72-hr CXL•@Resort: 97 • May 15–Oct 31

ST. GEORGE’S CHANNELBras d’Or Shores Resortq.H $115–180, XP $202994 West Bay Hwy902-345-2896info@brasdorshoresresort.cawww.brasdorshoresresort.caD•Pvt bathApt.: 8 • Jun 1–Oct 15

ST. PETER’S AREA (UP TO 20 KM RADIUS) For other listings in this area, see p. 187.

ROBERTAKayak Cape Breton & Cottagesq.H $90–100, XP $10; no tax5385 West Bay Hwy902-535-3060kayakcb@ns.sympatico.cawww.kayakcapebreton.comK,Q,T,S•Pvt bath•4-wk CXLCottage: 3 • May 1–Oct 31

ST. PETER’SBras d’Or Lakes Inn"p,ccccd. $149, XP $1510095 Grenville St902-535-2200, 800-818-5885info@brasdorlakesinn.comwww.brasdorlakesinn.com19 A/C units with 4-piece bath. Licensed din-ing room; lounge; patio; conference facilities; exercise room, hot tub; laundry. Dock, kayaks, canoe, bicycles.K,2D•Ens bath•72-hr CXL•Light b’fast•@Inn: 19 • Year-round

Joyce’s Motelp,ccd/cccH $59–105, XP $1210354 Grenville St902-535-2404joyces.motel@ns.sympatico.cawww.joycesmotel.comD,2D•Ens or pvt bath•48-hr CXL•@Cabin: 3 Cottage: 15 Motel: 6May 15–Oct 31

END OF ST PETER’S AREA

BEN EOINBirches at Ben Eoin Country Innqccccc $129–199, XP $105153 East Bay Hwy902-828-2277, 866-244-8862manager@thebirchescountryinn.cawww.thebirchescountryinn.caK,Q,2D•Ens bath•48-hr CXL•Light b’fast Free @Inn: 12 • May 1–Oct 31

EAST BAYBryden Manor B&Bqccccd $110–1251277 Hwy 216902-828-2093, 877-828-2093brydenmanor@aol.comwww.brydenmanor.comQ•Ens bath•72-hr CXL•Full b’fast•@B&B: 2 • May 1–Oct 31

GRAND NARROWSBras d’Or Lakes Hideaway Bed & Breakfastqcccd. $75–95; no tax601 Derby Point Rd902-622-2009Q•Ens or pvt bath•48-hr CXL•Full b’fastB&B: 2 • May 1–Oct 31

Old Grand Narrows Hotel B&Bq. $100–125, XP $2511 Derby Pt Rd902-622-1330, 888-702-3720info@grandnarrows.comwww.grandnarrows.comQ,D•Pvt bath•72-hr CXL•Light b’fast•@B&B: 4 • May 15–Oct 15

IONAIona Heights Inn"pcccc $80–130, XP $104115 Hwy 223902-622-2190info@ionaheightsinn.comwww.ionaheightsinn.com2D•Ens bath•48-hr CXL•Free @Inn: 20 • Apr 1–Jan 1

BOULARDERIE/BRAS D’OR AREA (UP TO 20 KM RADIUS)

BRAS D’ORKow’s Inn"cccd $115, XP $101289 Hwy 105902-736-3311kwantwo@yahoo.caQ,2Q•Ens bath•48-hr CXLMotel: 5 • Year-round

SOUTH SIDE BOULARDERIEIsland Point ResortpcccdH $145–169, XP $255151 Kempt Head Rd902-577-7823info@islandpointresort.comwww.islandpointresort.comQ,D•Pvt bath•2-wk CXL•@Cottage: 6 • May 15–Oct 31

BOULARDERIEBubbles Bay B&Bp. $50–65; no tax1082 Hillside Boularderie Rd902-544-0496D,S•Shared bath•24-hr CXL•Full b’fastB&B: 3 • Year-round

Kelly’s View Motelqccc. $79–89, XP $8783 Hwy 105902-674-2473, 866-879-7997info@kellysviewmotel.caQ,D•Ens bath•48-hr CXL•@Motel: 14 • May 1–Oct 31

KEMPT HEADSeaweed and Sod Farmp,cccc. $1097952 Kempt Head Rd902-674-0148, 855-322-0148terri@seaweedandsod.cawww.seaweedandsod.caQ•Shared bath•24-hr CXL•Full b’fast•@B&B: 2 • Year-round

BIG BRAS D’ORMountain Vista Seaside Cottagespcccd.H $69–1891672 Old Rte 5902-563-6140 (texts), 800-661-6680puffin@birdisland.netwww.birdisland.net/cottagesQ,D•Ens or pvt bath•48-hr CXL•@Cottage: 4 Motel: 3 • May 1–Oct 30

View of the Sea Cottagesp.H $825–975 weekly, XP $751764 Hwy 5902-565-8907info@viewoftheseacottages.comwww.viewoftheseacottages.comQ,D,S•Pvt bath•@Cottage: 3 • Jun 1–Nov 1

WHYCOCOMAGH AREA (UP TO 20 KM RADIUS)

ABERDEENAberdeen Motelq.H $75–90, XP $810293 Hwy 105902-756-2331, 888-286-8886svc@swiss-valley.comwww.motel.swiss-valley.comQ,D,T,S•Ens bath•24-hr CXL•@Motel: 15 • Apr 1–Nov 30

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CRAFT BEVERAGES & SPECIALTY FOODS

This NEW category includes Wineries, Breweries, Brew Pubs, Cideries & Distilleries, Specialty Food Shops, Taste of NS Experiences & On-site Producers recog-nized by their applicable Provincial Associations.

RIVER DENYSEileanan Brèagha Vineyards5349 Marble Mountain Rd902-756-3533orders@eileananbreagha.cawww.eileananbreagha.caWinery • Year-round • uIONAJill’s Chocolates 4115 Hwy 223902-209-6788Specialty Foods • Year-round •N

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Bear on the Lake Guesthousecccd.H $32–7810705 Hwy 105902-756-2750, 866-718-5253info@bearonthelake.comwww.bearonthelake.comQ,D,T,bunk•Ens or shared bath•Free @Hostel: 12 • May 1–Nov 1

Cape Escape B&B and Therapeuticsq,cccc.H $10925 Bayberry Lane902-756-2929heather@capeescape.cawww.capeescape.caQ•Ens bath•48-hr CXL•@Suite: 1 • Year-round

WHYCOCOMAGHFair Isle Motelp,ccd/ccc.H $79–1399557 Hwy 105902-756-2291, 877-238-8950information@fairislemotel.comwww.fairislemotel.comK,Q,D,T,S•Ens bath•24-hr CXL•Free @Apt.: 2 Motel: 18 • May 30–Oct 31

Keltic Quay"p,ccccdH $199–29990 Main St902-756-1122, 877-350-1122reservations@kelticquay.comwww.kelticquay.comK,Q•Pvt bath•72-hr CXL•@Cottage: 12 • Year-round

BIG PONDRita’s Tea Room 8077 Hwy 4902-828-2667ritastearoom@lupins.comwww.ritamacneil.com/tearoom.htmlJun 1–Oct 15 • Jun 1–Oct 15 •W

IONAHighland Village Museum/ Baile nan Gàidheal v4119 Hwy 223902-725-2272, 866-442-3542highlandvillage@novascotia.cahighlandvillage.novascotia.caAdmission: $ • Jun 1–Oct 15 •;

WAGMATCOOKWagmatcook Culture & Heritage Centre 10765 Hwy 105902-295-2999, 866-295-2999info@wagmatcook.comwww.wagmatcookcentre.comAdmission: D • Year-round •W

BIG BRAS D’ORMountain Vista Seaside Campground pcc[F]c[R]. $23–281672 Old Rte 5800-661-6680puffin@birdisland.netwww.birdisland.net/campgdE,W,U•DS•Swimming: O•@•12-hr CXLSites: 16 (15 o/n) • May 1–Oct 30

END OF BOULARDERIE/BRAS D’OR AREA

WHYCOCOMAGHGlenview Campground pccc[F]cd[R] $20–3040 Hwy 252902-756-3198dcluffingham@hotmail.comwww.capebretoncampground.comE,W,Se•DS•Pull-thru •Swimming: P•@ 24-hr CXLSites: 100 (53 o/n) • May 15–Oct 15

Whycocomagh Provincial Park vWp. $27–6087 Provincial Park Rd902-756-2448, 888-544-3434parks.novascotia.ca/content/whycocomaghE,W,U•DS•C/T/Y•24-hr CXLSites: 40 o/n • Seasonal

CAMPGROUNDSAll campgrounds listed have been approved by CampingSelect and/or NS Approved to ensure that they meet the required standards. For a key to symbols and codes, see p. 2.

ST. PETER’SBattery Provincial Park vWp. $2710110 Grenville St902-535-3094, 888-544-3434parks.novascotia.ca/content/batteryU•DS•Swimming: O•24-hr CXLSites: 53 o/n • Seasonal

BEN EOINBen Eoin Beach "p,cccc[F]ccc[R] $45–546140 East Bay Hwy902-828-3100alexis.macdonald@ns.sympatico.cawww.beneoinbeach.caE,W,Se,U•DS•Pull-thru •C/T/Y•Swimming: L @•1-wk CXLSites: 212 (32 o/n) • Jun 15–Sep 15

BOULARDERIE/BRAS D’OR AREA (UP TO 20 KM RADIUS)

NEW HARRISSeal Island/North Sydney KOA pcccc[F]cd[R] $22–553779 New Harris Rd902-674-2145koansct@koansct.comwww.koansct.comE,W,Se,U•Pull-thru •C/T/Y•Swimming: O•@Sites: 158 (150 o/n) • May 15–Oct 15

ATTRACTIONSThis category includes national parks, historic sites, museums, and other attractions. See also listings under Craft Beverages & Specialty Foods; Galleries, Shops, Artists and Artisans; Outdoors; and Trails. For a key to symbols and codes, see p. 2.

GLENDALEFather John Angus Rankin Cultural Centre 4248 Hwy 105902-625-3441culturalcentre@yahoo.comAdmission: D • Jun 17–Oct 19 •W;

ORANGEDALEOrangedale Railway Station Museum 1428 Orangedale Rd902-756-3384orangedale.station@gmail.comwww.novascotiarailwayheritage.com/orangedale.htmAdmission: D • Jul 1–Sep 5 •W

ST. PETER’SNicolas Denys Museum 46 Denys St902-535-2379Admission: D • Jun 15–Sep 30 •W

St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site P160 Toulouse St902-535-2118 (canal service)information@pc.gc.cawww.parkscanada.gc.ca/stpeterscanalOutdoor exhibits describe how the canal’s tidal lock system enables vessels to pass between the Atlantic Ocean and Bras d’Or Lake. May 16–Oct 10 •;

Wallace MacAskill Museum 7 MacAskill Dr902-535-2531doug.eva@ns.sympatico.caAdmission: D • Jun 15–Aug 31 •W;

GALLERIES, SHOPS, ARTISTS & ARTISANS

These listings identify some of the artisans in the region and some galleries and shops whose products are primarily made in Nova Scotia. The “Open Studio” designation identifies artisans who open their personal studios to the public so you can watch them work.

ST. GEORGE’S CHANNELGallery Ruairicroft3170 West Bay Hwy902-345-0707haggis@auracom.comwww.caperartbyberni.comMedia: Books & cards, paintings & printsMay 1–Oct 30 •;

ST. PETER’SEncore Jewellery10101 Grenville St902-631-0223dawn@encorejewel.comwww.encorejewel.comMedia: Metal • Year-round •W

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WHYCOCOMAGHFireHouse Ironworks109 Main St902-756-4766info@firehouseironworks.comwww.firehouseironworks.comMedia: Metal • Year-round •W

RESTAURANT(PURCHASED LISTING)

For more extensive information, pick up a copy of the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia’s Dine Nova Scotia or Taste of Nova Scotia’s Culinary Adventure Guide. Also visit edining.ca and tasteofnovascotia.com. See p. 2 for a key to the symbols and codes.

ST. PETER’SBras d’Or Lakes Inn10095 Grenville St902-535-2200, 800-818-5885info@brasdorlakesinn.comwww.brasdorlakesinn.comFor the bon vivant or casual diner, we offer flavourful cuisine from land and sea, including fresh lobster, evening features, bar menu, Sunday brunch and continental breakfast.Type: Family dining • Specialty: SeafoodLicensed • May 1–Oct 17 •NW;

ST. PETER’SBattery Provincial Park v10110 Grenville Stparks.novascotia.ca/content/batteryCategory: Parks • Seasonal •W

Bras d’Or Lakes Inn 10095 Grenville St902-535-2200, 800-818-5885info@brasdorlakesinn.comwww.brasdorlakesinn.com/stay-play/Category: Equipment Rentals{K} May 1–Oct 30

Cape Breton Sailing Charters St. Peter’s902-631-5050captaingreg@capebretonsailing.comwww.capebretonsailing.comCategory: Learn-to-Sail Vacations Jun 15–Oct 15 •;

St. Peter’s Marina 35 Lions Ave902-535-2729gerry@st-peters-marina.comwww.st-peters-marina.comCategory: Marinas & Yacht Clubs May 20–Oct 30 •W

IRISH COVEIrish Cove Provincial Park v16165 Hwy 4parks.novascotia.ca/content/irish-coveCategory: Parks • Seasonal •;

BEN EOINBen Eoin Provincial Park v5549 Hwy 4parks.novascotia.ca/content/ben-eoinCategory: Parks • Seasonal

Ski Ben Eoin 5101 Hwy 4902-828-2804office@skibeneoin.comwww.skibeneoin.comCategory: Crosscountry Skiing; Downhill Skiing • Dec 15–Mar 30 •W

The Lakes Golf Club 5101 East Bay Hwy902-828-4653info@thelakesgolfclub.cawww.thelakesgolfclub.caCategory: Golf Courses • May 3–Oct 27

OUTDOORSThese listings feature public parks, recreation and nature-based activities. Many are season-specific and/or weather-dependent so please confirm when booking.For information about outdoor experiences offered by Tour Operators, please see the Tour Operator section on page 204.

DUNDEEDundee Provincial Park v2285 West Bay Rdparks.novascotia.ca/content/dundeeCategory: Parks • Seasonal

Dundee Resort and Golf Club 2750 West Bay Hwy902-345-0420, 844-638-6333ryanh@capebretonresorts.comwww.dundeegolfclub.comCategory: Golf Courses • May 1–Oct 31ROBERTAKayak Cape Breton & Cottages 5385 West Bay Hwy902-535-3060kayakcb@ns.sympatico.cawww.kayakcapebreton.comCategory: Equipment Rentals{K} May 1–Oct 22

TRAILAlthough used primarily as walking and hiking trails, Nova Scotia’s trails may also be used for other activities, which are identified by the symbols shown. Most trails are available for use year-round, but in winter may not provide maintenance or parking; use discretion. Trail maps and information can also be found at trails.gov.ns.ca and novatrails.com.

EAST BAYEast Bay Hills Trail 3 kmHwy 4 (near #4073)www.trails.gov.ns.ca/SharedUse/cb033b.htmlTrail Uses: YKLSy • Year-round •;

EAST BAYBen Eoin Yacht Club & Marina 4950 East Bay Hwy902-828-1099manager@beneoinmarina.comwww.beneoinmarina.comCategory: Marinas & Yacht Clubs May 1–Nov 1 •W

IONAMacCormack Provincial Park v2481 St Columba Rdparks.novascotia.ca/content/maccormacksCategory: Parks • Seasonal

IRONVILLEBarrachois Provincial Park v2315 Hwy 223parks.novascotia.ca/content/barrachoisCategory: Parks• Seasonal

GROVES POINTGroves Point Provincial Park v1055 Hillside Boularderie Rdparks.novascotia.ca/content/groves-pointCategory: Parks • Seasonal

BOULARDERIEDalem Lake Provincial Park v220 New Dominion Rdparks.novascotia.ca/content/dalem-lakeCategory: Parks• Seasonal

ROSS FERRYRoss Ferry Provincial Park v9685 Kempt Head Rdparks.novascotia.ca/content/ross-ferryCategory: Parks • Year-round •;

WHYCOCOMAGHWhycocomagh Provincial Park v87 Provincial Park Rdparks.novascotia.ca/content/whycocomaghCategory: Parks • Seasonal •W

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