My Favorite Cape Breton Summertime Activities
The summer is a great time to be on Cape Breton Island. With so many things to do and see, you'll never want the summer to end! Here are some of my favorite Cape Breton summertime activities:
1. Breweries: The craft brewery scene has exploded in Nova Scotia over the last few years and Cape Breton is lucky enough to have two of the best breweries call it home! Breton Brewery, located in Sydney River and Big Spruce Brewery located in Nyanza. Both breweries have nice tasting rooms and have many unique tasting brews for you to try. They also have different food trucks visit them during the summer. If you’re in Sydney and looking for something to do on a Thursday evening, hit up Trivia Night at Breton Brewery! It’s a great time all around and the proceeds go to a local charity. For the craft beer enthusiast or even the casual beer drinker in your group, you must make a stop at these breweries!
2. The Fortress of Louisbourg: Jump back in time and visit The Fortress of Louisbourg. This historic site gives you a glimpse into what was once one of North America’s busiest 18th century seaports. It was founded by the French in 1713 and was resurrected in the 1960’s. Kids and adults alike will enjoy talking to the soldiers and stepping inside the homes and businesses from that time. Make sure you bring some cash with you to purchase bread made on site the way it was made back in the 1700s. You can also purchase additional private tours and group activities. We enjoyed the rum tasting!
3. Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail: While in Louisbourg, make sure you visit the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail. It’s not a difficult hike and takes you along the winding sores of the North Atlantic. The views are picturesque and filled with nature.
4. Baddeck: Since you’ll be visiting the Big Spruce Brewery in Nyzana, make a stop along the way in Baddeck. It’s a quant fishing town and popular stop for tourists and locals a like. Stop in the many little shops and eat some delish seafood (my favorite restaurant to visit the The Bell Buoy!). Take in some history at The Alexander Graham Bell Museum, play a round of gold at Bell Bay, or book a boat excursion.
5. The Lakes Golf Club: Golfers come from around Canada to golf at The Lakes. The views from the front nine are nice, but it’s the back nine where you get amazing views of the Bras D’Or Lakes. Located in Ben Eoin, this golf course is not to be missed. Even for the casual golfer (like me), who only likes do nine holes, these views will make you finish the course.
6. Beaches: You can’t think about Cape Breton in the summertime without thinking about beaches. We are lucky enough to have some of the nicest beaches the Atlantic ocean has to offer! Top of my list includes the Mira Gut Beach and Ingonish Beach, but the great thing about Cape Breton is you can’t go very far without coming across a beach. You can’t go wrong with any of them! Looking to swim with less waves? We’ve got lakes as well! Visit the Mira Provincial Park and take a dip in the Mira River or visit Ben Eoin Beach for a refreshing swim in the Bras D’Or Lakes.
7. Two Rivers Wildlife Park: While in Mira, make sure you visit the Two Rivers Wildlife Park. Get up close to some of the amazing wildlife we have on our island. You can purchase a day pass, walk to the trails dotted with wildlife exhibits, and bring a picnic lunch to dine along the picturesque Mira River. There is even camping available for those looking to stay longer.
8. Petersfield Provincial Park: Popular among locals for its walking trails, Petersfield is a beautiful park to visit. Generally not very busy, it’s a quiet place for a walk along the shoreline of the Sydney Harbor. It has many trails that you can wander around on, places to sit and rest, and even a picnic area to stop for a snack.
9. The Big Fiddle/Sydney Boardwalk: This area is a popular tourist attraction, especially among the cruise ship crowd that arrives at the Sydney Cruise terminal on a weekly basis. Walk the board, visit the little shops, grab some delicious, authentic maritime food (seafood anyone?!), and of course get your picture taken with the iconic Big Fiddle! Is there a more Cape Breton activity then that?
10. Cape Breton Drive-in Theatre: Remember going to the drive-in in the family vehicle as a kid to watch the latest movie? You can still do this in Cape Breton! Located in Sydney, the Cape Breton Drive-in Theatre shows the latest movies as a double feature. Make sure to check their facebook page for the latest movie titles and show times. Bring on the popcorn!
Ready to start your Cape Breton adventure? Contact me today at jwilcox@thedestinationexperts.com or 1-866-899-8969 ext.5127.
