Explore the Area
Welcome to Baddeck, Nova Scotia located in the heart of Cape Breton
The Village of Baddeck
The village of Baddeck is a lovely area to relax and explore. There's plenty to do! You can visit the Alexander Graham Bell museum, explore the shops and waterfront of the beautiful village, arrange for a boat or sail charter on the Bras d'Or Lakes, rent a kayak, or spend the day on the golf course at Bell Bay.
Drop in to the old Post Office building, where you can learn about the ecology of the Lakes "through the eyes of an eagle" from detailed geomatics, including satellite imaging and audio/visual presentations, at the Bras d'Or Lakes & Watershed Interpretive Centre.
Just a short drive from Baddeck, you'll find The Uisge Bahn Falls Park, which features picnic facilities and a 4 km (return) hiking trail to the impressive 16-m (52-ft.) high Uisge Bahn Waterfall in a granite gorge. Take the road to Baddeck Forks, and turn onto MacPhee's Cross Road; about 1 km (0.5 mi.) further, turn left at the intersection into the park.
When Dr. Alexander Graham Bell arrived in Baddeck in 1885, he was surprised to find that his recently invented telephone was already in use here. He became so enamoured with the countryside that he chose the headland across the bay for his home. Dr. Bell, Mr. F. W. Baldwin, the Hon. J. A. D. McCurdy and their associates made aviation history with their invention of the airplane. The "Silver Dart" was the first heavier-than-air machine to be flown in the British Empire. That historic flight took place on February 23, 1909. The pilot, J. A. D. McCurdy, who our McCurdy's Restaurant is named after, was from the village of Baddeck. The Alexander Graham Bell Museum was erected in 1956 to commemorate their outstanding achievements. We recommend that you visit the museum to learn more about this fascinating man and his many inventions.
Discover the Cabot Trail
One of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world, The Cabot Trail winds for nearly 300 km (185 mi.) around the rocky splendour of Cape Breton's northern shore. Named for famous explorer John Cabot, the magnificent road is carved into the sides of the coast, rising high above the ocean through the beautiful highlands and plateaus of Cape Breton.
Have you thought of driving "backwards"? No visitors to Cape Breton Island will want to miss the famous Cabot Trail, but it's often a challenge deciding which way to drive. Many people advocate a clockwise trip, via Cheticamp, but others think you haven't seen the Trail until you've driven counterclockwise, via Ingonish.
The Cabot Trail turns inland at Barachois River Bridge. In the area from Tarbotvale to St. Ann's known locally as the Artisans' Loop, you can watch artisans at work in their studios. At North River Bridge, you can detour into North River Provincial Park, where anglers test their skill in the pools of the North River. A challenging 9 km (5.5 mi.) trail leads to North River Falls; at 30 m (100 ft.) it's the highest waterfall in Nova Scotia. You should allow about 7 hours for this hike.
The Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts at St. Ann's is unique in North America, and also houses a museum of artifacts and displays that highlight the 200-year history of Scottish settlement in Cape Breton.
Start planning your trip around the Trail
We can help! Our Guest Services Representatives will be happy to help you plan the itinerary that best suits your interests and the time you have available. Should you prefer to just relax and be free from the responsibility of driving your own vehicle; guided tours can be arranged from Silver Dart Lodge. For more Cabot Trail information see www.cabottrail.travel.
Other Cape Breton Island Destinations
Bras d’Or Lakes Scenic Drive
The Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive offers an ever-changing panorama of woodlands, farms and villages. The region is a major nesting area for bald eagles, and these impressive birds can often be seen soaring above or perched on shoreline trees. Along the way you can stop at a number of museums, or visit the Tea Shop at the home of Rita MacNeil, Cape Breton's famous singer, in Big Pond.
Louisbourg
You may wish to spend the day in New France as it was in the 1740s, at the reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Guides in period costume, dressed as soldiers, noblemen, washerwomen, merchants and common folk, will help you experience this living history of life inside the massive stone walls in 1744. While in Louisbourg you can also learn about the railway heritage of the area at the Sydney & Louisbourg Railway Museum. A scenic five-minute drive along the northern shore of Louisbourg Harbour leads to the historic Louisbourg Lighthouse. Lighthouse Point is a spectacular setting with a rocky, wave-carved shore and views of the fortress across the harbour. This is the site of the first lighthouse in Canada, built by the French in 1733-34.
Fleur-de-lis Trail
The 263 km (164-mi.) Fleur-de-lis Trail begins at the Canso Causeway and ends at the magnificent Fortress Louisbourg. Along the way, it traces the shores of beautiful Isle Madame, passing through charming Acadian communities, then follows one of Nova Scotia's most unspoiled and beautiful stretches of Atlantic coastline. This is a wonderful alternate route to travel to Louisbourg from Port Hawkesbury.
Request a Provincial Guide Book
For further information about our island’s many, many side roads and tourist treasures, we recommend our provincial guide book, the Doers & Dreamers Guide.
Once you arrive at Silver Dart, we'll be happy to provide you with more information and assist you in planning your day trips around Cape Breton Island.
