Cape Breton Island

CabotTrail - View of Cabot Trail

Cape Breton Island is the northernmost island in Nova Scotia.

Cities and towns

Sydney (Nova Scotia) | Sydney - largest city on the island Glace Bay - the second largest urban area and situated on the east side of the island North Sydney (Nova Scotia) | North Sydney - end of the Trans-Canada Highway with ferry connections to Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland New Waterford - former mining town Sydney Mines - formerly a coal mining town Port Hawkesbury - a town located on the southwestern end of the island Baddeck - summer resort area and convenient starting/finishing point for the Cabot Trail Chéticamp - center of Acadian culture on the Cabot Trail Louisbourg - one-time French colonial town best known for its reconstructed fortress Ingonish - on the Cabot Trail and adjacent to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park Arichat - a village of Acadian culture on Isle Madame Mabou - fishing and farming community on the west side of the island St. Peter's - a small village and the "Gateway to the Bras d'Or" Eskasoni GPS 45.9400445731,-60.6175208632 - (Eskasoni First Nation) the largest Mi'kmaq community in Nova Scotia

More Destinations

• Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Island Halal Travel Guide

Cape Breton Island was a separate colony until 1820 when it was merged into Nova Scotia against its will, and is the only place in North America where Gaelic is still spoken, a legacy of the large immigration (about 50,000) from the highlands of Scotland in the first half of the 19th century. There are also pockets of French, remnants of the Acadian history described in the Longfellow epic poem "Evangeline", in towns such as Margaree and Chéticamp and on Isle Madame. With 5 Mi'kmaq communities in Cape Breton (4 are situated around the Bras d'Or Lake) there is a strong island identity and sense of community, which increasingly unifies the Mikmaq population of the island.

The island has consistently lost industrial investment and jobs in the past ten years. However and the closing of the coal and steel industry coupled with the presence of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which buffers the pristine northern half of the island from its more commercialized southern half, have no doubt contributed to the island's very positive ratings for ecological stewardship and spectacular scenery.An excellent reference site for the incredibly beautiful northern tip of Cape Breton can be found at the "Top of the Island" site.

How to travel to Cape Breton Island

How to travel to Cape Breton Island by car

The most common way to get into Cape Breton is by vehicle via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 104) at the Canso Causeway from mainland Nova Scotia. Cape Breton is roughly 12½ driving hours from Boston, 14 from Hartford and 16 from New York City.

Travel on a Bus in Cape Breton Island

Maritime Bus runs between Truro (Nova Scotia) | Truro and Sydney (Nova Scotia) | Sydney with onward connections to much of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Shuttle service is provided between Halifax and Sydney and environs by several companies who travel at various times throughout the day. Excellent value.

By plane

Cape Breton Island is served by Sydney Airport. Most Flights to and from Sydney go to Halifax (Nova Scotia) | Halifax and then to major tourist destinations such as Toronto, Boston and Montreal.

How to get around in Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton is most accessible by car. The primary street is the Trans-Canada highway (Highway 105), which connects Sydney on the east coast with the causeway to the mainland on the west. You can hire a vehicle in Sydney if necessary. Like any place, you see more if you get off the primary street, and the Nova Scotia government has been helpful in this regard by creating a number of scenic drives. These include the:

• Cabot Trail - Mountainous, windy and sometimes foggy, this drive alternates between hugging the ocean and crossing the rugged Cape Breton Highlands. Considered one of the top drives in North America, it should be considered more a destination than a drive for the variety of activities available around this 400km (190 mile) loop.
• Fleur-de-Lis Trail - covers the southern French-influenced part of the island.
• Ceilidh Trail - covers the western part the island with its strong Scottish influence.
• Bras d'Or Lake Scenic Drive - follows the shoreline of Bras d'Or Lake.

Road maps and additional information on the island is readily available at any tourism information center (located at entry points and any major towns and city's) and a number of private operators offer trip planning services.

CapeBretonCableFerry - Cable Ferry

A more adventurous option to get around the island is to cycle. The roads tend to be narrow and windy, so prior experience is recommended. Bike rental and trip planning are available through Sea Spray Outdoor Adventures.

Hiking trails abound in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and the above-mentioned Sea Spray Outdoor Adventures offers guided hikes to little-known remote areas north of the national park.

Regardless of your mode of travel, watch out for moose on the roads.

There are many small cable ferries between the islands. They go every few minutes and charge $5.

Salty Bear Adventure Travel - An excellent alternative to renting a car, Salty Bear offers budget adventure tours around the Cabot Trail. Run by passionate travellers who aim to provide a true Cape Breton experience and their trips include roundtrip transportation, lodging, guide with full commentary, guided hikes, National & Provincial Park access, ferry passes, wildlife encounters, barbecues, bonfires. Discounted optional activities of kayaking, sailing, and whale watching.

What to see in Cape Breton Island

CabotMoose - Moose on the Cabot Trail

Cape Breton is noted for its unique and vibrant traditional Scottish violin music incubated by its relative isolation over the years- so much so that music lovers from Scotland come here for a taste of their own past. Typically a duo of violin and piano play hearty dance music that can be seen at community halls throughout the island. The early-evening tourist-targeted concerts are well advertised; later at night you can find ones that draw the entire local community. Some of the most important musical centres are Judique, Margaree Valley and Chéticamp.

The island ranked second in the world in a National Geographic study of ecotourism conducted in 2002 and 2003.

• Cape Breton Highlands National Park. You need an entry permit at $7 a day per person (there are group and family discounts). The Cabot Trail runs through the national park. There are many short hiking trails starting along the Cabot Trail.

Scenery is a major reason to visit Cape Breton. Plan to stop along the many spectacular lookoffs on the Cabot Trail - this will lengthen your travel duration between destinations. Since the Cabot Trail is more a destination than a drive, visitors seeking to truly experience this environmental masterpiece should plan on staying a minimum of two days in the villages around the Trail. A number of private operators offer trip planning services to assist visitors in taking advantage of the best attractions both on and off the Trail, some offering all-inclusive multi-day packages.

• Fortress of Louisbourg | 259 Park Service Road, Louisbourg ☎ +1 902 733-2280 Opening Hours: 1 May-30 June 9:30AM Monday - 5PM, 1 July - 31 Aug 9AM Monday - 5PM, 1 September - 15 Oct 9:30AM Monday - 5PM. Closed 1 November - 3 April Thit is a reconstruction of the 18th-century fortified French town whose presence plagued the British colonies of New England. Its busy harbour was once one of France's most significant economic and military assets in North America. If you enjoy the colonial restoration at Williamsburg in the United States, don't miss Louisbourg.

• The Bras D'Or is a brackish lake with unique ecological characteristics, and some islands in that lake are sacred to the Mi'kmaq.

BayStLawrence - Bay St. Lawrence

• Bay St. Lawrence and Meat Cove. Two scenic fishing villages featuring whale tours, fresh seafood and unique lodgings along the rugged cliffs north of the Cabot trail. Turn north at Cape North.
• Joe's Scarecrows at Cheticamp on the Cabot Trail. Scary gallery of scarecrows with Halloween masks. Entrance is free, but they ask for a small donation.

• Les Trois Pignons | 15584 Cabot Trail Hwy, Cheticamp ☎ +1 902 224-2612 - Museum of Acadian culture based on collection of antiques started by Marguerite Gallant.

• Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site of Canada | Chebucto Street (Route 205), Baddeck Opening Hours: 1-30 June 9AM Monday - 6PM, 1 July - 15 Oct 8:30AM Monday - 6PM $6.50

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JoesScarecrows - Joes Scarecrows

• Cape Breton Miners Museum - 17 Museum St, Glace Bay#See|Glace Bay ☎ +1 902-849-4522 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 6PM (end-May to Thanksgiving) $15/person Underground mine tour, mining history museum ($6/person) with modern exhibits. Miners Village Restaurant. Stroll through a historic village. "Men of the Deeps" miners' choir offers performances ($13/person) several times per season.

• Tartan Tours | Sydney ☎ +1 902 578-4501 - Offering daily tours of The Cabot Trail, Baddeck Louisbourg and the Highland Village & the Miners Museum. Airport & hotel pick-ups and shuttle service for Cape Breton Island, and cruiseship excursions.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Cape Breton Island

• Golf: There are eight golf courses scattered about the island that will challenge even the most discriminating among you. The views planes alone are worth the walk: coastal links, highland links, and several of the Bras d'Or Lakes.
• Beaches: The east side of the island have some of finest beaches in the world but without the crowds. Hiking or lounging are the favorite activities as the water is never very warm. You'll see sea birds, shore birds, seals and surf with nothing between you and Africa but water.

• Celtic Colours Festival: - Spanning hundreds of events across dozens of towns in early-to-mid-October and the music options at Celtic Colours are not solely Celtic but include folk and some Acadian Zydeco (Acadeco) and jazz, and an increasing amount of world music.

• Whale watching tour: There are boat tours along the coast from Cheticamp north and around to Englishtown. Sighting of whales is almost guaranteed, especially at the northern tip of the island. Tours takes two hours or more, and the scenery alone is worth the price. Oshan Whale Cruises and ing-novascotia.com Captain Cox's Whale Tour operate at the northern tip of the island.

• Biking the Cabot Trail: - Many people think that biking the Cabot Trail is the best way to see it. Featured in the September 7 issue of Bicycling magazine, as "North America's Best Ride".

• Hiking tours: Lots of self-guided hiking in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

• Kayak tours: - Eagle North and Sea Spray both offer guided kayak tours, in the large tranquil harbors at the top of the island as well as in the whale-rich Atlantic.

• The Top of the Island:| - North and Northeast of Cape Breton Highlands National Park - The most spectacularly scenic region of Cape Breton and the region boasts a combination of historic, cultural and environmental activities. Featuring whale watching, guided hiking, cycling, and paddling tours, museums, artists' studios and galleries and seven miles of the most significant beaches north of the Carolinas and the region is home to Cabot's Landing provincial park and the site of John Cabot's landing in 1497.

• Arts North: - Cabot Trail at Cape North Drive to the northern tip of the Cabot Trail.Arts North is 3 kilometers Southwest of Cape North Village ☎ +1 902 383-2911 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 7PM A retail gallery featuring the works of over two dozen juried Cape Breton resident artisans. Pottery, jewellery, weaving, quilts, wood, prints, basketry, canvas and other media are all displayed in an architecturally pleasing space. The gallery ships purchases worldwide for its clients.

Shopping in Cape Breton Island

Many of the smaller communities have only a general store that sells a very limited selection of groceries and sundries, often also operating as a local post office. Better to stop in a bigger centre like Baddeck or Cheticamp for groceries, although the Top of the Island area has two Co-op grocery stores (somewhat smaller than the Co-ops in Baddeck and Cheticamp) and a couple of independents that, taken together, do a reasonable job.

CapeBretonGeneralStore - general store

The Wreck Cove General Store (pictured) is open year-round and sells things a traveller might need, from fuel to weather-appropriate clothing to Snacks. Their "World Famous Lobster Sandwich" is highly recommended and can be purchased during the summer season. Located on the Cabot Trail between Baddeck and Ingonish.

• Floras | Point Cross ☎ +1 902 224-3139 - Handcrafts. Especially traditional Acadian rug-hooking made by local residents. Demonstrations.

• Local pottery and other juried Cape Breton Only crafts Sold along the Cabot Trail at Arts North, outside Cape North, at the northern tip of the Trail.

• St. Ann's Artisans St. Ann's, an area to the south of Ingonish along the Cabot Trail, has a large concentration of artisans who work and sell out of their shops.

Leather, glass, woodworking, iron art, photography, pottery, pewter and sewing are all found, made by skilled artists, within an hour's drive north of Baddeck.

Smelt Brook Pottery Studio at the Top of the Island in Smelt Brook features two production potters. The studio is open to the public and is a popular rainy-day stop for family learning experiences.

• Nest - Patti Millet-owner | 11352 Route 19, Mabou ☎ +1 902 945-2414 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 6PM Nature themed shop featuring jewellery, gifts and home décor. Emphasis on artisan crafts. Local music CDs. All price points, kids welcome, washroom always available.

• Glenora Distillery 13727 Route 19, Glenville ☎ +1 902-258-2662 +1-800-839-0491 +1 902-258-3572 Glen Breton Rare single malt whisky. Guided Tours in Cape Breton Island by ehalal.io (email for prices) are run hourly every day, 9AM Monday - 5PM from May-October ($7/person).

Halal Restaurants & Food in Cape Breton Island

PleasureBayLobsterCrab - Lobster and Crab plate at Rusty Anchor

Seafood, especially lobster, is the thing to eat on Cape Breton. The Aspy Bay oysters are also good. As mentioned in the "Buy" section, if you plan to save money by getting groceries, do so at larger centres such as Chéticamp and Baddeck. Small convenience stores tend to be more sparsely stocked than convenience stores you would find in city's.

• Rusty Anchor | Pleasant Bay ☎ +1 902 224-1313 Sandwiches $10, special seafood plates $20. Great seafood, fantastic seaside patio. If you are lucky you can spot a bald eagle hovering above you.

• Cedar House | TCH 105m Boulebarderie Centre, at the Seal Island bridge between Baddock and Sydney ☎ +1 902 674-2929 Opening Hours: May-Oct 10AM Monday - 8PM Bakery and restaurant. Good seafood chowder at reasonable prices.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Cape Breton Island, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Cape Breton Island. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Cape Breton Island and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Cape Breton Island. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Cape Breton Island. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Cape Breton Island: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Cape Breton Island.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Cape Breton Island: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Cape Breton Island, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Cape Breton Island.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Cape Breton Island, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Cape Breton Island, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Cape Breton Island and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Cape Breton Island, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Cape Breton Island, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Cape Breton Island without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Cape Breton Island is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Cape Breton Island.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Cape Breton Island is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Cape Breton Island, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Cape Breton Island Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Cape Breton Island

eHalal Group Cape Breton Island is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Cape Breton Island. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Cape Breton Island.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Cape Breton Island ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Cape Breton Island. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Cape Breton Island, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Cape Breton Island are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan 2024 Celebrations in Cape Breton Island

Ramadan 2025 in Cape Breton Island

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Cape Breton Island

File:MiddleHead - Middle Head

A good number of Bed & Breakfasts and hostels are dotted throughout the island. A few examples follow:

• Chambers Guest House Bed & Breakfast - Experience gracious hospitality in an atmosphere of a 1880 Victorian home filled with antiques and art-works. Situated in the centre of North Sydney and only minutes from the ferry to Newfoundland.

• Wreck Cove Wilderness Cabins (902)929-2800 Open year round and these cosy cabins are tucked into the forests of the Cabot Trail. Only a few hundred metres from the wild Atlantic cliffs, a perfect getaway. Located between the two top golf courses "Baddeck Bay" and "Highland Links" in Ingonish.

• Lingan Bayview A & B - ☎ +1 902 862-6127 +1-866-231-0643 Located 20 minutes from the city of Sydney, in the small fishing village of Lingan, this Bed and Breakfast offers spectacular views, morning and evening, from each room. A quiet, beautiful area just steps from the ocean, thit is one of the top 5 places recommended for bird watching. Nearby attractions include Two Rivers Wildlife park, Fortress Louisburg, Miners Museum, and the scenic Cabot Trail.

• The Inlet Bed & Breakfast, Dingwall
• Two Tittle Inn Bed & Breakfast, White Point
• Oakwood Manor Bed & Breakfast, Cape North
• Seymour Harbour Bed & Breakfast, Neils Harbour

• Keltic Lodge Middle Head Peninsula, Ingonish Beach +1-800-565-0444 This resort and spa is on the spectacular Middle Head peninsula. There are views of the sea to both sides. Just behind the main lodge is the start of the hiking trail to the tip of Middle Head. Double room $190 in high season, $290 including gourmet dinner and breakfast for two. The dresscode is casual smart.

• Glenora Inn & Distillery @.ca Route 19, Ceilidh Trail, Glenville +1-800-839-0491 Rooms from $120 - Sleep at North America's only single malt distillery. Has restaurant.

• Silver Dart Lodge 257 Shore Road, Baddeck ☎ +1 902 295-2340 Rooms from $99-119 - Open May-October.

• Cabot Trail Hostel Pleasant Bay ☎ +1 902 224-1976 - Bed $27/night, superior Muslim friendly room $59/night (extra person $10/night), All prices tax included. Clean establishment, friendly owners!

• Castle Rock Country Inn 39339 Cabot Trail, Ingonish ☎ +1-888-884-7625 - Spacious, comfortable, non-smoking rooms with satellite TVs and queen-sized beds. Small licensed dining room and lounge with excellent food and Nova Scotianfruit cocktails. Large patio in back has stunning vistas of the bay - eagles and other wildlife can often be seen. Friendly hosts and cute-yet-inconspicuous pets. $89-148. (Packages also available.)

• Bear on the Lake Guest House // HI Cape Breton Island 10705 HWY 105, Aberdeen Between Whycocomagh and Baddeck ☎ +1 902 756-2750 Dorm rooms $25-30. Private Rooms with private lounge $65-75. Features include: 10 minutes from the start of the Cabot Trail. Overlooking the Bras D'Or Lakes, patio, BBQ, firepit, free internet/ WiFi, linens, laundry facilities, tours of the Cabot Trail can be arranged.

• The Water's Edge Inn - 22 Water Street, Baddeck ☎ +1 902-295-3600 - Spacious king, queen rooms with private baths. Balconies overlooking the lighthouse and the beautiful Bras d'Or lakes. Breakfast.

• Big Hill Retreat - Big Hill Road, Baddeck ☎ +1 902 295-2726 $90-130/night Lovely secluded cottages on a peaceful wilderness homestead with gardens, pond and pottery studio.

• Bras d'Or Lakes Inn - Bras d'Or Lake Scenic Route - 10095 Grenville Street Highway 104 towards Sydney +1-800-818-5885 Rooms from $110 Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: 11AM Waterfront 4-star well-kept inn with 5-star licensed restaurant and lounge. 20 rooms in cedar lodge right beside the St. Peter's Canal. All rooms have private bath, internet access, flat screen cable television, fridge, microwave and coffee machine. Waterfront activities available.

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Cape Breton Island

If you want to do a bit of island hopping Atlantic Canada-style, you can take one of two ferries from North Sydney to Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland. The ferry to Port aux Basques on Newfoundland's south-west coast is the shorter of two and runs daily throughout the year. The ferry to Argentia is much longer (about 14 hours) and only runs in the summer, three times a week. Ferry services are provided by Marine Atlantic.

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