The Cape Breton Island is in the northeast of Nova Scotia (Nova Scotia) to the east Canada. Tourist highlights are the spectacular scenic Cape Breton Highlands National Park in the north and the reconstructed fortress of Louisburg in the east of the island. In North Sydney there are also ferries Newfoundland from.
places
Three quarters of Cape Breton Island's residents live in Cape Breton County around Sydney, where the island has more large towns than in the other parts:
- Sydney
- North Sydney, across from Sydney, on the other side of the natural harbor. From North Sydney you can take the ferry to Newfoundland translate. Marine Atlantic serves routes to Port au Basque and after Argentia. Cost for 2 adults with a car, via Port au Basques, there and back: around $ 400 (a good $ 120 more with a cabin). The drive to Port au Basques takes 6-8 hours, to Argentia about 16 hours.
- Florence, Sydney Mines, New Waterford, Glace Bay, on the coast of Sydney
- Louisbourg, at the Eastcoast
In other parts of the island (in order of size):
- Bath deck, the largest place outside the Sydney area
- Port Hawkesbury, the largest town on the Canso Causeway, made for a rest and a meal rather than a stay
- Chéticamp, Ingonish, Neil's Harbor, Pleasant Bay, Places to stay on the edge of the national park
Other goals
background
On Cape Breton, like almost everywhere in Nova Scotia, English is spoken!
mobility
Tourist Attractions
Parks and beaches
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Near the northern tip of the island of Cape Breton in the extreme northeast of Nova Scotia is the largest and oldest national park in the province with an area of 950 km². Boreal coniferous forest and tundra, scattered over a high plateau and wild, steep coastline. The park is accessed by the Cabot Trail, a total of 298 km long road that opens up the north of the island and forms a panoramic road within the park, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful in North America. 26 hiking trails. Circular routes of medium length that can be done in ± 1 hour are e.g. Le Buttereau (in the southwest of the park), Jack Pine and Jigging Cove (both in the northeast). The most attractive trails are considered to be the Skyline Trail and the Middle Head Trail. In addition to plenty of drinking water, you need insect repellent for the path, especially when you are resting, because it can swarm with mosquitoes and black flies. You will be compensated by spectacular sea and landscape panoramas, occasionally also by the sight of moose, bald eagles, black bears and coyotes. There are several beautiful beaches on the east coast. There are visitor centers in Chéticamp and Ingonish. In all four corners of the park there are mostly small, independently run motels or B & Bs that you should book early. The largest towns around the park are Chéticamp and Baddeck, which is already quite a distance away. In order to get plenty of provisions for the park, it is best to go shopping in Sydney or Port Hawkesbury, where there are still large supermarkets. Of Sydney You can reach the park from Route 105 and then continue at Englishtown with the Englishtown Ferry, a cable ferry, over the only 125 m wide St. Anns Bay, where the Cabot Trail joins. The ferry operates around the clock and the crossing costs $ 7 per car. The total travel time from Sydney is 2 hours in each direction. A round trip by car around the entire park and in the south via Baddeck takes about 5½ hours.Open: In summer from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.Price: Entry $ 7.80 per day (children 6-16 years $ 3.90, seniors $ 6.80, families $ 19.60).
- Indian Beach, Purves St, across from East St, North Sydney. North Sydney city beach. The ferries to Newfoundland leave from right next door.
- Dominion Beach Provincial Park, Dominion, 25 minutes northeast of Sydney. This 1½ km long sandy beach is beautifully situated on a lagoon. The sea water reaches temperatures of up to 19 ° C in summer.
- Mira Gut Beach. This small beach at the mouth of the Mira River is easily accessible from Sydney.
- Point Michaud Beach Provincial Park. This 3 km long sandy beach is located in the extreme south of Cape Breton Island.
Buildings
- Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, 259 Park Service Rd, Louisbourg. Reconstructed 18th century fortress town, the island's second top attraction, 40 minutes southeast of Sydney. (Wikipedia).
Museums
- Cape Breton Miner's Museum, 17 Museum St, Glace Bay. Less than half an hour northeast of Sydney is the island's most important museum, where you can study the history of local coal mining.
- Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, 559 Chebucto St, Baddeck. The inventor of the telephone had his summer residence here from 1886 on. (en: Wikipedia).
activities
Whale watching
A standard activity around Cape Breton Highlands National Park is whale watching, but think of it as fun rather than educational. A bit of seasickness is guaranteed, but whales are not really seen every time, but other interesting animals such as sea turtles and seals. There are several providers whose tours each take about 2 hours. Depending on your taste, you can choose whether you want to go a little quieter on a classic excursion boat or a little wilder on the highly motorized Zodiac inflatable boat. Many participants complain on TripAdvisor that their tour, which they had booked in advance, was canceled at short notice; A short telephone inquiry immediately before the journey, whether everything will work, can therefore do no harm. Starting points are Ingonish and Pleasant Bay:
- Keltic Express Zodiac Adventures, 101 Wharf Rd, Ingonish. Two-hour tours on an inflatable boat that can accommodate 12 people. The organizer will equip adults with full-body swimsuits, children with life jackets. From May to October daily 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Advance reservation required.Price: Adults $ 49 (Children 10 and under 50% discount).
- Garanteed Whales, 132 Harbor Rd, Pleasant Bay. 1½-2½ hour tours on a double decker boat that holds 36 passengers. Ponchos against splashing water are provided. In July and August every day at 9:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.Price: Adults $ 39 (Children 6-15 Years $ 19, Seniors $ 35).
- Limbo Cove Whale Excursions, 126 Harbor Rd, Pleasant Bay. 1½-2-hour tours on an inflatable boat. Mid-June to mid-October daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.Price: Adults $ 44 (Children 16 and under $ 22).
- Capt Mark’s Whale & Sea Cruise, 126 Harbor Rd, Pleasant Bay. Tours either on the rubber dinghy or on the boat. Rain jackets against splashing water are provided.Price: Adults from $ 39 (children 18 and under from $ 19).
kitchen
nightlife
security
climate
Cape Breton has friendly summer temperatures of 20–28 ° C during the day and 12–14 ° C at night. Because there is usually a wind on the coast, the perceived temperatures are lower there. In July and August the sun shines for around half of the daytime hours. It rains very often, but hardly for a long time. In summer there is around 100 mm of precipitation per month, which is 25 mm more than in Hamburg. Because of the proximity to the sea, winter only brings frost down to around –15 ° C. There is enough snow to make both downhill and cross-country skiing possible.
literature
Web links
- capebreton.com with lots of useful information about what to see and do on the island
