Nova Scotia - Cape Breton Island


Our visit to Cape Breton Island on the eastern end of Nova Scotia was a bit of a washout. The rain we knew was coming decided to come a day earlier than expected so our scenic drive along the famous Cabot Trail wasn’t so scenic. Vistas of the rugged shoreline were enshrouded in fog, the early fall colors were muted, and we had to skip our hike on the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. We did manage a couple of short forest hikes in between rain showers (mostly), but overall our 298 km (185 mi) loop was a disappointment. The day before our drive we stopped in the Cape Breton town of Baddeck at the not-at-all-disappointing Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site (Bell had a summer home in Baddeck). It was interesting to learn that the inventor of the telephone also applied his innovative mind to a wide variety of other projects including hydrofoils, aircraft, alternatives to fossil fuels, and teaching methods for the deaf. He was also a philanthropist and a kind, devoted family man.

Bell wasn’t the only Scotsman to be attracted to Cape Breton as it has a rich Celtic cultural heritage which is reflected in its music and place names (some road signs are in both English and Gaelic). There is even a Gaelic College on the island. Our cute little Airbnb cottage was located in the not-so-Celtic-sounding Englishtown, which can be reached by what is surely the shortest ferry ride we’ve ever experienced. We timed our crossing of St. Ann’s Bay at about 3 and a half minutes.



Early aircraft at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site



View of the Margaree River along the Cabot Trail







The dead get the best views







Deborah by a replica of a Scottish crofter’s hut







At least the mushrooms liked the weather.



MacIntosh Brook



Falls at the end of the MacIntosh Brook Trail



Great view!
(photo by Deborah)

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