Cape Breton Historic Sites & Interpretive Centres

Situated on 10 ha overlooking the Bras d'Or lake, this remarkable site commemorates the significant scientific and humanitarian contributions of the illustrious Alexander Graham Bell. Enjoy hands on displays on the life and work of Bell, and discover his many accomplishments, including his giant kites, his 'silver dart' and his work on the phonograph. The site includes Benin Breagh, Bell's well-known summer vacation estate. Browse through artifacts, photographs and personal mementos of this brilliant man.

Schoolhouse (c 1888–1896) with a period classroom portraying various aspects of education in the region. Displays depicting the history of the town and of coal mining in eastern Cape Breton. Birdwatching platforms. Admission free, donations welcome.

St. Peter's Canal links the Atlantic Ocean to the vast Bras d'Or lakes. The canal is an ideal spot from which to watch small craft pass through the lock system of this 140-year old canal. There are several outdoor exhibits and a museum, as well as picnic facilities.

This is the site where Marconi beamed out the world's first wireless message to England and thus started the age of Global Communications. Learn about this complex technology that made the modern day global communications industry what it is. Visitors can wander through the Wireless Hall of Fame and walk an interpretive trail to the original transmission station.

The Whale Interpretive Centre opens a window on the world of the whales. See life size Pilot whale model, salt- water livestock tank and many other exhibits. They are open seasonally from June 1st to October 15th.

Between 1920 and 1940, the Hawkesbury Creamery was the largest establishment of its kind in Cape Breton. Today, the structure is a hall that serves as a performance venue for many Ceilidh's throughout the year.

The Centre promotes the contemporary, preserves the tradition and collects the history of Cape Breton music. Vintage recordings, interviews with musicians, photo gallery, live music in the Hall of Pioneers, family tartans, musical family histories and biographies and the largest fiddle. Cultural tours and workshops. Home of Kintyre Farm Scottish Concert.

Scottish history and culture from early times to the present, including the story of the Great Migration from the Highlands, depicted by a series of heritage paintings. Figures in traditional dress represent the clans who first settled the area. Craft shop specializes in Celtic gifts, tartans (by the metre or custom clothing), Gaelic text books and reading material. Duty piper July–Aug. Admission $3

Cape Breton archives, at the University College of Cape Breton. Holdings include manuscripts, newspapers and colonial records on microfilm, diaries, scrapbooks, almanacs, reports on Cape Breton history, tapes, maps, photographs and books. Collections include the labour, political and industrial history of Cape Breton; Gaelic manuscripts, newspapers, tapes and books; and Scottish, ethnic and current Cape Breton music and poetry on tape. Admission free.

The Fortress of Louisbourg is a recreation of a French settlement that existed 250 years ago. Costumed animators bring to life former residents. See homes and gardens, inns and taverns, and even eat 18th Century cuisine in 3 different restaurants.

Formerly a general store, the building is used as a centre for artifacts, genealogical and historical records, research and local music. Special emphasis on Gaelic tradition. Admission free.

Opened for public tours from June to the end of October, this facility was built in 1902 and was the first salmon hatchery in Nova Scotia. The on-site visitors center features exhibits on the life cycle of the salmon and an observation deck from which to watch anglers cast their lines into the Margaree River.

The Jost House, circa 1786, was purchased by Thomas Jost in 1836. Jost was a Halifax merchant and his family remained on the property until 1971. Today the house is filled with Victorian artifacts and each room features a different theme. The kitchen is housed in the basement with a cooking fireplace and a beehive bake-oven. Local collections can be found within the house, as well as 20th century medicinals.

The former Harbourview School houses museum artifacts and historical/genealogical records related to early settlers of the Port Hood area. Admission free, donations welcome.

11 km hike to the site of the oldest lighthouse in Canada, built by the French in 1734. Admission is free.

In 1497, John Cabot found himself at this spot during his search for a shortcut to Asia. This scenic park commemorates the historic landing with interpretive displays. Overlooking Aspy Bay, the park has a large picnic area and a sandy beach.

A repository of local historical documents, photographs and manuscripts serving the area north of Cape Smokey. Admission free.