Let's Travel Canada ~ Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail are also on my 50 Places in Eastern Canada to See Before You Die.

Welcome to Cape Breton Island on Canada’s Atlantic Coast

Cape Breton Island’s story is told in many ways. It’s etched in her craggy cliffs. Written in the trails that marble her face. Spoken in three languages and celebrated in her music and dance. Alive in the millennia’s old history of Unama’ki—Cape Breton Island’s true name, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. To know our Island is to know she’s an unyielding beauty, one which breeds a fierce spirit, resolute pride, and resilient communities knit together by tradition. Pjila’si, Cíad Míle Fáilte, Bienvenue—welcome to a place loved by many and home to a lucky few.

https://www.cbisland.com/

The Fortress of Louisbourg: A mighty adventure is waiting for you!

On Cape Breton’s rocky shoreline east of Sydney, Nova Scotia, the Fortress of Louisbourg brings you back into one of North America’s busiest 18th-century seaports. Founded by the French in 1713, this one-quarter reconstruction of the original French town and fortifications is the largest – and best – of its kind in North America, offering a wealth of experiences for visitors to enjoy.

https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/fortress-of-louisbourg-national-historic-site/1583

Reconstruction of the fort is just as interesting as what has already been reconstructed.  A must see while you are in Cape Breton.

We had a very special reason for stopping in Sydney Mines.  A very dear lady, our "second mom", Florence, was born and raised in Sydney Mines.  She played a huge role in many of the neighbourhood kids lives as we were growing up.  

When we were too boisterous she would often say "Shhh, there's a man dead in Sydney River" (or variations of that) and for some weird reason we would all be quiet.  It worked every time and remains one of my fondest memories.  

So, of course, we had to stop at Sydney Mines to pay homage to Flo . . .



On the Cabot Trail

Welcome to the World Famous Cabot Trail
Cape Breton Island is rated the #1 Island to visit in continental North America by Travel & Leisure Magazine.

The Cabot Trail is considered one of the world's most scenic destinations, with stunning ocean vistas, old-growth forests, prehistoric rock scarred by glaciers, and the mysterious Cape Breton Highlands.

https://www.cabottrail.travel/

I can not argue with the facts.  The Cabot Trail is very scenic.  But it is also scary in some places (especially when transport trucks are coming down the mountain you are driving up), and the landscape quickly becomes monotonous (more rocks, more trees).  I don't know where all the animals were because we saw one young moose (and no photo to prove it) and a dead bear cub . . . sigh.

Also, most of the trail is within a national park so you have to pay a fee to drive it.  The receipt is taped to your dashboard and must stay put until you leave the park.  When we saw the moose I was able to snap two photos before he disappeared into the trees but when I checked the photos all I could see was the reflection of that darn receipt.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are many good things about the trail, it is definitely a challenge whether you drive, cycle or hike, and it has an awesome rugged beauty even in early spring . . . but I wouldn't do it again.

Wreck Cove sells excellent sandwiches . . . especially lobster sandwiches.

Yes, there was still snow on the mountain tops when we were there in May.  We could have had a snowball fight or built a snowman . . . except we weren't dressed for winter . . . LOL.