metres below, not to mention sightings of
bald eagles, moose and whales.
All along the Cabot Trail, we encounter
much to remind us of the Scottish countryside:
dramatic highlands, rolling Gaelic Scottish
accents. But there are differences – here the
picturesque scenery is punctuated by a lively
mix of Acadian, Celtic and Gaelic cultures,
s u n n y p e o p l e ( a n d c l i m a t e : s u m m e r
temperatures around 30 C are not unusual)
and plenty of local wildlife sightings. Our
Canada: Scotland with moose.
If You Go: Connected to mainland Nova Scotia
by the Canso Causeway, Cape Breton Island is
a two-hour drive from Inverness, or three-and-a-
half from Halifax. The closest airport is in
Sydney (about two hours from Ingonish).
Where to Stay: The most popular entrance to
the Cabot Trail is at St. Ann's Har-
bour, where Chanterelle Country
Inn & Cottages offers a lovely
place to rest your head before set-
ting off (www.chanterelleinn.com).
In Chéticamp, Maison Fiset House is a
historic inn run by an old Cape Breton family
(www.maisonfisethouse.com). In Inverness,
true links golf, stylish accommodations and
gourmet offerings await at the new Cabot
Links (cabotlinks.com).
Right Some Good Festival: See what's in
store for this lively pop-up celebration of
local food held at the end of summer at
www.rightsomegood.ca.
Celtic Colours International Festival:
Now in its 19th year, this Celtic music and
culture fest is always a draw. Held October 9
to 17 at venues across the island.
www.celtic-colours.com
Hiking the Skyline Trail in Cape
Breton Highlands National Park;
(left) the annual Celtic Colours
festival celebrates Cape Breton's
music and culture.
(left)
tourism
nova
scotia,
(above)
parks
canada
