Fun Things to Do with Kids in Cape Breton Island

Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission

Cape Breton has amazing views, beaches and food. The island is a unique part of Nova Scotia, and has its own rich culture and history. The Cabot Trail may be the most famous part of Cape Breton, but there is so much more to the island for you to explore with the family.
If you are planning a trip to Nova Scotia, you should plan to visit Cape Breton. Even if you have lived in Nova Scotia all your life, you should take a trip to it at least once. Here are some great activities and places to take your family during a visit to Cape Breton.

Lighthouse Ice Cream Parlour – Neil’s Harbor: Take your kids out for an ice cream at the Neil Harbour Lighthouse. It is a renovated lighthouse that overlooks a spectacular view of the ocean and surrounding coastline. After you finish your ice cream, check out the crafts and fudge that are for sale.
Keltic Express Zodiac Adventures – Ingonish: Spend a day with the kids and Keltic Express Zodiac Adventures, so you will have the opportunity to view a variety of animals, including whales, dolphins, and tuna. The tour also offers scenic views of the Ingonish area.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Cabot Trail: From camping to fishing, lobster boiling or hiking, there are so many ways to have tons of fun with the family in the beautiful Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The park was the first National Park in the Atlantic Provinces and covers an area of 950 square kilometres. The park’s forested areas are home to many wildlife including moose, black bears, coyotes, and bald eagles.
Giant MacAskill Museum – Englishtown: Cape Breton was the home of the Angus MacAskill who was named the Tallest and Strongest Man in 1981’s Guinness Book of World Records. He was 7 feet 9 inches tall, so he created and had special items made to match his height. There are interactive displays where the kids can learn about Cape Breton’s tallest man and what life was like in the late 1980’s.
Highland Village – Iona: Immerse your family in Gaelic culture at this Highland Village. Explore the 11-period buildings, a one-room schoolhouse, a general store and a church. There are live animals working in the village that enjoy some petting from time to time.
Rusty Anchor – Pleasant Bay: Located right on the waterfront, the Rusty Anchor is a hidden gem of a family restaurant. The fish is caught daily, the desserts are heavenly and there is so much more for your family to try. So, warm up in the dining room or take in the view on the patio.
Marine Atlantic Ferry – North Sydney: Head out on the ocean with the Marine Atlantic ferry. The ferry travels from North Sydney, NS to Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland and back daily. There is a children’s play area, an Information Centre, and a lounge to enjoy the sights. Remember to pack meals as there are only vending machine services on the ferry.
Main-à-Dieu Fishermen’s Museum – Fleur De Lis: The Main-a-Dieu Fishermen’s Museum is a part of the Cape Breton’s Coastal Discovery Centre and provides a fascinating insight into the challenges and changes faced by the Nova Scotian fishing industry. The museum is close to the Main-a-Dieu Boardwalk, so you can take the kids to explore the beach and have a closer look at the local fishing culture.
Strathspey Performing Arts Centre – Mabou: Experience the rich diversified Cape Breton musical culture with your kids at the Strathspey Performing Arts Centre. Each performance is unique a blend of Celtic, Acadian and First Nations music, dance and folklore.
Wallace MacAskill Museum – St. Peter’s: Visit the home of Wallace MacAskill who was noted marine photographer, which has been restored with turn-of-the-century. There are over 100 MacAskill photographs and a large collection of camera for kids to see and learn about.
Wagmatcook Culture & Heritage Centre – Wagmatcock: Take the kids to explore the history, heritage, and culture of the Mi’kmaw people at the Wagmatcook Culture & Heritage Centre. There are live performances and guided tours available, so you can take a closer look at Mi’kmaw people’s unique culture.
Whale Interpretive Centre – Pleasant Bay: Learn about the beautiful whales and other marine life that calls the ocean around Cape Breton home and why it is important to protect them. There are many interactive media presentations including scale illustrations of 16 whale species.
Two Rivers Wildlife Park – Huntington: This park is 500 acres and is home to lots of Nova Scotian wildlife, including white-tailed deer, cougars, wolves, and black bears. There is a playground, petting zoo, stocked ponds, and wagon or sleigh rides for the family to enjoy. Sydney & Louisburg Railway Museum – Louisbourg
Sydney and Louisburg have a long history of rail transportation. The museum is an 1895 railway station that has been restored. You can also take the kids to explore two passenger cars, a tank car, a caboose and a boxcar.
Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design – Sydney: The Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is a must stop for anyone who is visiting Sydney. There are works available for purchase from over 90 Cape Breton artisans. They also host art exhibitions and craft workshops.
Groovy Goat Farm & Soap Company – Ingonish: The Groovy Goat takes pride in its natural soaps and lotions that they make with fresh goat’s milk from the funky goats. You can explore the farm, and come face to face with the lovely goats.
Nature Lost and Found – East Lake Ainslie: If you are a Whovian or have a growing Whovian in the family, you may want to stop at Nature Lost and Found and take a photo with the onsite TARDIS. There are also nature paintings and fairy crafts for the whole family to enjoy.
Donelda’s Bird Island Puffin Tours – Cape Trail: Gather up the family and head to the nesting ground of Cape Breton’s puffins with Donelda’s Bird Island Puffin Tours are amazing. It is common to have bald eagles come right up to the boat and grey seals are often seen relaxing on the rocks around the island.
Bird Island Boat Tours – Big Bras d’Or: Cape Breton is known for the Puffins that call the island home. These daily tours will take you to see the puffins in their natural home, and you may also spot bald eagles, seals and other sea birds. The windows of the boat are removable, so you can get great photos of the birds.
Capt. Cox’s Whale and Bird Watch – Cabot Trail: Take the family on this 2-hour long tour that explores the Bay St. Lawrence. Depending on the time of year, you could spot seals, humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds, along with waterfalls, sea caves, and shipwrecks.
It’s Now or Never Tuna Charters – Port Hood: It’s Now or Never is great for fisherman and those who wish they were fisherman. Catch some of the largest Bluefin tuna in the world right off of the coast of Cape Breton. You may also spot seals, whales and sea birds while you and the kids are fishing.
Live Life In Tents – Margaree Forks — Live Life in Tents is a unique adventure that is specifically tailored to you and your family. Basically, it’s all about what you want to do. They offer a wide selection of rental gear to pick from, and locations for you and the kids to visit and explore.
Old Miller Trout Farm – Cabot Trail: Trout has played a huge part in Cape Breton’s history. The Old Miller Trout Farm is where you can catch rainbow and speckled trout, and enjoy a fresh trout meal. There is a 2-bedroom guest house if you want to stay and explore the beautiful area with your family.
Pedallers by the Bay – Baddeck: They offer a wide range of bike rentals, so you can explore Baddeck and the surrounding areas. If you would like some guidance, they offer a wide range of cycling tours that connect you with local farms, businesses, and artisans.
Ski Ben Eoin – Ben Eoin: Ski Ben Eoin has 11 runs to pick from. You can bring your own equipment or rent equipment when you get there. Along with skiing and snowboarding, there are snowshoe trails for your family to explore.
Snorkel with Whales – Cheticamp: Take the kids to Snorkel with Whales, but remember that you do not approach the whales, the whales come to you. This is a special experience because whales are very social animals and are interested in humans. This is the only place where you can get close to a whale in the wild.
Sydney Mines Heritage Museum & Cape Breton Fossil Centre – Sydney Mines: This museum explores the 200- year history of Sydney Mines and the history of coal mining and steel making in the area. The museum is housed in a 1905 train station. The Cape Breton Fossil Centre is home to the largest Carboniferous Plan Fossil display in Canada and North America. There are over 800 fossils on displays, and tours to learn more about fossils and coal mining.
Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery – Margaree Centre: This is a hidden gem of a café and bakery. There is always something in the oven, so the smell of freshly made bread and treats is always in the air. It’s a great place to grab a coffee or hot chocolate and a snack before hitting the Cabot Trail with the family.
The Dancing Moose Café – Cabot Trail: The Dancing Moose Café offers tasty drinks and treats, along with a unique collection of moose souvenirs and books that kids love. They offer breakfast and lunch, and freshly made baked goods year round.
High Wheeler Café – Baddeck: This is the place to go with the kids if you are looking for a cool drink, hefty sandwiches, and sweet treats. There are many tasty, freshly made gluten-free breads and products made with spelt flour, and they also make vegetarian meals.
Charlene’s Bayside Café – Whycocomagh: Featured on ‘You Gotta Eat Here’s season one, Charlene’s Bayside Café is a tiny diner that is known for its 7 fish seafood chowder. There is something for everyone to enjoy at Charlene’s Bayside Café, even the kids.
Frog Pond Café – Cheticamp: Bring the kids in to try a delectable section of homemade cookies, baklava, and other tasty treats. Right outside is the sheltered patio near the frog pond, where you can sit and relax while watching and listening to the frogs and birds.
Ski Cape Smokey – Ingonish Harbor: If your family loves to ski, take them to Ski Cape Smokey for a day trip. It is a cozy ski resort with two ski lifts and a 305 metres descent. There are 16 trails to try out that are great for the whole family.
Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail – Louisbourg: The Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail runs along the harbour across from the Fortress of Louisbourg and has amazing views. The trail is a 2-kilometre loop with interpretive panels explaining the local history and the important plants and animals that live in the area.
Cape Breton Farmers’ Market – Sydney River: The Cape Breton Farmers’ Market is the largest market of its kind in Cape Breton. It is a family friendly, year-round market that is open every Saturday. This market has approximately 50 vendors that you can purchase gifts and other items from, which include farmers, bakers, jewelers, crafters, and many more.
Cape Breton Miners Museum – Glace Bay: Take the whole family on an underground tour of an actual coal mine, so they can experience the life of a coal miner. You can also stop in and visit The Miners’ Village that has a company store, a home from the period 1850–1900, and have a delicious family meal at the Miners’ Village Restaurant.
Celtic Music Interpretive Centre – Judique: The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre’s goal is to preserve, promote, and share Cape Breton’s music and its culture. There are live music, piano and fiddle workshops and an interactive exhibit room. Enjoy lunch and live music with the family at the Ceilidh Pub.
Napoli Pizzeria – Sydney: Enjoy a delicious, piping hot pizza with the kids at this renowned family-owned pizzeria that opened in 1962. If you aren’t in the mood for Pizza, they also have other menu items such as burgers, subs, sandwiches and home-made pasta dishes for you to enjoy.
Oshan Whale Watch – Bay St. Lawrence: Take the kids whale watching with Captain Fraser and family in Bay St. Lawrence along Nova Scotia’s most northern coastline at the Top of Cape Breton Island, located just off the Cabot Trail. In Bay St. Lawrence you will be in the migratory home to large baleen whales such as fin, minke, and humpback whales. These whales share the coastline with other dolphins and toothed whales including pilot whales and Atlantic white-sided dolphins, along with seabirds such as bald eagles, guillemots, and cormorants.
Fortress of Louisbourg – Louisbourg: The Fortress of Louisbourg is North America’s largest historical reconstruction and is the ‘must see’ place to visit during any family trip to Cape Breton. There are so many great activities for kids to do and experience, which include dressing in period clothes from the 1700s, learning how a musket worked and quill writing. The kids will also enjoy filling out their Xplorer booklets, which gives them things to look for onsite. If your family gets hungry, be sure to stop by one of the three restaurants for an authentic 18th Century meal.
Alexander Graham Bell Museum – Baddeck: This museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Cape Breton because it is one of Nova Scotia’s finest national historic sites that commemorates the life and work of the man who created the telephone, as well as many other inventions. The museum houses interactive displays, films, artifacts, models and a beautiful historic photo collection. There is also a children’s area and picnic facilities overlooking the Bras d’Or Lakes for the whole family to enjoy.
Dalem Lake Provincial Park – Boularderie: Enjoy a family picnic at the Dalem Lake Provincial Park that is located in both of the communities of Dalem Lake and New Dominion. This park has a nice sandy beach and a freshwater lake where the kids can swim. If you don’t like to swim, then you can hike the 2.2km trail around the lake. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>
Cedar House Bakery and Restaurant – Boularderie: The Cider House is located in Boularderie right after the Seal Island Bridge. This is a wonderful family-style, home-cooked meal restaurant that serves an all-day breakfast and a chocolate cake with boiled icing that is absolutely delicious. The meals are affordable, tasty and they have kid-friendly options available.
The Open Hearth Park – Sydney: This park is built on the site of the former Sydney tar ponds, and is an incredible facility! It really is located in the centre of an industrial park and has walking paths, a bike park, a dog park, a multi-use sports field with synthetic turf, an outdoor concert venue, a commons area, and an incredible playground and splash pad.
Two Rivers Wildlife Park – Huntington: The Two Rivers Wildlife Park is a 500-acre community-run park with over forty species of wildlife, along with many wooded trails and picnic areas. There is also a playground, a petting zoo, a U-Fish, wagon rides, paddle boat rentals for the kids to enjoy. There is also a seasonal canteen service onsite if you need to buy meals while you are there.
Big Fiddle Market – Sydney: Spend the day with the family at the Big Fiddle Market and you will discover unique hand-crafted creations of Cape Breton’s talented artisans and crafters. You can chat with the creators of the unique wood carvings, stone carvings, stained glass, photography, paintings, jewellery, knitting, crocheting, sewing, music, fabric art, books, and other one-of-a-kind craft creations.
The Savoy Theatre – Glace Bay: The Savoy Theatre is currently enjoying its 85th year of theatre and arts in Cape Breton. This gorgeously restored ’20’s playhouse presents at least a hundred performances a year, including children’s theatre, concerts, dance, and supports local artists as well as spotlighting unknown actors and plays that are gems.
Ingonish Beach – Ingonish: This beach is sandy, so it is the perfect place to take the kids to build a sand castle. The water is warm and the waves tend to be high at times, so don’t swim out too far because there is a riptide. It is a short walk from the beach to the nearby freshwater lake. It takes about 5 minutes to go between the two spots. There is also a canteen on site where you can buy snacks and drinks when the kids get hungry.
Fort Petrie Military Museum – New Victoria: Take the kids to see the Fort Petrie Military Museum. It is a World War II fortification that has been declared a municipal heritage property. The museum includes a two-storey underground bunker with machine shops and ammunition storage room. The Battery Observation Post has amazing views of the Sydney Harbour and the Cape Breton Highlands.
Mountain Pine Adventures – Dingwall: Get a bird’s eye view of Cape Breton by going zip lining with Mountain Pine Adventures. You can zip around the forest and see breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains on the two 500ft cables. Mountain Pine Adventure also hosts gourmet adventure tours if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground.