Cape Breton Island 
Credit: Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Famous for being the summer home of Sir Alexander Graham Bell, Baddeck is located on the start and end of the Cabot Trail loop, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
While the Baddeck is home to just over 700 people, it doesn’t feel small in any way. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy whether you are staying in the area, or getting ready to travel around the Cabot Trail.
Here is a list of what to expect and what to do, if you are visiting Baddeck.
How to get to Baddeck:
Getting to Baddeck is fairly easy since it is located just off of the TransCanada Highway 105 in Cape Breton. It is 87 km or just over 1 hour away from the Canso Causeway. Baddeck is approximately 350km from Halifax via Trans-Canada Hwy/NS-104 E.
I. Outdoor Adventures
Baddeck is located on the shore of St. Patrick’s Channel, an inlet of Bras d’Or Lake ( an inland sea), thus providing one opportunities for cruises and exploring the Lake on the various water crafts.
Uisge Ban Falls Provincial Park
Just a short drive from Baddeck is the Uisge Ban (ish-ka-ban) Falls Provincial Park. The park is known for its scenic 1.5km round trip hike that takes you by a 15m waterfall in a granite gorge.
May to October
715 North Branch Road, Forks Baddeck
Kidston Island
The name Baddeck originated from abadak (place near an island), as Mi’kmaq called the village so, referring to Kidston Island. Kidston Island is home to the Kidston Island Lighthouse. During the summer, the Lions Club operates a ferry to the island and provides lifeguard services for the beach. Take a short hike to the tip of Kidston Island to view the lighthouse and the sights of the bay Alexander Graham Bell’s National Historic Site and Washabuck Peninsula.
Details
Baddeck Forks Golf Club
Just a short 10-minute drive from Baddeck is the Baddeck Forks 9-hole Golf Course. Challenge your golfing skills on the fantastic greens overlooking the Baddeck River.
Details
12 Baddeck Forks Extension, Fork Baddeck
Bell Bay Golf Club
The spectacular Bell Bay Golf Course, often called Cape Breton’s true championship golf course, was designed by Thomas McBroom and is challenging but fun for all skill levels. The 18 hole course overlooks the Bras d’Or Lakes.
Details
761 Highway 205, Baddeck
Jet Ski Baddeck
Explore the Bras d’Or Lake on a jet ski. Just bring your sense of adventure because the staff from Jet Ski Baddeck will provide everything you need to enjoy a day on the water.
Details
July to August
558 Chebucto Street, Baddeck
$60 – $95
Hikes
Uisge Ban Falls Hike
Just a short drive from Baddeck is the Uisge Ban Falls Provincial Park. The park is known for its scenic 1.5km round trip hike that takes you by a 15m waterfall in a granite gorge.
Details
715 North Branch Road, Forks Baddeck
North River Falls
This challenging rewards hikers with a breathtaking views of the largest waterfall in the Maritimes. North River Falls are 32 meters tall. The forest is home to a large number of Canadian Tiger Swallowtail butterfly’s in June to mid-July.
Bald Mountain
You may have never held of Bald Mountain, but its visible from St. Anne’s look off on top of Kelly’s Mountain. It is not an officially marked trail, but the trail is a must for any serious hiker.
Details
New Glen
II. Guided Tours
Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Amoeba Sailing Tours
Spend an afternoon sailing on the Bras d’Or Lake aboard schooner Amoeba.
Details
June to October
Baddeck
$15 – $30
Bannockburn Tours
Discover the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton with Bannockburn Tours. The tours with have your toes tapping to great music. The Cabot Trail tour is a full day trip being 6 to 8 hours long.
Details
May to October
Baddeck
Cabot Discovery Tours
Details
454 Chebucto Road, Baddeck
From $125
Cape Breton Lobster Adventure Tours
Go fishing while taking pictures of the wonderful views of Cape Breton. Captain Brain Plant leads the tours and has over 20 years of experience. Relax of the Bras d’Or Lakes, or feed the eagles along the way.
Details
July to September
Baddeck
$35 to $45
III. Museums, Galleries and Other Indoor Attractions
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Alexander Graham Bell is known for many for his achievements including inventing the telephone, producing the world’s fastest boat, and designing giant kites. This National Historic Site homes original artifacts, films and photographs of his work. There are hands-on activities and programs to keep you busy.
If you are interested in the life of Alexander Graham Bell, take a behind-the-scenes, White Glove Tour – you get to scrutinize a selection of Bell artifacts.
Details
May 17 to October 30, 2019 9am to 5pm
559 Chebucto Street
$6.55 to $7.80
Baddeck Farmers’ Market
At the Baddeck Farmers’ Market, you can find some of the best Cape Breton and Nova Scotia sourced products. Local farmers, bakers, crafters, and artisans come together on Wednesdays. Stop in, eat a great lunch and enjoy live local music.
Details
June to September on Wednesdays from 11am to 2pm
26 Campbell Street, Victoria Highland Civic Centre, Baddeck
Theatre Baddeck
Since 2015, Theatre Baddeck has delighted visitors with high-quality theatrical productions. The theatre hosts multiple shows each season to keep you laughing and crying, and many times laughing so hard that you start crying.
Details
24 Queen Street, Baddeck
Depends on Show
IV. Annual Festivals & Events
Cabot Trail Relay Race
The Cabot Trail Relay Race starts and ends in Baddeck. The race is 24 hours long and is made up of 17 stages. Relay teams will run the whole Cabot Trail while stopping at many of the small communities along the trail.
Details
May
Baddeck
Celtic Colours International Festival
Every October, Baddeck celebrates the living Celtic culture on Cape Breton. The nine-day event has grown to become of Canada’s premiere musical events. Surrounding communities also host events during the Celtic Colours International Festival.
Details
In October – around Thanksgiving Weekend
Baddeck
V. Culinary Experiences
Bell Buoy Restaurant & Supper House
Enjoy fresh seafood that came directly from the ice-cold waters around Cape Breton. If seafood is not your favorite, they also serve hand-cut steaks, pasta, and local wines. The restaurant overlooks the stunningly beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes.
Details
536 Chebucto Street, Baddeck
Lakeside Restaurant At Inverary Resort
From the spectacular views of the Bras d’Or Lakes to delicious Nova Scotia seafood, local beer and wine, the gorgeous Lakeside Restaurant is like no other. Stay at the Inverary Resort to enjoy breakfast or just come for dinner.
Details
368 Shore Road, Baddeck
McCurdy’s Dining Room at Silver Dart Lodge
Head to the McCurdy’s Dining Room to enjoy great food and one of the best views in Cape Breton. The menu features local and fresh ingredients from the surrounding land and sea.
Details
257 Shore Road, Baddeck
Baddeck Lobster Suppers
Baddeck Lobster Suppers is a family-run restaurant that has an all-you-can-eat chowder, mussels, and dessert along with the main dish of lobster, salmon, strip-loin, and snow crab. At this wonderful restaurant, they also offer their dishes a la carte if you are not feeling overly hungry and do not want to have the all-you-can-eat special.
Details
17 Ross St, Baddeck
The Bite House
The Bite House menu is ever-changing because they focus on using seasonal, organic, locally sourced ingredients. The food is served in small portions throughout a 9-course set menu. Each course is incredibly creative and beautifully presented.
Details
1471 Westside Baddeck Road, Forks Baddeck
VI. Places to Stay
Ceilidh Country Lodge
Ceilidh Country Lodge is just a short walk from downtown Baddeck. From any of the rooms, there are great views of the Bras d’Or Lakes or you can enjoy the view from the many lawn chairs outside. The Lodge houses the Inverary Spa and the Lakeside Restaurant.
Details
May to October
357 Shore Road, Baddeck
Silver Dart Lodge
The Silver Dart Lodge overlooks the Bras d’Or Lakes. Pick from accommodations in MacNeil House, the hilltop chalets, and hotel rooms in West, East, and Main lodges. Guest amenities include a Taste of Nova Scotia approved licensed air-conditioned dining room, exercise room, heated outdoor pool and gift shop.
Details
May to October
257 Shore Road, Baddeck
Telegraph House
The Telegraph House was built in 1861 and once contained the office of the Trans-Oceanic Cable Company. Today, the Victorian house is complete with modern motel units and cabins.
Details
479 Chebucto Street, Baddeck