Located on the Cabot Trail, Cheticamp is an Acadian fishing village. Along with its neighbour Saint-Joseph-du-Moine, they make up the largest Francophone enclave on Cape Breton Island. The downtown area overlooks the harbour and has views of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and Cheticamp Island. Petit Etang and Pleasant Bay are just a short drive from Cheticamp for more fun activities.
Here is a list of things to do when are visiting Cheticamp, Cape Breton Island.
How to get to Cheticamp
Cheticamp is approximately 164.4km from Sydney on the NS-105 W and Cabot Trail. From Halifax, it is 397.2km on the NS-104 E.
I. Outdoor Adventures & Activities
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is one of Canada’s most enchanting places because it is where the mountains meet the sea. The Park is open year round, but full visitor services are only available from mid May to mid October.
Details
Le Portage Golf Club
On one side of the course is the Golf of St. Lawrence and the other is the Cheticamp Mountain range and the Cape Breton Highlands. The 18-hole course, designed by Robert and David Moote, was created to be challenging for all levels of players.
Details
May to October
15580 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp
Hiking Trails/Lookout Points
Acadian Trail
Climb 365 metres above the Cheticamp River for a panoramic views of the Acadian coastline, and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The trail is an 8.5km loop, and takes around 3 to 4 hours to hike through the forest.
Details
16 Visitor Centre Road, Cheticamp
Bog Trail
To protect the bog, the boardwalk keeps your feet dry as you walk in the highland plateau bog. The 0.5 km looped trail has signs explaining the life in the bog and the immediate area around the bog.
Details
May to October
20675 Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Salmon Pool Trail
This trail follows along the Cheticamp River with cliffs almost 400 metres high. In the deeper pools, you can spot Atlantic salmon. Mountain bikes are permitted, but there are rough areas. Barn owls can be heard and even seen at dusk.
Details
116648 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp
II. Guide Tours
Captain Zodiac Whale Cruise
Captain Zodiac entertains customers from May until mid-October while looking for Finback Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Pilot Whales and Dolphins. They also offer coastal snorkelling if cruising for whales is not your choice.
Details
June to October
15283 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp
Ph: 1-877-232-2522
Love Boats Seaside Whale & Nature Cruises
Head on board of one of the Love Boats for two hours of sailing along the coastline of Cape Breton Highlands. Along the way, you may be able to spot whales, seals, seabirds, eagles, and other wildlife.
Details
June to October
15273 Cabot Trail Road, Cheticamp.
Ph: 1-877-880-2899
Robert Chiasson – Atlantic Salmon Flyfishing Guide
Go Atlantic Salmon fly fishing with well-known fishing guide, Robert Chiasson, on the Margaree River, Cheticamp River and other Cape Breton rivers along the Cabot Trail. They offer half-day and full-day rates, and all equipment is supplied.
Details
June to October
Ph: 902-224-0499
A Great Day Fishing
Join fly fishing guides Jimmie Pedersen and Jim Logan on the Cheticamp River, Middle River or Margaree River to learn how to fly fish and how to fish for Atlantic Salmon anywhere. They provide rods, reels, flies, and waders if you need them.
Details
299 Bourgeois Road, Petis Etang
Ph: 902-224-5957
III. Museums, Galleries, and Other Indoor Attractions
Centre De La Mi-Careme
Mi-Careme or Mid-Lent is an Acadian celebration involving masks and disguises that is still celebrated today. The Centre offers a unique display of locally crafted masks and explores the history of this tradition. They also offer mask making and rug hooking workshops.
Details
June to October
51 Old Cabot Trail, Grand Etang
Place des arts Père-Anselme-Chiasson- Cheticamp
Enjoy concerts and live theatre by local and touring artists at this 363 seat theater.
Details
15118 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp
Cheticamp Farmers’ Market
Open on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm from late June to October, the Cheticamp Farmers’ Marker delights visitors with a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, rolls and cakes, and local crafts.
Details
June to Late October
15118 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp
Les Trois Pignons: Museum of the Hooked Rug and Home Life
The Museum of the Hooked Rug and Home Life explores what Acadian life was like and the evolution of hooked rugs. The gallery features traditional antiques and contemporary hooked rugs created by local craftspeople as well as masterpieces by world renowned wool artist Elizabeth LeFort.
Details
May to October
15584 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp
Proud To Be Hookers
Proud To Be Hookers is the place to visit if you are looking to take a unique handmade hooked rug home with you. They are happy to demonstrate their rug hooking abilities.
Details
May to October
10 La Prairie Rd, Petit-Etang
Sunset Art Gallery
Acadian artists William Roach is known for his wonderful, whimsical carvings and paintings. The Sunset Art Galley also has works by other Cape Breton artists. Stop by the Frog Pond Cafe for a coffee, espresso or another warm drink. Details
May to October
15856 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp. Ph: (902) 224-1831
IV. Annual Festivals
La Mi-Careme
La mi-Careme Festival is one week that takes place during mid-Lent every year. Disguise yourself or see what others are dressed up as. Traditional Acadian Kitchen Parties will be taking place throughout the festival.
Details
Mid Lent (as early as the 26th of February and as late as April 1st.)
51 Old Cabot Trail
KitchenFest!
An island wide celebration of all things musical, from fiddles and bagpipes to concerts and ceilidhs, Enjoy music, food, stories, and more during this festival held during early summer across Cape breton island. Details
Late June/Early July
Across Cape Breton
Celtic Colours International Festival
Every October, Cape Breton celebrates the living Celtic culture of the area. The nine-day event has grown to become one of Canada’s premiere musical events. Surrounding communities also host events during the Celtic Colours International Festival.
Details
around Thanksgiving in October
Across Cape Breton
V. Culinary Experiences/Restaurants
Frog Pond Cafe
Enjoy a specialty coffee and delicious pastries on the patio of the Frog Pond Cafe. Head inside to try their sour dough breads, Montreal Style bagels and other tasty treats.
Details
15856 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp
Harbour Restaurant & Bar
Right on Cheticamp’s boardwalk is the lovely Harbour Restaurant & Bar. Serving up fresh seafood, pasta, and homemade desserts, it is no wonder they are members of Taste of Nova Scotia and RANS. Enjoy your meal in the restaurant or take in with you.
Details
15299 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp
Mr. Chicken and Ice Cream Bar
If you are looking for good chicken, head to Mr. Chicken. They have their own recipe that you can enjoy at the picnic tables overlooking Cheticamp Harbour. Be sure to have an ice cream for dessert.
Details
15546 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp
Le Gabriel Restaurant
Le Gabriel Restaurant is known for their seafood chowder, as well as their lobster and crab dinners. They are also known for serving traditional Acadian dishes.
Details
15424 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp
The Doryman Pub & Grill
The Doryman Pub & Grill is the entertainment and good food hub of Cheticamp. It is the perfect place to enjoy pub grub and a glass of ale.
Details
15528 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp
Places to Stay
Cheticamp Campground – Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cheticamp Campground is located in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and is a popular location for families. It is around 8km north of Cheticamp. It has 122 sites that visitors can choose from to stay at.
Details
May to October
211 Cheticamp Campground Road, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Corney Brook Campground – Cape Breton Highlands National Park
This small campground is on the oceanfront and features 20 tenting sites with fireplaces. It is a popular spot that works on a first-come, first-served basis.
Details
May to October
Plage St. Pierre Beach and Campground
Stay at one of the 106 overnight sites near the Plage St. Pierre Beach. The campground features fireplaces, a sand beach, volleyball, playground, tennis, and mini-golf.
Details
May to October
635 Cheticamp Island Road, Cheticamp