Nova Scotia’s treasured island
Executive summary by darmansjah
During the 18th and 19th centuries, fishermen and settlers from France
and Scotland
came to Cape
Breton Island, drawn by its rich fisheries, ample timber, and the chance of
a better life. Originally settled by the ancient ancestors of the Micmac
people, this island off Nova Scotia now lures visitors with its abundant
wildlife, natural beauty, and assembly of French, Micmac, and Celtic cultures.
One-fifth of Cape Breton is preserved as a national park, laced by 25 hiking
paths and looped by the Cabot Trail, a 186-mile driving route frequently ranked
among the world’s most spectacular. “I have seen the Canadian and American
Rockies, the Andes, the Alps, and the Highlands of Scotland,” said inventor
Alexander Graham Bell, who spent 37 summers here. “But for simple beauty, Cape
Breton outrivals them all.”
The mingling of cultures means you can seek a clan tartan at the craft shop
at Gaelic College/Colaisde Na Gàidhlig in St. Anns, then explore the
French-founded Fortress of Louisbourg on the east coast. In 1745 this garrison
withstood a 48-day siege by New Englanders, backed by British naval support,
before surrendering. In 2013, the reconstructed fortification celebrates the
300th anniversary of the founding of the French colony of Île Royale
(present-day Cape Breton). —John Rosenthal
Travel Tips
When to Go: May-October; Celtic Colours annual
international music and cultural festival, early October
Where to Stay: Family-owned Highland Heights Inn
combines homey rooms and home-cooked meals (try the traditional Nova Scotia
fish cakes) with breathtaking views of the Bras d’Or Lakes. Spend a day
immersed in Gaelic culture next door at the 40-acre Highland
Village living history museum.
How to Get Around: Drive the Cabot Trail loop
counterclockwise beginning in Baddeck.
Where to Eat or Drink: Rusty Anchor Restaurant in Pleasant
Bay serves up fresh seafood chowder, fish and chips, and some of the Cabot
Trail’s best lobster rolls (pure lump meat and a bit of butter). Watch the ocean,
and maybe even a whale, from the outdoor patio. Open May-October.
What to Read Before You Go:
Fall On Your Knees, by Ann-Marie MacDonald. This
multigenerational tale set on early 20th-century Cape Breton was the Canadian
playwright's debut novel, earning her the 1997 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for
Best First Book.
Fun Fact: Most of Nova Scotia’s endangered Canada lynx live
in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The mostly nocturnal cat is built for
stealth. Its fur ear tufts act as hearing aids and its large, furry feet
function as snowshoes.
Helpful Links: The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia Tourism, Cape
Breton Highlands National Park
No comments:
Post a Comment