It’s also the start and end point of the world-famous Cabot Trail, one of the most scenic drives in the world!
Just one hour from the Canso Causeway, Baddeck is the perfect place to stay while exploring Cape Breton Island.
The name “Baddeck” comes from the Mi’kmaq word “Abadeck,” which means “an island nearby.” That nearby island is Kidston Island, a lovely spot you can visit by boat.
In the summer, Baddeck is a yachting paradise, with sailboats on the lake, charming shops, and lots of local attractions. It’s a small town with a big heart—and it’s the ideal home base for your Cape Breton adventure!
Thanks to its central location, Auberge Gisele’s Inn in Baddeck is the perfect place to stay while visiting the top attractions in Cape Breton. Whether you want to explore history, enjoy the outdoors, or just relax by the lake, you’ll find it all close by.
Here are a few great places listed below to visit while in and around the town of Baddeck, Cape Breton.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
So many places to visit and things to do on the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton!
The world-famous Cabot Trail is a 298-kilometer (185-mile) scenic highway loop in Nova Scotia, Canada, that winds around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, offering breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, mountains, and charming fishing villages. Known as one of the world’s most scenic drives, it passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park and features dramatic cliffs, forests, and ocean vistas that change with the seasons.
Baddeck, 10 minute walk from Auberge Gisele’s
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site consists of a 20th-century museum building containing Bell memorabilia, set on a 10 hectare property overlooking Baddeck Bay, part of Bras d’Or Lake, and Beinn Bhreagh, Alexander Graham Bell’s summer home.
St. Ann’s Bay, 20 minutes from Auberge Gisele’s
Colaisde na Gàidhlig is first and foremost an educational non-profit institution, offering year-round programming in the culture, music, language, crafts, customs, and traditions of the immigrants from the Highlands of Scotland. The only institution of its kind in North America, students of all ages and skill levels visit the College every year to study under some of the finest instructors in Nova Scotia Gaelic culture.
Baddeck, world class 18 hole golf – 2 minute drive from Auberge Gisele’s
Cape Breton’s true Championship Golf Course located in Baddeck, the heart of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Designed by the master, Thomas McBroom, the course is as beautiful as it is a pleasure to play.
Ingonish, 70 kilometres from Auberge Gisele’s
At Cape Breton Highlands Links golf course, you have the opportunity to explore a truly unique golf experience. Built during the last years of The Great Depression, as a federal ‘make work’ project, it opened in 1941. But it wasn’t just any golf course. Parks Canada had employed Canada’s greatest Golf Course Architect Stanley Thompson, and given him a canvas like no other.
Forks Baddeck, 30 minutes from Auberge Gisele’s
Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park is a 1.5-hour round trip hike to a spectacular waterfall on Cape Breton Island, 14.5 km (9 mi) north of Baddeck (Highway 105, Exit 9). A 1.5-km (1-mi) trail leads to this spectacular 15-m (50-ft) waterfall in a granite gorge. A 2-km (1.5-mi) trail follows the North Branch River with beautiful hardwood stands along the cliffs.
Baddeck 10 minute walk from Auberge Gisele’s
During the tour, you’ll sail past Chapel Island National Historic Site. Located in the community of Potlotek, Chapel Island has been an important gathering place, a location for government and a site of spiritual significance to the Mi’kmaq for many centuries. It was also the location of one of the first contacts between the native North American people and the Europeans.
Louisbourg, one and a half hour drive from Auberge Gisele’s
During the tour, you’ll sail past Chapel Island National Historic Site. Located in the community of Potlotek, Chapel Island has been an important gathering place, a location for government and a site of spiritual significance to the Mi’kmaq for many centuries. It was also the location of one of the first contacts between the native North American people and the Europeans.
Sydney, 1 hour drive from Auberge Gisele’s
Explore the rich history of Sydney, from Indigenous heritage through to European settlement. Learn more about Sydney’s historic landmarks with tours around The Rocks, Sydney Opera House and Cockatoo Island.
Glace Bay, 1 & 1/2 hour drive from Auberge Gisele’s
Situated on one of the most picturesque coasts of Cape Breton Island, on a 15-acre site filled with wild roses and grasses, the Cape Breton Miners Museum pays tribute to the region’s long and rich history of coal mining. It is home to profound stories of miners and their families, and the resource that helped build a nation.
The Museum is also home to the famous choir of miners – The Men of the Deeps. Plan a visit to the Museum where you can join a retired mine guide for an underground mine tour, browse the modern exhibits and stroll through our historic village.
Outdoor adventures such as: swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and whale watching, are all within a comfortable distance as well!
