Yes, more golden treasures of touring in Nova Scotia. We refer to the “The Ceilidh Trail“ (ceilidh is pronounced kay-lee and is a Gaelic word meaning party or gathering)
We begin by taking Nova Scotia Route 19 from Port Hastings to Dunvegan, and then Route 219 to Margaree Harbour. This roadway clings to a rugged shoreline (Saint George’s Bay of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence which is Canada’s in-land sea) along the thickly-wooded, mountainous and rough terrain of central Cape Breton Island (Creignish, Big Ridge Mountains and Mabou Highlands). The scenery here is spectacular year round, so one can visit during any season and be refreshed by the serenity, landscape and beauty that abounds in this unique area of Scottish Cape Breton.
You might venture along Colindale Road and follow the very scenic coastline from Port Hood to Mabou and marvel at the rolling countryside and stunning seascapes found around every turn in the road.
Port Hood, the second largest community on the Ceilidh Trail, is known as the ‘step-dancing capital of Cape Breton’ as well as it’s close proximity to the near-by ‘warm water’ sandy beaches. It also marks the start of the Mabou Highlands which rise to approximately 1000 feet above sea level. These highlands are somewhat reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, which attracted many early Scottish settlers to this region in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.
At the south end of the village of Mabou you will find Strathspey Place which is a beautiful, state-of-the-art Cape Breton Island theatre where concerts are held year-round. North of the theatre and a right turn off Route 19 will lead you to the small but charming Mother of Sorrows Pioneer Shrine and Gift Shop.
On entering Mabou, you’ll notice the graceful spire of St. Mary’s Church. Just across the bridge, you’ll find the Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society Museum, An Drochaid (The Bridge) which houses local genealogical and historic records as well as serving as a forum for local musicians, storytellers and poets.
Just north of Mabou is the Town of Glenville where you’ll find a true gem of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, namely, the Glen Breton Distillery, renowned for it’s Rare Canadian Single Malt Whisky which is the only single malt whisky produced in Canada. It is produced using the traditional copper pot stills method and only three ingredients: barley, yeast and water. It cannot be called ‘Scotch’ unless it is produced in Scotland, hence the name, Canadian Single Malt Whisky. Glen Breton offers a guided tour of their operation, a fine restaurant, walking trails and even provides over-night accommodations.
Inverness is the largest community on the Ceilidh Trail. This community offers harness racing, several hiking trails, and an extensive boardwalk alongside one of the most popular, sandy beaches on The Ceilidh Trail. Built in 1901, the CN Railway Station is now the home of the Inverness Miner’s Museum which highlights the region’s rich coal-mining history and culture. The works of local artists and artisans are displayed at the museum as well as at the art gallery in the Inverness County Centre for the Arts.
To get to the Town of Dunvegan along one of Cape Breton’s most magnificently scenic stretches of coastline, turn left at Broad Cove and follow a narrow, gravel road that clings to the edge of bluffs high above the sea (approximately nine kilometres / 5.5 miles).
Held the last Sunday in July, the open-air Broad Cove Concert is one of Cape Breton’s most popular Scottish music festivals.
Once at Dunvegan, continue along Route 219. This country road follows the beautiful Cape Breton coastline through St. Rose and Chimney Corner, joining the Cabot Trail at Margaree Harbour. Watch for a road on the left leading to The Whale Cove Cemetery where the coastal bluffs offersuperb views of the dramatic rise of the Cape Breton Highlands, Margaree Island (a Canadian bird sanctuary) and Margaree’s three, warm water, sandy beaches.
Entering Margaree Harbour, the Ceilidh Trail crests presenting a panoramic view of this picturesque fishing community with its lighthouses, colourful homes, beaches and sparkling anchorages. Just beyond the village is the junction of the Ceilidh and Cabot Trails.
From Shag Harbour to Cape North, the “Hidden Treasures of Nova Scotia” await your arrival. Let us help with your trip of discovery!

