Baddeck is the gateway to the world-famous Cabot Trail and the heart of Cape Breton Island. This charming village stretches along the shores of Bras d'Or Lake—a vast inland sea designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—where sailboats glide past forested hills and eagles soar overhead. The downtown blooms with colour from spring through autumn, earning Baddeck the prestigious Five Blooms award in 2008, the highest honour in Canada's Communities in Bloom program.

Alexander Graham Bell fell in love with this landscape in 1885, declaring it reminded him of his native Scotland. He built his estate, Beinn Bhreagh (Gaelic for "beautiful mountain"), on the headland across the harbour, where he conducted groundbreaking experiments in flight, marine engineering, and communication until his death in 1922. Today, the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site showcases his remarkable legacy through interactive exhibits and artifacts.

From the Government Wharf, visitors can catch boat tours of the Bras d'Or, kayak the sheltered waters, or simply watch the harbour come alive with fishing boats and pleasure craft. With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm Maritime hospitality, Baddeck offers an unforgettable Cape Breton experience.

The Highland Village Museum is an outdoor living history museum that tells the story of Gaelic settlement in Nova Scotia. It is located on a stunning 43-acre property overlooking the majestic Bras d’Or Lakes in Iona, Nova Scotia, the heart of central Cape Breton. 11 historic buildings are staffed by costumed animators who are passionate about sharing the Gaelic culture of our ancestors. The museum also hosts special events and programs throughout the year. The Highland Village is open daily from June 1 - October 18.