The Island of Cape Breton is part of the province of Nova Scotia located on the East Coast of Canada. Cape Breton is East-Northeast of the mainland with its northern and western coasts fronting on the Gulf of St. Lawrence; its western coast forming the Eastern limits of the Northumberland Strait. The eastern and southern coasts front the Atlantic Ocean, its western coast forming the eastern limits of the Cabot Strait. One of the world’s largest salt water lakes, the Bras d’Or Lakes is located in the center of the Island.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is the Island’s most heavily populated with 102,250 residents. CBRM is made up of Cape Breton County, the City of Sydney & Towns of Glace Bay, Sydney Mines, New Waterford, North Sydney, Dominion and Louisbourg. The primary cultural groups in Cape Breton are Scottish, Irish, English, Acadian and Mi’kmaq.

Sydney is the commercial center of Cape Breton. It is the main port, with various facilities in its large sheltered, natural harbour. The Marine Atlantic port at North Sydney is the terminal for large ferries traveling between Cape Breton and Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Cape Breton economy was driven by coal and steel. With the decline of both industries in the last 25 years, the Cape Breton infrastructure has shifted from Manufacturing to Tourism, Technology, Off-Shore Petroleum & Renewable Energy.

In January 2010, as part of a proposed initiative to further develop Sydney Harbour into a deep container Port, The Sydney Marine Group announced the formation of an alliance with the Ports of Philadelphia & Delaware to strengthen its potential for International Trade. As a deep container port,

Sydney Harbour would be capable of accommodating giant Post-Panamax vessels of a type & size unable to enter existing continental ports with the exception of Norfolk, Virginia. As an International gateway, it is expected that the port of Sydney will experience exponential growth in container traffic and significant growth opportunities in international air passenger, cargo traffic handling & the cruise ship industry. Expansion of the existing rail and road system would also be expected in addition to local spin-offs in construction and in the service industries.

Cape Breton Island is well known for its unique culture. Traditional fiddle music is strongly identified with the island and is well preserved in the Cape Breton Scottish & Acadian cultures. Cultural Celebrations, like the Celtic Colors International Festival, showcase artistic talent from the Atlantic region, other parts of Canada and Europe. This annual autumn celebration was established in 1997 and has received world acclaim.

Cape Breton performers who have received international recognition include Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, The Rankin Family, Rita MacNeil, The Barra MacNeils, Bruce Gouthro, Gordie Sampson to mention a few.

In addition to its culture & spectacular beauty, Cape Breton is known for its world class golf, salmon fishing, sailing, skiing & scenic hiking trails. Conde Nast Travel Guide rated Cape Breton Island as one of the best Island destinations in the world. Forbes Magazine…One of the top 15 Places in Canada to see before you die.

Whether you are here for a visit, or plan to stay long term, Cape Breton & its
people will leave an indelible impression on your heart.
You will return. Time and time again.