Cape Breton Island’s first residents were probably archaic maritime natives, ancestors of the Mi’kmaq, the people who inhabited the island at the time of European arrival. John Cabot reportedly visited the island in 1497. However, historians are unclear as to whether Cabot first visited Newfoundland or Cape Breton Island
Cape Breton Island is on the Atlantic coast of North America. The name most likely corresponds to the name Breton, the Anglicized version of the French historical region, Bretagne.
It is part of the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. The 10,311 km2 (3,981 sq. m) island accounts for 18.7% of the total area of Nova Scotia. Although physically separated from the Nova Scotia peninsula by the Strait of Canso, it is artificially connected to the mainland by the 1,385 m (4,544 ft.) long rock-fill, Canso Causeway. The island is located east-northeast, with its northern and western coasts fronting on the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Its western coast also forming the eastern limits of the Northumberland Strait. The eastern and southern coasts skim the Atlantic Ocean; its eastern coast also forming the western limits of the Cabot Strait. Its landmass slopes upward from south to north, culminating in the highlands of its northern cape. One of the world’s larger salt water lakes, Bras d’Or (“Arm of Gold” in French), dominates the center of the island.
The island is divided into four of Nova Scotia’s eighteen counties: Cape Breton, Inverness, Richmond, and Victoria. Their total population at the 2011 census numbered 135,974 “Cape Bretons”; this is approximately 15% of the provincial population. It has experienced a decline in population of approximately 4.4% since the previous census in 2006. Approximately 75% of the island’s population is located in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) which includes all of Cape Breton County, and is often referred to as Industrial Cape Breton.
The island contains five reserves of the Mi’kmaq Nation, these being: Eskasoni, Membertou, Wagmatcook, Waycobah, and Potlotek/Chapel Island. Eskasoni is the largest in both population and land area.
You can embrace the spirit of the perfect road trip here. A car is optional, because you can also bike, hike, sail or paddle your way to spontaneous discovery. Throw away your map and find as much freedom in the stops along the way.
Located in eastern Canada and almost completely surrounded by ocean, the province of Nova Scotia is a place where you can feel your pace fall in sync with the rhythm of the sea, as the clean salt air breathes life into an afternoon. Immerse yourself in culture that ranges from traditional to avant-garde, from bagpipes to world-class golf.
You won’t have to sleep under the stars in Nova Scotia – unless you want to. With over 1,000 different accommodations, you can put a lot of unique roofs over your head. The area is home to hotels of all shapes and sizes, luxurious resorts and spas, ocean side cottages, charming bed and breakfasts, antique-filled country inns and, of course, campground sites.
