We've become interested in the possibility of attending the Cape Breton Celtic Colors music festival. We won’t be going this year due to prior plans. But I’m interested in getting the situation scoped out early and since this year’s festival is nearly upon us, I thought that many folks might have the details on top of their heads right now. What should we be aware of? The first thing that hit me when I looked at the website was that the music venues are spread out all over the island with advertised driving times between venues running upwards of an hour or more which might complicate matters. Any insights on the best location for lodging? Simply someplace central, e.g. near the airport? A place near the venue(s) we are most interested in? Just stay at a favorite B&B with stunning views or killer breakfasts and don't worry about the driving? Some other strategy? Are there any other logistical recommendations or considerations for attending beyond lodging and getting around to music venues? Any must-do local Cape Breton sites or restaurants? Thanks much.
Posted by
Ottawa
238 posts
Well born and raised on Cape Breton Island, I am sad to say I have never attended the Celtic Colours as they hadn't started while I lived there or in Nova Scotia.
That said you will have a wonderful time among the most charming and hospitable people in the world. For our part we would opt to stay in the Village of Baddeck, as it is most central to the Island. I wouldn't stay near the airport because except for events in the Sydney area your driving times would be longer.
There is a lot of accommodation in Baddeck. We have visited there the last 3 years but have stayed with friends. Trip Advisor will give you a list of restaurants. In the Baddeck Area we have enjoyed the Herring Choker, Yellow Cello, The Dancing Goat and Charlene's Bayside restaurant. Try the lobster sandwiches at the Herring Choker and at Charlene's you have to try the Fish Chowder, made with 7 different types of fish.
You will spend a lot of time on the roads but they are generally fine mostly two lanes. Cape Breton has some of the best scenery in Canada so no matter the hours driving you will enjoy the scenery. One thing to be aware of there can be periods of fog that makes for reduced visibility. Compounding that Cape Breton has a large moose population in the more remote areas, so one has to be constantly aware of moose and deer crossing the road. You will come out on the wrong end of an encounter with a moose.
I understand the tickets and venues sell out quickly so I wouldn't wait too long to decide on the concerts and events that interest you most and book right away.
Car rentals are available at the Halifax and Sydney airports. Our preference would be to fly to Halifax and pick up a rental. Connections to Sydney are not the most convenient and you will likely have to change planes in Halifax anyway.
The scenery and people of Cape Breton are the biggest draw especially the Cabot Trail. Other site are the reconstructed French Fortress of Louisbourg, the Miner's Museum in Glace Bay, the Acadian town of Cheticamp on the Cabot Trail.
Hope you do decide to go and have a wonderful time. "Cead Mile Failte"
Steve