Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
One of Canada's most dramatic parks and its lively surrounds are accessible via the fam-
ous Cabot Trail. The drive is at its best along the northwestern shore of Cape Breton and
then down to Pleasant Bay. Be sure to take advantage of the many stops for scenic views;
otherwise, keep your eyes on this very circuitous road. Of course, it's even better if you
can explore on foot, hiking through a tapestry of terrain to reach vistas looking out over
an endless, icy ocean.
Chéticamp
While Mabou is the center of Celtic music, lively Chéticamp throws in some folky notes
and French phrases to get your feet moving to Acadian tunes. The town owes much of its
cultural preservation to its geographical isolation; the road didn't make it this far until
1949. Today, it's a gateway to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and has some top-
notch museums and live-music opportunities - there's always something going on. The
1893 Church of St Pierre dominates the town with its silver spire and colorful frescoes,
but the rest of this seaside town is modern and drab.
Chéticamp is also known for its crafts, particularly hooked rugs, and as a pioneer of
the cooperative movement. Check out the rug displays at Les Trois Pignons and take no-
tice of all those co-ops around town: the Credit Union, co-op grocery store, and more.
Visitors information and internet access are available at Les Trois Pignons.
Sights & Activities
Les Trois Pignons MUSEUM
( 902-224-2642; www.lestroispignons.com ; 15584 Cabot Trail; admission $5; 9am-5pm) This
excellent museum explains how rug hooking went from being a home-based activity to
an international business. Artifacts, including hooked rugs, illustrate early life and artis-
anship in Chéticamp. Almost everything here - from bottles to rugs - was collected by
one eccentric local resident.
Centre de la Mi-Carême MUSEUM
( 902-224-1016; www.micareme.ca ; 12615 Cabot Trail; admission $5; 9am-5pm) Mi-Carême,
celebrated in the middle of Lent, is Chéticamp's answer to Mardi Gras. Locals wear
masks and disguises and visit houses, trying to get people to guess who they are. This
museum covers the history of the celebration and displays traditional masks.
Whale Cruisers BOAT TOUR
 
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