Unique Off-site Venues

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site of Canada

Parks Canada’s Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site commemorates the genius and compassion of renowned inventor Alexander Graham Bell. Exhibits show how he and his associates achieved Canada’s first powered flight with their airplane Silver Dart, produced the world’s fastest boat, advanced recording technology, designed giant kites and, of course, invented the telephone. Original artefacts, films, and family photographs highlight his scientific and humanitarian work. Delegates can also enjoy hands-on activities and a variety of programs. Situated on 10 hectares of land with a superb view of the Bras d’Or Lake in Baddeck on Cape Breton Island, the Site overlooks Bell’s summer home, Beinn Bhreagh, still privately owned by his descendants.

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada

On Cape Breton’s rocky shoreline east of Sydney, Nova Scotia, the Fortress of Louisbourg brings you back into one of North America’s busiest 18th-century seaports. Founded by the French in 1713, this one-quarter reconstruction of the original French town and fortifications is the largest – and best – of its kind in North America, offering a wealth of experiences for delegates to enjoy. Watch French colonial soldiers fire muskets and cannons, smell fresh bread as it comes from the brick oven or try their own hand at upper-class dancing and pastimes like quill writing or lace-making. Or take a stroll of the scenic hiking trails near the site and admire the exterior architecture of the fortress’ reconstructed buildings. Everything has been faithfully recreated in exact detail.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

One of Canada’s most enchanting places, where the mountains meet the sea.
As you hug the world-famous Cabot Trail coastline you’ll wind through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where lush, forested river canyons carve into the ancient plateau, edged by rust-coloured cliffs.
Keep your eyes open for moose and bald eagles. You might even catch a minke or pilot whale breaking waves in the Atlantic, or Gulf of St. Lawrence. And you’re never far from a steaming plate of local lobster fresh from the ocean around you. Boasts 26 hiking trails, 6 campgrounds, beaches, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is a must see during your visit to our Island in the Sydney Waterfront District. The stunning Gallery Shop contains the work of over 80 Cape Breton artisans. Hundreds of unique and one-of- a-kind items are on display. The Centre also hosts exhibitions and a variety of craft workshops- A unique off-site venue and compliment to your conference.

Celtic Music Interpretive Centre

The Celtic Music Centre is a one-of-a- kind facility and one-stop shop for all things Celtic. Immerse yourself in the Celtic way of life with a unique and in-depth look into the traditional music and culture of Cape Breton Island. Offering ceilidhs (pronounced kay-lees) 7 days a week with authentic live Celtic music, the Centre features a lively restaurant & bar, gift shop, and interactive exhibit room. Celtic culture demonstrations, musical walking tours, step dance and Gaelic lessons are also available.

Cape Breton Miner’s Musuem

Home to profound stories of miners and their families, and the resource that helped build a nation, the Cape Breton Miners Museum brings you deep into the lives of coal miners and a working life underground. Join a retired miner for the mine tour of an actual coal mine, browse modern exhibits, or enjoy a delicious home cooked meal at the Miners Village Restaurant. The Museum is also home to the famous choir of miners – The Men of the Deeps.

Colaisde na Gaidhlig / The Gaelic College

Experience Gaelic culture with concerts, ceilidhs (pronounced kay-lees), classes, and more! A visit to the Great Hall of the Clans gives you an inside look at the traditions of those who settled in this area. Learn about the art of kilt-making, try your hand at milling, and watch
our resident weaver at the loom; all during daily cultural demonstrations. Lunchtime ceilidhs will get your toes tapping while you enjoy a hearty meal. Weekly ceilidhs feature some of the area’s top musicians, singers, and dancers.

Glenora Distillery

WE’RE GLENORA DISTILLERS NORTH AMERICA’S FIRST SINGLE-MALT WHISKY DISTILLERY
Our story starts in the early 1800’s, when Scottish immigrants flocked to Cape Breton Island. Its beauty resembled the Highlands and Islands of Scotland so much, that they decided to settle there and make it their permanent home. Many traditions and secrets travelled across the sea
with those pioneers. One of those secrets was the making of a spirited whisky. If you are looking for a unique experience for your corporate group, come visit us and learn about the Glenora process, while experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells, of the distillery. We can cater to the specific needs of your corporate group from educational tours, to unique meeting rooms, accommodations and dining. Learn a few secrets and share a dram with us!

Highland Arts Theatre

Highland Arts Theatre, or “The HAT” as it’s affectionately called, is Downtown Sydney’s premiere performance venue for theatre, music, dance and the performing arts. Formerly the home of St. Andrew’s Church, the venue re-opened in 2014 as a newly renovated, state of the art performance space. In just a few short years, the HAT has become a consistently reliable professional theatrical presence in Downtown Sydney, producing quality productions with a special emphasis on Cape Breton songs and stories.

Highland Village Museum

This is North America’s only living history museum for Gaelic language and culture. A breathtaking 43-acre site features one of the most unbelievable views of the Barramens Strait, eleven historic buildings, including three frame houses (c1830-1900), a store, a carding mill, a church and a forge.

Take part in a traditional céilidh, hear Gaelic singing, learn to speak Gaelic phrases, and become captivated by the spirit of the pioneering Scottish Gaels. Gaze in wonder as costumed animators demonstrate traditional skills such as weaving, quilting and rug
hooking. Explore the beautiful rural setting that features a Hebridean style blackhouse, a 19th-century wooden church, period farmhouses, and rare farm animals such as Soay sheep and Highland cattle.

Louisbourg Playhouse

Find yourself surrendering to the enchanting sounds of a Cape Breton fiddler in a setting sointimate you’ll feel like it’s only you and the musician in the room. Get ready for an entertaining evening at this renowned 17th-century- style theatre-in- the-round, where multi-talented performers will leave you in no doubt as to why Cape Breton is famous for its music. Every evening at 8pm, the Playhouse stage comes to life. From raucous, toe-tapping Scottish jigs and reels to mellow and haunting Celtic ballads, you’ll feel the magic of a culture that goes back centuries.

Membertou Heritage Park

Immerse yourself in an ancient Mi’kmaq culture at the Membertou Heritage Park. Touch, feel, and learn while experiencing fi rst-hand the rich culture that is Membertou. Through interactive exhibits,learn the stories that celebrate Membertou and its people, or have a guided tour by one of our Heritage Interpreters. Through cultural workshops and presentations, you will spend time with community members who offer hands-on demonstrations and instructions about Mi’kmaq songs, dance, games, oral traditions and legends.

Savoy Theatre

The Savoy Theatre is a Victorian-Style theatre with a capacity of 761 including the balcony. The Savoy’s foyer also hosts events (dinner theatres, weddings, reunions) for up to 100 people. The Savoy Theatre was first established in 1927 as a performance venue. Live performance of every kind played at the Savoy well into the 1950’s. In the mid-50’s, Famous Players Theatre took over the Savoy and operated it as a movie house. In the seventies, the Town of Glace Bay refurbished the theatre and in May of 1976, the Savoy Theatre reopened its doors as “Cape Breton’s Entertainment Show Place.”

Sydney Mines Heritage Museum and Fossil Centre

Sydney Mines Heritage Museum & Fossil Centre focuses on the history and heritage of the town of Sydney Mines. Visit our restored train station (c. 1905) and examine artifacts from the town’s coal mining era.  Afterwards, come and explore the Cape Breton Fossil Centre which has one of the largest Carboniferous Plan Fossil collections in North America. We have over 800 plant fossils on display, as well as a lab, classroom and boardroom. We offer tours of our museum as well as outdoor guided hikes along the Sydney Coal Field.