Cape Breton Island (French: île du Cap-Breton, Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Cheap Breatuinn, Míkmaq: Únamakika, simply: Cape Breton) is an island on the Atlantic coast of North America. It likely corresponds to the European word "Breton", referring to Brittany.
The briny air, windswept coastline, glorious sunsets and majestic mountain ranges translate into our warm Gaelic greeting - "Ciad Mile Failte" - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes.
Cape Breton Island is part of the province of Nova Scotia, Canada, although physically separated from the peninsular Nova Scotian mainland by the Strait of Canso, it is artificially connected to the mainland by the Canso Causeway. The island is located east-northeast of the mainland with its northern and western coasts fronting on the Gulf of St. Lawrence; its western coast also forming the eastern limits of the Northumberland Strait. The eastern and southern coasts front 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. A saltwater estuary, Bras d'Or Lake, dominates the centre of the island.
The island is divided into four of Nova Scotia's eighteen counties: Cape Breton, Inverness, Richmond, and Victoria. Their total population as of the 2001 census numbered 147,454 "Cape Bretoners"; this is approximately 16% of the provincial population.
Cape
Breton Island has lured visitors to her shores for thousands of years. It is an amazing place, where the sand and sea air have joined forces with the enchantment of our history to create an indescribable atmosphere.
Interested in historic sites, cultural events, outdoor adventure or just sheer relaxation? Cape Breton Island's five Scenic Trails can deliver. Pack a picnic for the splendour of sunsets over the Bras d'Or Lakes or photograph your way through a hike along the rugged coastline of the historic east. The waters on our western "Sunset Side of the Island" are your perfect host for whale watching, sailing, kayaking and scuba diving.
