DH wants to go to cape breton

[minnieluvzmickey]

My husband plays irish and scottish bagpipes in a celtic band and he has always wanted to go to cape breton and attend some bagpipe and stepdance workshops, festivals, ceilis and just see the country. Does anyone have any pointers on where to go and what to do.........or the best way to get a reasonable flight from Alabama.

Neither of us have ever been to Canada.

 

[Bea]

I can't help you with the airfare- we drive to the US to get our cheap airfare Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia (where Cape Breton is) and the airport you would probably fly into (approx 3 hour drive from Cape Breton).

Here is a link to the Doer's and Dreamers guide, with is put out by Nova Scotia tourism and includes hotels,restaurants, festivals,parks etc throughout the year. Good luck in your planning. I hope you make it here!!

http://www.destination-ns.com/forms/guide.asp

 

[minnieluvzmickey]

Bea,

Thank you for your reply............I sent you a PM.

 

[Dimples1973ca]

I am from Cape Breton. Grew up about 30 minutes away from the Gaelic College. They teach bagpipes, drum, highland dancing. Ask away!

 

[caperdoc]

I have lived in Cape Breton for 22 years. If you are a musician, the best time to come is during the famous Celtic Colors Festival in October. The fall colors are glorious, the world's best celtic bands are here and there are concerts and workshops all over the entire island. Just google Celtic Colors and you will have all the info you need. I can also recommend accomodations if you want.
Best beach weather is last 2 weeks of July and first 2 weeks of August. Ingonish and Cheticamp are good bases to stay.
Gail

 

[LSmith]

I second going to Cape Breton during the Celtic Colours in the Fall. It is beautiful there that time of year. World class top celtic musicians. Of course I am biased since my uncle is one of the super talented musicians that play there every year!

 

[minnieluvzmickey]

we would love to go during the celtic colours festival but we are both school teachers and October does not really work well for our schedules. We also have 4 children and I don't think I could find anyone willing to take them to school and help them with their homework for a week

so, we are stuck going during the summer. Do any of you know if there are any celtic music events that go on during the summer? My dh said he doesn't really mind not doing a festival.....he would just like to meet up with some other musicians for a session or maybe see some of the local talent at a ceili or small venue.

We could save a lot of money by flying into Bangor Maine rather than Halifax and then renting a car............is it a really long drive from there?

 

[CaperTiff]

Im also from Cape Breton, Bangor is about 10(ish) hours from Cape Breton.
If you can't get there during Celtic Colors, the summer months are also great.

Im from the Sydney/Glace Bay area of the Island which have alot of neat attractions, but the Cabot Trail is a must see !
If you want some more info feel free to PM me !

I miss home so much !

 

[SplashMom]

I'm a lifelong Cape Bretoner and I would definitely encourage summer travel and perhaps a few workshops at the Gaelic College. There are activities all summer long, including classes for several musical/celtic experiences during July/August. You can find a brochure, pricing, etc. at this website http://gaeliccollege.edu/. There is even a residence for young people to be totally immersed in the experience, and they love it! There are also hotels nearby for easy access.

It is really a beautiful place, especially in the summer, and you can find music everywhere. In addition to the Gaelic College, there is the Cabot Trail, Louisbourg, and many other experiences, depending on what you are looking for. There are plenty of relaxing options in addition to several outdoor adventures.

You can fly into Halifax and drive from there (3-4 hours) or you could fly directly into Sydney (central CB). If you fly through Toronto, there is a direct flight for the summer months which flies from Toronto to Sydney. You could then rent a car and travel the island. I would recommend you request a Doer's and Dreamer's Guide from NS Tourism (https://novascotia.com/en/home/planatrip/travel_guides/default.aspx) which will help considerably. If you need anything else, ask away! I hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[PhotobearSam]

You are going to Love Cape Breton and mostly you will love the PEOPLE. NICEST people in the world next to us New Brunswicker's here in Shediac...LOL

We loved staying in Baddeck and doing the Cabot Trail.

Have fun...definately go.

 

[Momto4boys]

There are some other fantastic Scottish festivals in Ontario as well. Fergus has a HUGE one and we (Kincardine) have a great one the first weekend of July. In the summer here there is a piper playing at hte lighthouse every night at sunset except for Saturday and it's a full on band parade.

Fergus may be the biggest in Ontario though and it's only a couple of hour drive from the Toronto airport..better yet..fly into Buffalo and it would be about 2 hours drive.

Not trying to sway you from Cape Breton..I'm from the east coast and it's beautiful Just wanted you to know there is a big Scottish population here too and it may be easier to get to.