Explore the Cape Breton Regional Municipality

When most people think of Cape Breton, they think of the Cabot Trail and the northern portion of the island. However, the island isn't all that big and the other areas are worth exploring too!  The Cape Breton Regional Municipality, for example, is home to the towns of Glace Bay, New Waterford, North Sydney and the unofficial capital of Cape Breton, Sydney.  This area is also home to many beaches, museums, scenic views and attractions.  Dominion Beach, The Marconi Museum, The Sydney Mines Heritage Museum and Fossil Centre, The Glace Bay Miner's Museum, Cossit House, Fort Petrie Military Museum and Jost House are just some of the attractions you'll find in this area of the island.

Colliery Lands Park in New Waterford is a great place to take a rest, have a picnic and relax in natural surroundings.  Several exhibits about the history of mining in the town are located around the park.  In fact, the park is situated near the site of a former working coal mine.

This monument in Colliery Lands Park features the names of all the coal miners who were killed in area coal mines.  The flags represent the countries that many of the miners came from in search of work. 

Cabot Landing Provincial Park - A Little Off the Beaten Path but Worth a Visit

You only have to venture about 20 minutes off the Cabot Trail to enjoy a remote, long, sandy beach. Every time I make the detour to this beach at the Cabot's Landing Provincial Park, I'm usually the only person there so if you're looking to get away from the crowds, this is a great place to do that!  Add in facilities, such as bathrooms and picnic areas, and spectacular scenery and you have a little slice of paradise.  The park is located in Sugarloaf along beautiful Aspy Bay. 

Cabot's Landing Provincial Park, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

The Lone Shieling - One of my Favourite Stops on the Cabot Trail

I've hiked most of the trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and I love them all but there is one trail that I never miss whenever I drive through the park and that is The Lone Shieling.
This trail is not very long but it's beautiful with tall trees, a stream and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.  Unless you arrive at the same time as a tour bus, this trail is quiet and rarely crowded.  I love to sit by the stream under those tall trees and listen to the water and nature sounds all around.  Next week, as part of my Cape Breton Staycation, I will be heading around the Cabot Trail and through the national park and this will, no doubt, be one of my main stops.  If you ever make it to the island, this trail is not hard to find; it's right on the main road, it's well-marked and you won't miss the replica of a Scottish crofter's hut right on the side of the road!

Replica of a Scottish crofter's hut.

The trail is well-maintained.

These tall trees make the area look like an enchanted forest.

Learn about Some of the Wildlife Species that Make Their Home in Cape Breton

Some things around Cape Breton may still be closed but Two Rivers Wildlife Park in Huntington (Mira area) is open for business!  There are dozens of animals to be seen during a walk through the park.  A cougar, otters, deer, raccoons. bobcats and coyotes to name a few.  I always make a day out of it and bring along a picnic and enjoy the rural surroundings away from the city for the day.

This adorable otter (above) is just one of the animals you'll see during your tour of the park.  A few peacocks (below) wander around on the trails as well.

Peacocks and bunny rabbits roam around like they own the place at Two Rivers Wildlife Park.  You won't be able to get close to them though because they run away when you get too close!