What to see and do in Central Cape Breton

Fàilte gu Cridhe Gàidhealach Albainn Ùr

A Gaelic welcome to the "Highland Heart of Nova Scotia" awaits you in Iona, Cape Breton Island. Experience Nova Scotia's Gaelic culture at one of many community events or at the Highland Village outdoor pioneer museum. View some of the most breathtaking scenery that this Province has to offer on the shores of the mighty Bras d'Or. The Iona Peninsula is well worth the visit.
The Iona Peninsula is located in the centre of Cape Breton Island, almost completely surrounded by the magnificent Bras d'Or Lakes - Canada's Only Inland Sea. The Bras d'Or is a 1,098 km2 (424 sq. mi.) basin* that is one of the finest sailing and boating venues in the world. They separate Cape Breton's Highlands and Lowlands. The Bras d'Or coastline abounds with wildlife and is particularly noted as a breeding area of the magnificent bald eagle.

The Iona area is rich in Gaelic heritage. It was first settled in the early 1800's by MacNeils from the Island of Barra in Scotland. Donald 'Og' MacNeil, spotted Iona during his service with the British Army. On a trip back to Barra, Donald 'Og' told his family and friends of the advantages of the Iona area; "Besides the fuel in the forests, water in the ground, and fish in the sea, you will find there more shelter from the North wind, better and earlier ripening harvests, and good fishing ground." Donald 'Og' came back to Canada to fight in Louisbourg in 1758 and Quebec City in 1759, where he died. His message was followed. In 1800 four MacNeils from Barra arrived at Iona. Several years later two of Donald 'Og's own sons also settled here. Today, the MacNeils and MacKenzies, the MacLeans and MacDonalds, and the Gillises and Campbells "All Call Iona Home."

The Iona Peninsula can be reached from Exit 6 where the TransCanada Highway 105 meets Route 223 and the Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive (north of Whycocomagh). Or if traveling from Sydney take Exit 3 on Hwy 125 at Leitches Creek following Route 223 to the Barra Strait Bridge.
1 km from the junction of TCH 105 and Route 223 is a 24-hour ferry service across St. Patrick's Channel to the community of Little Narrows (pop. 128). The cable ferry ride on the "Caolas S'ilis" (Gaelic for Julia's Strait) takes only a few minutes. The ferry is capable of handling buses, campers and large trucks and operates 24 hours. Little Narrows is home to a Presbyterian Church, a MacKenzie's General Store, tennis court, floating dock and community centre.

The Washabuck Scenic Diversion: While Route 223 takes a right on the Little Narrows side of the ferry, a left turn provides a scenic drive through Washabuck meeting Route 223 in Iona. The road to the left (a scenic diversion) goes through property owned by a gypsum mining company. The road then passes through Hazeldale and goes inland to Washabuck Bridge which crosses the Washabuck River, a popular fishing spot and from there to Washabuck Centre and Lower Washabuck to the tip of the Peninsula at MacKays Point, which offers a great look off to the lakes, Baddeck and Beinn Bhreagh - the home of Alexander Graham Bell. This road eventually leads to Iona on the east side through Maskells Harbour (a great haven for sail boats), Gillis Point and Grass Cove.

From the ferry at Little Narrows the Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive takes a right turn (following Route 223) through several communities before coming to Iona. About 1 km (.62 miles) from the ferry there is a small picnic area and beach. The Drive continues along through Estmere, Ottawa Brook to MacKinnons Harbour. MaCkinnons' Harbour which has recently been opened up to the lakes is a favourite for boaters. McKinnons Harbour is also home to Harbour Greenhouse 
Route 223 continues through Jamesville to Iona.

Iona (pop 131) is home to the Highland Village, a living history museum and cultural centre that celebrates the Gaelic experience in Nova Scotia. On a 43 acre hillside overlooking the world renowned Bras d'Or Lakes, Nova Scotia's rich Scottish Gaelic culture comes alive with costumed staff, farm animals and period buildings & artifacts. In addition to daily demonstrations in language and craft, the museum also has special education programs, learning vacations, and special cultural presentations. Roots Cape Breton Genealogy & Family History Centre is a service which assists researchers in searching for family history information. The Highland Village Gift Shop carries a wide range of Cape Breton and Celtic music, Gaelic language and local history books, local crafts and Highland Village souvenirs.

Iona is home to the Highland Heights Inn, a 32 unit inn & dinning room operation, over looking the Bras d'Or Lakes. The Inn is located adjacent to the Highland Village Museum. Also, in Iona is Hector's Arm Bed & Breakfast, Rosie's Canteen, Chantal's Antiques, the Iona Post Office (Canada Post), St.Columba Roman Catholic Church, Sgoil Mhic Fhraing a' Chaolais/Rankin School of the Narrows, Iona CAP Site, McCormack provincial day use picnic park, and a branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. A left turn at Iona connects to the scenic diversion through Gillis Point, Grass Cove, Maskells Harbour (a great look off) to Washabuck.

From Iona (on Route 223), a new bridge crosses the Barra Strait to Grand Narrows, which features the Grand Narrows Hotel Bed & Breakfast, Bras d'Or Lakes Hideaway Bed & Breakfast, Grand Narrows Convenience & Agency Liquor Store, and Barra Strait Marina.
For more information on the area check out the Central Cape Breton portal.

* The surface area of the Bras d'Or Lake is 1,100 km2 (424 square miles). The land area that makes up the watershed if an additional 2,500 km2 (965 square miles). The total area of the Bras d'Or Lakes watershed is 3,600 km2 (1,390 square miles).