Discover Nova Scotia’s Gaelic heritage in our living history museum and research centre.
Experience the life of Scottish settlers to this area and embrace the rich culture and traditions
passed on through generations of Gaelic communities in Nova Scotia.
The Highland Village is located on a stunning 43-acre property and offers an unforgettable
encounter with nature as well as our true, living Cape Breton tradition. Nova Scotia’s
incredible Scottish Gaelic culture comes alive on these hills with costumed staff in full historic
dress, an array of farm animals and much more.
Take a tour up the hill and walk through period buildings with historic design, filled with
related artifacts. Sit and enjoy a breath-taking view while listening to the annual Highland
Village Day concert featuring premium traditional Cape Breton Gaelic music, song and dance.
Be sure to visit the gift shop where you can find the finest selection of Cape Breton, Gaelic and
East Coast music, Gaelic resources, Highland Village souvenirs, clothing, giftware and local
crafts. Perhaps you’ll have the opportunity to sit in on one of the many language and culture
workshops offered by the Highland Village throughout the year.
Our costumed animators will help you explore aspects of daily life, and can teach you a few
phrases of Gaelic as well. The Highland Village includes 11 historic buildings on 40 acres of
natural landscape with panoramic views of the Bras d’Or Lakes. Our
Highland Village Photo Gallery and the
Tour the Village section will give you a taste of what you can experience during your visit.
Gaelic scholars and enthusiasts will appreciate our commitment to research, and promotion,
of the Gaelic language, culture and history. We offer programs and
events throughout the year designed to bring together Gaelic scholars and learners. TheGaelic language has a rich oral history and we are committed to continue to promote, enhance
and embrace our heritage.
Our
Roots Cape Breton Genealogy & Family History Centre is a fabulous resource for those looking into their own Cape Breton connections.
We also are fortunate to have the
MacLean Collection of Scottish Music here at the Highland Village. This major collection contains many early books of Scottish music and hand noted music of some of our best fiddlers. Joe MacLean was a well-known Cape Breton fiddler who composed and performed for many years. He was known as a collector and had a genuine interest in helping young fiddlers learn the old ways and forge their own path.
Come and join in the fun and experience the unique presentation of Gaelic culture at the Nova
Scotia Highland Village.