Nova Scotia Museum - Tour Operator Guide

Highland Village / An Clachan Gàidhealach
Iona, Nova Scotia - Cape Breton Island on the Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive

Experience more than a century of Gaelic-speaking life in Nova Scotia at Highland Village. This living history museum and cultural centre features the language, traditions and hardships of the Gaelic speaking Scots that settled in Nova Scotia in the late-18th and early-19th centuries. On a 43 acre hillside overlooking the world famous Bras d'Or Lakes, costumed staff bring 11 period buildings to life, including the only replica of an 18th-century Hebridean-style blackhouse in North America, period dwellings, a working carding mill, the historic Malagawatch Church and more. Heritage breed farm animals, including Highland Cattle and rare Soay Sheep, are also featured.

Daily demonstrations feature Gaelic language, all aspects of domestic wool production, flax processing, farming, rug hooking and blacksmithing, as well as other crafts and household chores. Enjoy musical ceilidhs, storytelling sessions, special games, and operation of the carding mill throughout the week.

Educational programs, learning vacations and other cultural presentations are also available. Please call for details.

Tours	Self-guided tours available. Costumed interpreters located throughout the site. Maximum size tour group recommended is 150.
Recommended Tour Length	1.5 - 2 hours
Admission Fees (Subject to change without notice)	Adult $9 Child (under 5yrs) Free Child (6-17) $4 Senior (65+) $7 Family $22 Group rate $7
Hours of Operation	Open June 1 - October 19 Mon.-Sun., 9:30am - 5:30 pm October 15 – May 30: Group tours may be available by reservation. Please call for details on tours and special activities.
Location	4119 Hwy 223 Iona, Nova Scotia, Canada Located in Cape Breton
How to get there	From Sydney (1 hour): Follow 125 to Exit 3 at Route 223. Follow Route 223 (Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive) through Boisdale, Christmas Island and Grand Narrows. Cross the Barra Strait Bridge to Iona. Highland Village is 1km southwest of Iona. Or follow Route 4 south to Route 216 at Portage. Follow Route 216 to Christmas Island and the junction with Route 223. Turn left and follow Route 223 to Iona. From Canso / Port Hawkesbury (and points south) (1 hour): Follow TransCanada Highway 105 from Port Hastings to Exit 6 at Route 223. Follow Route 223 (Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive) from Little Narrows to Iona. Or take Exit 4 (Orangedale Road) off TransCanada 105 to the Portage Road. Turn left on the Portage Road. Follow Portage Road until is meets Route 223. Turn right on Route 223 to Iona. From the Cabot Trail / Baddeck / Victoria County (45 mins): Take Highway 105 (TransCanada) to Exit 6. Follow Route 223 (Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive) east through Little Narrows to Iona.
Contact Information	Rodney Chaisson, Manager Phone: (902) 725-2272 Toll-free: 1-866-4Gaelic (423542) Fax: (902) 725-2227 Email: highlandvillage@gov.ns.ca
Parking	Visitor and motorcoach parking available.
Bilingual Services	English and Gaelic speaking interpreters available.
Accessible	Wheelchair accessibility is limited. Assistance required. Please phone for details.
Gift Shop	Large gift shop located on site.
Food Services	Restaurant and accommodations are available at the adjacent Highland Heights Inn.
Neaby Provincial Museum	Cossit House Museum, Sydney