Chéticamp

The Cabot Trail is the only road in and out of town. It is about 90 km from Baddeck and over 400 km from Halifax (about 5 - 6 hours drive).

Chéticamp is at the western entrance to Cape Breton Highlands National Park which contains the Acadian Trail. The downtown area overlooks a harbour that is protected from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence by Chéticamp Island. The Cheticamp River flows into the Gulf of St. Lawrence approximately 5 km northeast of the village.
Apart from an important gypsum mine which operated off and on until the Second World War, the main industry in Chéticamp historically has been fishing. As fish quotas have declined, tourism has taken on more importance and is the largest industry at this time. Chéticamp has also marketed its traditional rug hookers ("tapis hookers"), Acadian music and food.
The name "Chéticamp" is derived from the name given by the Mi'kmaq First Nations (Aboriginal) people, who still live on Cape Breton Island (but not in Chéticamp). The name is Awjátúj in the Mi'kmaq language, meaning "rarely full", presumably making reference to the mouth of Chéticamp harbour that once had a large dune that grew during low tide.

History

Chéticamp was a fishing station used during the summer months by Charles Robin, a merchant from the island of Jersey, and is considered one of the Acadian capitals of the world. In the years following the Great Expulsion, many Acadians came to this area.

• Gaby's Taxi

  address: +1 902 224-5078

• Joe's Scarecrows

  address: Cabot Trail
  Scary gallery of scarecrows with halloween masks. Entrance is free, but they ask for a small donation.

• Les Trois Pignons

  phone: +1 902 224-2642
  address: 15584 Cabot Trail
  A genealogy resource centre and library, and a collection of hooked rugs and antiquities. Hundreds of antiques reflecting the daily life of the Chéticamp settlers. Prominent are examples of tools and demonstrations of techniques used in the creation of the world-renowned Chéticamp hooked rugs. The gallery showcases some of the finest works by local craftspeople and hooked rugs, both traditional and contemporary.

• Mi-Carême Centre

  phone: +1 902 224-1016
  address: 51 Old Cabot Trail Road, Grand Étang
  It promotes the rich tradition of the Mi-Carême fête that has been celebrated in the local Acadian area for centuries. The Interpretive Centre, on the Grand Étang Harbour, features displays, gives an historical overview and offers a variety of monthly events. Visitors learn about this mid-Lent celebration, featuring masks, music and dance, through interactive exhibits. Wheelchair accessible.

Activities for visitors include whale watching, hiking, swimming, cross country skiing, golfing, snowmobiling, cultural events and festivals and photography. They also host an International Dance Festival, and La fête nationale de l'Acadie (August 15).

• St. Peter's BeachA place for swimming, camping, and other recreational activities.

• Le Portage golf courseConsidered part of "Cape Breton's Fabulous Foursome" and is renowned for the beautiful views and challenging course.

• Floras

  phone: +1 902 224-3139
  address: Cabot Trail, Point Cross
  Sells a variety of handcrafts, especially traditional locally-made Acadian hooked rugs. Also does demonstrations.

• Le Gabriel

  address: 15424 Cabot Trail
  Serves a variety of traditional Acadian dishes with an emphasis on fish. Steaks available.

• Harbour Restaurant

  phone: +1 902 224-3800
  address: 15299 Cabot Trail
  A fine restaurant with lobster, other seafood, and alternatives such as burgers and wraps. Very fresh and tasty.

• Frog Pond Cafe

  phone: +1 902 224-2119
  address: 15856 Cabot Trail
  Organic Fairtrade coffee, various organic teas, cold drinks, homemade cookies, biscotti, and baklava. Browse the Sunset Art Gallery on the same grounds or sit and relax on our outdoor sheltered patio and listen to the frogs in the pond.

• Restaurant Evangeline

  phone: +1 902 224-2044
  address: Main St
  Varied menu including pizza.

• Chéticamp Outfitters Inn B & B

  phone: +1 902 224-2776
  address: 13938 Cabot Trail, Point Cross
  On a hilltop with nice views and friendly hosts.

• Merry's Motel

  phone: +1 902 224-2456
  address: 15356 Cabot Trail
  Basic, but clean and comfortable rooms in the middle of Chéticamp. Rooms have satellite TV and some have a fridge.

• Plage Saint-Pierre Beach and Campground

  phone: +1 902 224-2112
  address: 635 Cheticamp Island Road
  A mix of wooded and open serviced sites for motorhomes, trailers and tents (144 sites). A long stretch of open ocean beach frontage. Canteen with ice and other supplies, payphones, recreation and games room, movies, playground, tennis court, mini-golf, pure well-water, a laundromat, laundry tubs, washrooms, showers, changing rooms, picnic tables and fire pits.

• Acadian Motel

  phone: +1 902 224-2640
  address: 15202 Cabot Trail
  14 units offer 2 double beds and one family unit is available with 3 double beds. All rooms offer 4 piece bathroom, Wi-Fi, cable TV, radio, fridge and microwave with each unit equipped with air conditioning, electric heat and dedicated parking space. All units are pet-free and non-smoking. Children under 12 stay free of charge. Free coffee is available.

The Cabot Trail runs north of town through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with plenty of scenic vistas and hiking opportunities.