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History of Cape Breton Island

Original Inhabitants

Cape Breton Island’s first residents were likely Maritime Archaic natives, ancestors of the Mi’kmaq, the latter of whom inhabited the island at the time of European discovery. Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot) reportedly visited the island in 1497 to become the first European explorer to visit present-day Canada. However, historians are unclear as to whether Cabot first visited Newfoundland or Cape Breton Island. This discovery is commemorated by Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail, and by Cabot’s Landing Historic Site & Provincial Park, located near the village of Dingwall.

French Influences

Known as “Île Royale” to the French, the island also saw settlement by France as part of the colony of Acadia. After the French ceded its colonies on Newfoundland and the Acadian mainland to the British by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, the French relocated the population of Plaisance, Newfoundland to Île Royale and the French garrison was established in the central eastern part at Saint Anne. As the harbour experienced icing problems, it was decided to construct a much larger fortification at Louisbourg to improve defences at the entrance to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and defend France’s fishing fleet on the Grand Banks. The French also built the Louisbourg Lighthouse in 1734, the first lighthouse in Canada and one of the first in North America. Louisbourg itself was one of the most important commercial and military centres in New France. Although Louisbourg was captured by New Englanders with British naval assistance in 1745 and by the British again in 1758, Île Royale remained formally part of colonial France until it was ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Paris in 1763. Britain merged the island with its adjacent colony of Nova Scotia (present day peninsular Nova Scotia and New Brunswick).

Scottish Communities

The first permanently settled Scottish community on Cape Breton Island was Judique, settled in 1775 by Michael Mor MacDonald. He spent his first winter using his upside-down boat for shelter, which is reflected in the architecture of the village’s Community Centre. He composed a song about the area called “O’s alainn an t-aite”, or “Fair is the Place.”

In 1784, Britain split the colony of Nova Scotia into three separate colonies: New Brunswick, Cape Breton Island, and present-day peninsular Nova Scotia, in addition to the adjacent colonies of St. John’s Island (renamed Prince Edward Island in 1798) and Newfoundland. The colony of Cape Breton Island had its capital at Sydney on its namesake harbour fronting on Spanish Bay and the Cabot Strait.

Ship-building

Large scale shipbuilding began in the 1790s, beginning with schooners for local trade moving in the 1820s to larger brigs and brigantines, mostly built for British shipowners. Shipbuilding peaked in the 1850s, marked in 1851 by the full rigged ship Lord Clarendon, the largest wooden ship ever built in Cape Breton.

Highland Clearances

During the first half of the 19th century, Cape Breton Island experienced an influx of Highland Scots numbering approximately 50,000 as a result of the Highland Clearances. Today, the descendants of the Highland Scots dominate Cape Breton Island’s culture, particularly in rural communities. To this day Gaelic is still the first language of a number of elderly Cape Bretoners. A campaign of violence and intimidation by the provincial school board led to the near extermination of Gaelic culture. The growing influence of English-dominated media from outside the Scottish communities saw the use of this language erode quickly during the 20th century.

Alexander Graham Bell

Following his successful invention of the telephone, Bell acquired land near Baddeck in 1885 and established a summer estate complete with research laboratories, working with deaf people—including Helen Keller—and continued to invent. Baddeck would be the site of his experiments with hydrofoil technologies as well as the Aerial Experiment Association, financed by his wife, which saw the first powered flight in the British Empire when the AEA Silver Dart took off from the ice-covered waters of Bras d’Or Lake.



Good
Based on 298 reviews
MacKenzie Cutcliffe
MacKenzie Cutcliffe
February 17, 2024.
We had an excellent stay! We stayed in the tiny house and got the hot tub as an addition - the house was an adorable little cabin, very clean and had everything we needed (mini fridge, microwave and more!). The hot tub was worth the addition! Paul and the staff were so considerate, he even called me before we arrived and let me know how the roads were and to make sure I knew how to get to the tiny house since we were probably arriving after dark. I can’t say enough good things! We will definitely be back!
Alexis Helena
Alexis Helena
February 16, 2024.
It was a great space, the manager was very helpful and answered all our questions. Will definitely be coming back
Katie Crossley
Katie Crossley
January 25, 2024.
My husband and I got married at Cabot Shores last October, after staying there multiple times in the past and falling in love with the scenery and food!! Paul was amazing to deal with leading up to the wedding! I was definitely a needy bride lol and he was always so patient and helpful with everything. The whole thing went off without any issues at all and my guests had a great time and raved on and on about the food! We are huge out door people and loved the whole vibe ! We can’t wait to go back again soon and make more wonderful memories at this slice of heaven in our favourite place in the world, Cape Breton !!
‍하준수(교원-영상디자인학과)
‍하준수(교원-영상디자인학과)
January 10, 2024.
An unforgettable experience for a family trip. A yurt experience is more than just lodging, especially if you have young children. What is most impressive of all is the owner and his wife, who are so kind and affectionate.
Karleigh Johnstone
Karleigh Johnstone
January 8, 2024.
Stayed in the Phoenix Dome for 2 nights and had the most wonderful experience. The dome was lovely and stayed warm through the night. The highlight of our stay was the food. My husband has been a chef for 20+ years and was blown away by the quality of the food. We had dinner one evening and the salmon was absolute perfection. We were lucky enough to be the only guests for breakfast so they cooked us a few items instead of the buffet and we enjoyed every bite. Hands down the best scrambled eggs I have ever eaten! The staff were so wonderful, kind and accommodating. We would love to return and spend more time here exploring the trails and relaxing on the beach. Thank you to everyone at Cabot Trail for such a wonderful experience!
Bobbi Zahra
Bobbi Zahra
January 1, 2024.
Hot tubs were great, overlooking the gorgeous water view. Yurt was super comfortable, very spacious, and even when the fire died while we were sleeping, we stayed cozy and warm - the bedding was superb. Recommendation for Red River Trail was great, and we enjoyed the hike very much.
Sandy Mackley
Sandy Mackley
November 27, 2023.
The staff at Cabot Shores actively took opportunities to make our stay relaxing and enjoyable. Our Mongolian Yurt was comfortable with the wood stove and outside hot tub. Would strongly recommend calling these fine folks and discussing your stay with them.

Good
Based on 51 reviews
Lukas
Lukas
September 21, 2022.
Verified
Very nice people and a place full of joy ! Stayed 2 nights in the „Eagle dome“ which was really comfy and clean!Had really delicous dinner at the main lodge where paul played some music just for us and had nice conversations whith him and the other staffmembers.Also booked the hot tub at our dome for our last night from where we had a great view on the campfire.Lovely place where you see how much effort they put in every detail.
Nicole
Nicole
August 22, 2022.
Verified
Amazing adventure! Lots of fun sleeping underneath the stars!
Ryan
Ryan
August 14, 2022.
Verified
Relaxing
Nigel
Nigel
July 25, 2022.
Verified
Beautiful place and very friendly staff. Perfect location if you’re travelling along the Cabot Trail, I highly recommend checking this place out! Would definitely stay here again. Thanks for a fantastic experience.
Anooj
Anooj
October 25, 2021.
Verified
This was our first time staying in the Eagle Dome and we absolutely fell in love with this beautiful place. Super clean place to stay!
Redwan
Redwan
October 17, 2021.
Verified
Very nice place to spend a couple of nights in the nature! My wife and I enjoyed our stay.It might be a good idea to install a heater in the dome as it can get chilly at night.
Brooke
Brooke
October 1, 2021.
Verified
Beautiful, quaint place to stay! So unique and off grid. We loved staying at the dome!
Madison
Madison
September 9, 2021.
Verified
We had a great stay in the Eagle Dome! We loved watching the sunset and sunrise, and being able to hear the waves from the ocean. Next time we would stay a few more days and prepare a bit better - we weren’t packed for off grid but we made it work. Outhouse was a few steps away, shower and toilet a short walk. We didn’t get the hot tub or use the sauna/other amenities but would certainly consider it next time.

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