For a historic feel to your Canada multi-centre holiday, the picturesque little village of Baddeck comes highly recommended. Situated on the shores of the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake in the heart of Cape Breton lsland, is one of the world’s scenic gems.
The name Baddeck, according to some historians, is derived from the Mi’kmaq ‘Abadak’ meaning place with an island near. Before 1800, this mountain-guarded mecca of the modern tourist, knew only the splash of the Indian’s paddle on the shining waters on the tideless lake and the rustle of his moccasined feet trailing the forest. Baddeck is one of several Cape Breton communities that plays host to the Celtic Colours festival each fall. The music festival features hundreds of Celtic musicians from Cape Breton and around the world. In the spring, the village hosts the Cabot Trail Relay Race , a 298 km (185-mile) relay race around the Cabot Trail. During the tourist season Baddeck hosts a weekly community market every Wednesday, featuring local produce, foods and crafts.
The Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site is located here in Baddeck, with a museum dedicated to this former resident's work. The world renowned Bell Bay Golf Club, situated on a beautiful lake can also be found here, amongst lakeside restaurants, shops and hotels. A branch of the local Royal Canadian Legion is also here as a public watering hole, sometimes hosted by famous musicians.