When visiting Chéticamp you may be wondering what exactly is there to do. Well, let us guide you. Chéticamp is located 5 minutes from the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, home to the famous Skyline Trail; where you can walk along the cliffs of Cape Breton, take in the spectacular views of the ocean and mountains in one hike that is fun for all skill levels. There are also many other hiking trails to choose from.
Chéticamp is full of great places to eat. All of the restaurants are located just minutes from Soleil Chalets and are sure to impress. During the summer months the restaurants offer live music, celebrating Cape Breton’s various cultures, performed by local musicians. Some of the restaurants even serve authentic Acadian meals and many options for the seafood lover.
If you’re interested in our culture be sure to visit Les Trois Pignons, Chéticamp’s information center, where you will also find a hooked rugs gallery and museum of Acadian life. You can even sit down at a frame and try hooking yourself. Did you know that Chéticamp was the rug hooking capital of the world?
Chéticamp even has its own festival, le Festival de l’Escaouette which is a festival that celebrates the French Acadian Culture that is still alive today in Chéticamp. During this week of festivities there are many places to enjoy live music, plus there are performances put on at La Place des Arts Père Anselme Chiasson where you can enjoy skits put on by the locals and really get a good look at the Acadian heritage. The festival finishes out the week with a Parade that you can watch and enjoy and see the Acadian spirit come alive from lots of businesses throughout the community.
Be sure to visit l’Église Saint-Pierre, the impressive architecture of this church was built in 1893 completely from stone from Chéticamp Island. Just 15 kilometers from Chéticamp in the village of Grand Étang you will find Le Centre de la Mi-Carême and learn all about the Mi-Carême tradition and festivities and enjoy the eye-catching costumes crafted by locals.
The fun doesn’t end there; if you like golfing visit Le Portage Golf course and golf your day away then enjoy a wonderful meal at the club house afterwards. Be sure to visit La Plage St.-Pierre, Chéticamp’s sandy beach and enjoy the sea water, and while you’re there, take a drive down Lighthouse road to experience the views Chéticamp Island has to offer. Then continue driving to the end where you can take in the beauty of the Chéticamp Island lighthouse that is visible from Soleil Chalets.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hike on the old train track that once delivered gypsum from the mine in Belle Marche to ships in our harbour. The beautiful groomed multi-purpose trail leads to a lake in the hills surrounded by gypsum and green landscapes. The Gyspum Mine Trail is a bucket list item for many.
As the summer months end that doesn’t mean the activities do. Cape Breton has been known for the magical colours of autumn in our breath-taking highlands. With the Cabot Trail at our step, you can take a drive to view this magnificent foliage and then enjoy the music of the Celtic Colors festival. Once the snow hits, enjoy snow shoeing or cross-country skiing in the national park. Bring along your snowmobile and travel through well-groomed trails in the highlands above the village of Chéticamp.
We cannot wait to host you during your unforgettable vacation in Chéticamp, the perfect hub for a Cabot Trail experience.