Cheticamp, Cape Breton Island
September 23, 2013 by Helen
Filed under Travel destinations
Bienvenue to Cheticamp… a unique, special town on the western shores of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Many travelers might know Cheticamp as the starting point for a drive on the famous Cabot Trail. However Cheticamp has much to offer in its own right.
We are in the heart of the land of the Acadians, hence the three flags in this photo: Canadian flag, provincial flag of Nova Scotia, and the Acadian flag.
Evidence of Acadian culture is plentiful in Cheticamp. Many homes proudly fly the Acadian flag and friendly locals are only too happy to share stories about the history of this area. Residences have a distinctive look, retaining the architectural look of the earlier Acadians.
The Catholic church was the hub of French Canadian communities and Cheticamp is no different. Their lovely stone church stands proudly on the main street.
Cheticamp’s church
Back in 2004 this area celebrated the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadie. In honor of this CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) did special programming. Do have a look at the CBC website which contains so much information about the Acadians.
You will find the website at http://www.cbc.ca/acadian/index.html
The Boardwalk was a highlight for us. Take some time and stroll the length of it.
Hint: Click on any picture to enlarge it.
The Boardwalk, Cheticamp, Cape Breton
If you are driving take time to explore the side roads (there are not that many). This picture- perfect-scene was taken on one of the side trips we took.
Cheticamp, Cape Breton
One could easily be captivated by scenery like that, eh.
The best thing about Cheticamp? For me it would be…
Rug Hooking in Cheticamp
the museum at the Travel information Centre where Acadian culture is honored and celebrated. The lady in the picture above was demonstrating the art of rug hooking. She and another lady on staff were willing to answer any questions and had story upon story about the area to share with anyone who showed an interest. If that centre was the only place I had been able to visit in Cheticamp I still would have considered the trip well worth it.
Cheticamp is a logical place to spend some time before entering the National Park to drive the Cabot Trail (and you must drive the Cabot Trail) or to base yourself when exploring the surrounding fly fishing areas.
We would highly recommend a B&B on the southern edge of the town.
L’Auberge Doucet Inn, Cheticamp
L’Auberge Doucet is a quality B&B with large, clean rooms in a lovely setting. And in the morning your breakfast will be cooked to order.
Breakfast menu,
L’Auberge Doucet
Do not worry if you can not read this. English is on the other side of the menu.
To visit a whiskey distillery in Cape Breton, click here
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Happy travels!
