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private tour: Bell Museum Baddeck to Highland Village Museum Iona

4 Reviews 4.50 out of 5 stars Based on 4 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Sydney, Canada

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On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.

6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
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Overview

Journey through Cape Breton’s story with a visit to two of its most iconic sites. In Baddeck, explore the world of Alexander Graham Bell, the brilliant inventor whose groundbreaking experiments like inventing telephone and plane that had changed history. Then travel to Iona’s Highland Village Museum, where you’ll step back in time and experience the traditions, language, and culture of Cape Breton’s Scottish settlers. Together, these two destinations offer the perfect blend of innovation and heritage, making this tour an unforgettable way to discover the spirit of Cape Breton.

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Brunch
  • Meals
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Your guide will meet you just outside the main cruise terminal exit Look for: A sign that reads “City Heart Tours” or your name. Please disembark early, you will have 30 minutes to meet your tour guide. You can also provide your time preference for tour early morning or in noon just add a note in special requirements If your ship docks earlier or later than expected, we will adjust your tour time accordingly. If you are choosing a hotel or airport pickup, let us know what time you want to start the tour. Furthermore you will be updated on evening before the day of tour.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Seal Island Lighthouse

The Seal Island Bridge connects Boularderie Island to Cape Breton Island, crossing the Great Bras d’Or Channel. Opened in 1961, it is the third-longest bridge in Nova Scotia, stretching about 716 meters. The bridge is not only an important travel route along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 105), but it also offers stunning views of the Bras d’Or Lake, surrounding mountains, and small communities nearby. Many travelers stop at viewpoints to take pictures of the bridge and the scenery. It’s considered a gateway to the Cabot Trail, making it a must-see spot for anyone touring Cape Breton.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Saint Anns

Perched high above St. Ann’s Bay on the Cabot Trail, the St. Ann’s Lookoff is one of Cape Breton’s most breathtaking viewpoints. From here, visitors can see rolling highlands, sparkling waters, and the Englishtown area far below. It’s a popular stop for travelers to stretch, take photos, and enjoy panoramic views before continuing their Cabot Trail journey. On clear days, the lookout offers some of the best scenery on the island, especially in autumn when the highlands glow with colorful foliage. A true “don’t miss” stop along the Cabot Trail.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

Baddeck is a charming village on the northern shore of Cape Breton Island, known for its rich history and stunning views of the Bras d’Or Lake. Originally a Mi’kmaq settlement, the area became a small Scottish community in the early 19th century. Baddeck gained international fame as the home of Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, who lived here with his family and conducted many of his experiments. Visitors can explore the Bell Museum, historic homes, and enjoy picturesque streets lined with shops and galleries. Today, Baddeck is a popular gateway to the Cabot Trail, offering a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.
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35 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Grand Narrows

The Grand Narrows Ferry, officially called the Little Bras d’Or Ferry, is a charming and historic ferry service in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, connecting Grand Narrows (Grand Narrows) to Iona across the Bras d’Or Lake. This short ferry ride offers visitors a scenic glimpse of Cape Breton’s waterways, surrounded by forests and waterside communities. It’s not just a convenient way to travel—it’s also a memorable experience, letting travelers enjoy the natural beauty of the lake from the water. Operating seasonally, the ferry is a great stop for those exploring the Cabot Trail or visiting nearby attractions like Baddeck, Iona, and the Highland Village Museum.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Highland Village

Highland Village is a living history museum in Iona, Nova Scotia, dedicated to preserving and sharing the Scottish Gaelic culture of Cape Breton Island. The site recreates traditional 18th and 19th century Scottish Highland settlements, complete with historic buildings, gardens, and artifacts. Visitors can walk through the village, meet costumed interpreters, and see demonstrations of traditional crafts, music, and farming techniques. Highland Village offers a hands-on experience of Scottish heritage, storytelling, and cultural celebrations, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Cape Breton’s history and Celtic roots. It’s an immersive way to step back in time and understand the life, traditions, and resilience of early Scottish settlers in Nova Scotia.
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1 hour 5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

St Patrick's Church Museum (pass by)

The St. Patrick’s Church Museum is Sydney’s oldest Roman Catholic church, built in 1828. This historic stone church is now a museum, showcasing artifacts and stories of the Irish Catholic families who shaped Cape Breton. It’s a perfect spot to step back in time and experience Sydney’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
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Ephraim Scott Memorial Presbyterian Church (pass by)

The Ephraim Scott Memorial Church is a charming historic church located in the picturesque village of Baddeck on Cape Breton Island. Built in the late 19th century, the church is named in honor of Ephraim Scott, a respected local figure, and reflects the classic wooden architecture of rural Nova Scotia churches of that era. With its simple yet elegant design, the church has long served as a spiritual and community hub for Baddeck residents. Visitors can admire its quaint steeple, traditional wooden pews, and serene atmosphere, which make it a peaceful stop for those exploring the village. The church also highlights the heritage and close-knit community spirit that characterizes Baddeck.
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Bras d'Or Lookoff

The Bras d’Or Lookoff is one of Cape Breton Island’s most scenic viewpoints, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Bras d’Or Lake, a large inland sea that stretches across the island. From this vantage point, visitors can see rolling hills, forests, and the sparkling waters that make the area a natural wonder. This lookout is perfect for photography, quiet reflection, or simply taking in the stunning beauty of Cape Breton. It’s also a great stop for travelers exploring the Cabot Trail or nearby historic towns like Baddeck, providing a peaceful spot to admire the island’s unique landscapes.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Operated by a business

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the private tour: Bell Museum Baddeck to Highland Village Museum Iona?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (ADT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5597641P6

Reviews

4.50
4 reviews

Average 4.50 out of 5 stars based on 4 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

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4 stars
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On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

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  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Brunch
  • Meals

Additional Info

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  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (ADT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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