For centuries, the Scottish and French settlers nurtured their heritage in relative isolation. Today the world flocks to historic villages, world-class golf courses, and Celtic music festivals in the island's stunning setting. Join in the old-time dances as bagpipers and fiddlers celebrate Gaelic culture amidst the quiet beauty of the Ceilidh Trail. Surround yourself with the splendour of the Cabot Trail's bold highlands, where moose and bald eagles abound and humpback whales caper in the shimmering waters of the Gulf of St Lawrence. Stroll the grassy shores or cruise to international boating destinations along the Bras d'Or Scenic Drive. Tour the World class historical reconstruction of Fortress Louisbourg, wander through centuries-old Acadian villages, and descend to a coal mine beneath the ocean floor on the Fleur-de-Lis and Marconi Trails and in Metro Cape Breton. Colourful and cultured - delight in the sights and sounds of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia's Masterpiece.

Step back in time to 1744! In the early 18th century, "la Forteresse de Louisbourg" was France's key economic and military centre in the New World. In its day, Louisbourg was the fourth largest city in North America and boasted one of the busiest harbours on the Atlantic coast. Today, it stands as North America's largest historical reconstruction. The Fortress of Louisbourg is only a short 20 minute drive from Paradise Found. You can easily while away a full day at this wonderful site.

Located at the intersection of the beautiful Mira and Salmon Rivers only a short 20 minute drive from Sydney, the spectacular Two Rivers Wildlife Park displays many native Nova Scotia animals, including black bears, moose and cougars in a natural setting. It is a wonderful place to swim, hike or simply relax with your family over your picnic lunch.

Located in the picturesque village of Baddeck, a 50 minute drive from Sydney, the Bell Museum is home to the world's most comprehensive collection of artifacts, personal mementos and photos relating to Alexander Graham Bell. Discover Dr Bell's work with the telephone, aviation, hydrofoils,the teaching of the deaf and much more. Interactive displays, models and an extensive photo collection make this an entertaining experience for the entire family.

Located in the town of Glace Bay, a 25 minute drive from Sydney, the Glace Bay Miner's Museum gives you a chance to experience what it was like in the coal fields of Cape Breton at the turn of the century. At the Oceans Deep Colliery, put on a hard hat and protective clothing and go down into a real coal mine with a retired miner as your guide. Then visit the Miner's Village that features a company store, a home of the period (1850-1900) and a restaurant serving authentic Cape Breton meals.

Winding through the northern half of Cape Breton Island, the Cabot Trail traverses the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, 366 square miles of magnificent highlands and coastal wilderness. With its rugged ocean coastline, pristine mountain wilderness, waterfalls, sandy beaches and majestic forests, The Cabot Trail/Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers exceptional opportunities for sightseeing. Explore some of the last protected wilderness in Nova Scotia. See whales, bald eagles and moose. Stroll along picturesque valleys and ocean coves, or enjoy rich Acadian, Scottish and Irish culture. Be sure to bring lots of film!

The oldest house in Sydney, Cossit House stands much as it did when the colony's Anglican garrison chaplain, Reverend Rana Cossit, had it built for his wife Thankful and their eleven children in 1785. Cossit House features costumed guides and 18th century furnishings.

Originally built by a prominent merchant and ship owner, Samuel Sparrow, in 1786, Jost House is one of the oldest remaining wooden buildings in colonial Sydney. It is a classic illustration of the evolution of a wooden dwelling over two centuries.

Sydney's oldest Roman Catholic Church is now a museum featuring local memorabilia. St Patrick's is also the site of an old burial ground.

Built in 1904 as an opera house, it now houses the Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science, a small museum and a gift shop