Museums of Inverness County 2026
June 25, 2026
An Drochaid (The Bridge)
11513 Highway 19, Mabou
902-945-2311
maboumuseum.square.site
Facebook: AnDrochaid
Open: May 25 – August 22, 2026
Hours of Operation:
Every day 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission by donation.
Housed in a building that was formerly a general store (c.1874), An Drochaid (The Bridge) Museum now serves as a centre for research and local music, Gaelic language activities, cultural activities, local artifacts, and genealogical and historical records. Throughout the year, An Drochaid (The Bridge) hosts a series of ceilidh concerts, storytelling, a Gaelic conversation group and lessons, and music and dance lessons.
Chestico Museum
8095 Route 19, Port Hood (Harbourview)
902-787-2244
chesticoplace.com
Facebook: Chestico Museum
Open: June 1 – October 16, 2026
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturdays in July and August from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Admission by donation.
The former Harbourview School houses museum artifacts and historical/genealogical records that relate to the early settlers of the Port Hood area. Numerous research projects have been undertaken by volunteers highlighting our World War veterans, war brides, Premier Angus L. Macdonald (who lived in Port Hood in his early years), and local heritage properties.
Celtic Music Interpretive Centre Archives
5471 Route 19, Judique
902-787-2708
www.celticmusiccentre.com
Facebook: CelticMusicCentre
Instagram: celticmusiccentre
Open: May 17 – October 18, 2026
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Live music demo at noon)
Sunday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Dance Ceilidh
Admission Fees: $5 for Exhibit Room; $10 to Sunday Ceilidh
Get rooted in the traditional Celtic music of Cape Breton Island. Our Tom Rankin Interactive Exhibit Room features highlights of a rich musical heritage. Learn about the tunes from past and present musicians. Book a walking tour. Pick up a fiddle and try out a step or two. An archive & reference library holds memories of a musical history shared on, and beyond, this Island.
Father John Angus Rankin Cultural Centre
4248 Highway 105, Glendale
902-625-3441 or 902-302-1734
Facebook: glendale.community.coop
Open: Inquire locally for hours of operation. Call for an appointment to view by calling 902-302-1734.
Admission by donation.
Housed in the former Glebe House, the centre preserves and promotes the rich heritage of Glendale and surrounding area with local archives, photographs, videos, and audio tapes of historical and cultural significance to the Glendale area. They also host kitchen ceilidhs, weaving classes, Gaelic lessons, accessible outdoor 24/7 Free Little Library, and an Annual Glendale concert July 6th on the outdoor stage. The facility is also a comfort centre in the event of an emergency in the Glendale and surrounding community.
Inverness Miners’ Museum
15932 Central Avenue, Inverness
invernessminersmuseum.com
Facebook: InvernessMinersMuseum
Open: June 8 to August 28, 2026
Hours of operation:
Tuesday to Friday, Noon – 4 p.m. (June)
Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (July & August)
Admission by donation.
The Inverness Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, communicating, interpreting, and promoting the history, heritage, and culture of the community of Inverness and the surrounding area. The Inverness Miners Museum is situated in the beautiful coastal village of Inverness on and showcases the region’s 19th and 20th-century coal-mining history. They have relocated to an accessible building at 15932 Central Avenue, with parking available at the rear.
Les Trois Pignons
15584 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp
902-224-2642
lestroispignons.com
Facebook: LesTroisPignons
Open: May 11 – October 23, 2026
Hours of Operation:
Every day from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (open until 6 p.m. in July and August)
Admission: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors; $20 family rate; under 12 free.
Visit us for a unique look into Acadian culture and the history of Chéticamp, including the renowned Elizabeth LeFort Gallery with three new pieces added this year, a rich collection of hooked rugs and antiques, a genealogy resource centre, and visitor information. Enjoy vibrant summer programming with concerts, Acadian animated evenings, outdoor shows, Roots to Boots Festival (June 11-14), Festival de l’Escaouette (July 30- August 2), Canada Day, National Acadian Day celebrations, artist showcases, and pop-up exhibits. Volunteer opportunities are also available to be part of our culture and community.
MacDonald House Museum and Heritage Site
3458 Highway 395, East Lake Ainslie
902-258-3317
macdonaldhousemuseum.ca
Facebook: MacDonaldHouseMuseum
Instagram: macdonaldhouse_la
Open: Daily in July and August
Other times available by appointment.
Admission fees: $5 for adults or $10 for a family (2 adults and children).
MacDonald House tells the story of Lake Ainslie. As well as the 1850s house, the school and barns, we host monthly special events like workshops, Ceilidhs featuring Gaelic and song, youth fun days, our Open House in mid August with food, entertainment and tours. Views of Lake Ainslie from the museum are spectacular. We invite you to visit and take part in our programs. Volunteers welcome. Access the Trans Canada Trail from our site, parking available.
Margaree Salmon Museum
60 East Big Intervale Road, North East Margaree
902-248-2848
margareesalmonmuseum.ca
Facebook: TheMargareeSalmonMuseum
Instagram: margaree_salmon_museum
Open: June 24 – October 18, 2026
Hours of Operation: Wed – Sun, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission is $5 per adult, $2 per child
The Margaree Salmon Museum, now in its 61st year, shares the rich history of the Margaree River, a designated Canadian Heritage River, world-renowned for its Atlantic salmon fishing. Exhibits relate to salmon angling flies, rods and reels, and famous fishers. Recognition of salmon as food for the Mi’kmaq and for settler communities on the Margaree is also a part of the museum’s story. Practical information for anglers available. Visitors learn about the importance of conservation. Watch for summer events and our annual ‘fun day’ celebration of World Rivers Day in late September.
Mi-Carême Centre
51 Old Cabot Trail Road, Grand-Étang
902-224-1016
micareme.com
Facebook: lamicareme
Open: July 1 to October 19, 2026
Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission Fees: Adult: (19 to 64) $5
Senior & Student: $4
Child: (5 and under)
Free Family: (2 adults, 2–3 children) $12
The Mi-Carême Centre is the only interpretive centre in Canada dedicated to the wonderfully whimsical Mi-Carême (Mid-Lent) celebration. A team of passionate guides will lead you in discovering the centuries-old fantastic and fun-filled Acadian tradition of the Mi-Carême, which is still celebrated every winter in the Grand Étang area. Café Joe, a social enterprise, is situated in this Centre. Stop in for the best expresso on the Cabot Trail and locally made treats.
Orangedale Railway Museum
1428 Village Road, Orangedale
902-756-3384
Facebook: OrangedaleTrainStationMuseum
Open: July 1 – September 1, 2026
Hours of Operation: Every day 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Admission by donation via cash or etransfer
Built in 1886, this classic 19th century Intercolonial Railway styled structure was operational until 1990. The two main buildings are now home to a gift shop and exhibits of various railroad information and artifacts pertaining to the historical and cultural aspects of the Short Line – Main Line railroad through Cape Breton Island. The Caboose, Snow plow, the railway station, and the Station Master’s living quarters are open for visitors to explore. Canada Day celebrations onsite! Volunteers always welcome!
Storytellers Gallery
5663 Highway 19, Judique
Facebook: StorytellersGalleryJudique
Open: June 15 – October 17, 2026
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Mornings by chance.
Admission by donation.
The Storytellers Gallery was Jack MacDougall’s Store for many years and now preserves and shares the history of Judique and district through the Suidiac Air an Urlar Historical and Cultural Society. On display are historical photographs and local artifacts of the area depicting lifestyles of the past and a collection of family histories. Be sure to visit us during “Judique on the Floor” Days, the week following the August Natal Day. The Storytellers Gallery welcomes you to an afternoon Tartan Tea on Wednesday, August 5th.
Strait Area Museum
24 Highway 19, Port Hastings
902-625-1295
straitareamuseum.ca
Facebook: PortHastingsMuseum
Open: May 18 – October 18, 2025
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (May/June, Sept/Oct)
Daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (July & August)
Off season – Mondays 9 a.m. – noon or by appointment
Admission by donation
Members of the Port Hastings Historical Society have been preserving the history of the Strait Area with displays on the construction of the Canso Causeway and its impact on the people and communities in the area, model ship display, local history, early 20th century lifestyle, railroads, and ferries. Extensive archives and materials for genealogical research are also available on-site.
Whale Interpretive Centre
104 Harbour Road, Pleasant Bay
902-224-1411
Facebook: whaleintcentre
Open: June 15 – October 15, 2025
Hours of Operation: Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., June & October
10 a.m. – 6 p.m., July – September
Admission: Adults $6, Seniors & students $5, Family $19. Discounted rate for larger groups.
The Whale Interpretive Centre is a fun and educational space for all ages with various exhibits on the 16 whale species sighted here in Cape Breton. Children will enjoy the eye spy game in the kids’ corner and visitors of all ages can hear the whales and see a 3D life size model of a pilot whale while enjoying amazing harbour, beach, ocean, and mountain views. Information is displayed on local fishing and wildlife, trails, and businesses in the area. Located next to local whale tours and picnic areas.