Baddeck

Travel Guide

Baddeck which includes street scenes and a small town or village
Baddeck which includes a church or cathedral
Baddeck featuring a bay or harbor and a house
Baddeck featuring street scenes and a house
Baddeck featuring sailing

This lakeside village appeals with its scenery, history and outdoor pursuits. Kayak to an island, ski through forests and visit the home of the inventor of the telephone. 

Baddeck is an attractive village on the shores of Bras d'Or Lake, a place of scenic beauty and adventure. Try different outdoor pursuits and wildlife watching and drive or cycle along a coastal route that winds through mountains and villages.

The unhurried, leafy streets of Baddeck are pleasant to explore on foot. Check out the colorful clapboard houses, many of which double up as guesthouses, hotels, cafés and restaurants. Browse the antique stores, boutiques, independent galleries and jewelry shops. Make your way over to the east edge of the village to visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Explore the museum to discover more about the inventor of the telephone, who made Baddeck his summer home. Learn about his experiments with boats and planes and see replica models.

Go to the waterfront and enjoy a relaxed stroll around Baddeck Harbour and the northern shores of Bras d’Or Lake. Spot luxury yachts and old fishing boats moored in the water and admire the views across the lake to nearby islands.

The harbor is a great base for watersports activities such as waterskiing and Jet Skiing. Join a kayaking tour or catch the shuttle boat to Kidston Island for its beaches, walking trails, lighthouse and bald eagles. Kayak tours also explore more of Bras d’Or Lake and St. Ann’s Bay.

A short drive from Baddeck are more opportunities for outdoor adventures amid the region’s natural beauty. Hike along the trails of Usige Ban Falls Provincial Park to a striking 50-feet (16-meter) tall waterfall. Drive or bike along the Cabot Trail, which passes beaches, lakes, mountains and villages. When the winter snow arrives go cross-country skiing at Ski Tuonela.

Baddeck is about a 4-hour drive from Halifax and reachable via intercity buses. Rent a car and visit other areas of Cape Breton Island, including Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site. Both are approximately 90 minutes away by car along scenic routes.

Silver Dart Lodge
Silver Dart Lodge
4 out of 5
257 Shore Rd, Baddeck, NS
$129 nightly
The price is $151 total per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
$151 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Baddeck. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,021 reviews)
"Loved the heated pool!"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Silver Dart Lodge
Ceilidh Country Lodge
Ceilidh Country Lodge
2.5 out of 5
369 Shore Road, Baddeck, NS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$116 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$137 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Baddeck. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (852 reviews)
"My mom and I stayed here for one night on our way to Cabot Trail. It was perfect for our purposes. The room was very clean. The complimentary breakfast had good options. The staff were all very friendly. I'd definitely book again."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Ceilidh Country Lodge
Auberge Gisele's Inn
Auberge Gisele's Inn
4 out of 5
387 Shore Road, Baddeck, NS
$128 nightly
The price is $151 total per night from Jul 4 to Jul 5
$151 total
Jul 4 - Jul 5
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly inn in Baddeck. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"The hotel is quaint and located on a beautiful property. The landscaping is amazing. The staff was very welcoming and knowledgeable. It’s just a short walk to the waterfront, restaurants, and shopping!"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Auberge Gisele's Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Modern Apartment in the Heart of Baddeck
Modern Apartment in the Heart of Baddeck
Baddeck
Stay at this apartment in Baddeck. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Gilbert H. Grosvenor Hall and Bras d'Or Lakes ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Amazing!"

Reviewed on Apr 7, 2025

Modern Apartment in the Heart of Baddeck
Private cabin in Boisdale. Perfect getaway for the whole family with a view!
Private cabin in Boisdale. Perfect getaway for the whole family with a view!
Boisdale
Stay at this vacation home in Boisdale. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions MacMullin Lake and Barachois Provincial Park ...
"It is a lovely place! Very private with a good scenic view."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Private cabin in Boisdale. Perfect getaway for the whole family with a view!
Spacious & Private home overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake.  Serenity NOW!
Spacious & Private home overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake. Serenity NOW!
Baddeck
Stay at this vacation home in Inlet Baddeck. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Washabuck River Nature Reserve and Mary Harper Nature ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"We absolutely loved our stay here. We spent a lot of time on the deck looking at the beautiful water view. Very comfortable furniture outside and inside. Tons of space for everyone to spread out if needed, well-stocked kitchen, great coffee maker. Terrific place to use as a base for exploring Cape ..."

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Spacious & Private home overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake. Serenity NOW!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Baddeck

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
18
5 - Excellent 46%
4 - Good
20
4 - Good 51%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Baddeck is centrally located on the island. We found it to be accommodating to visitors without being touristy. We loved eating at the Telegraph Hotel, the High Wheeler. the Freight Shed. Don't miss the Ceilidh nearby.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Baddeck is a wonderful little town, in a beautiful setting with very friendly people. We had 2 incredible meals at the Freight Shed! The location at the start of the Cabot Trail is ideal!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Bad deck was very nice. Resort was great but breakfast buffet was expensive.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Our trip was to ride on motorcycles the Cabot trail. Baddeck is a very cute town and has many restaurants.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Convenient stop before heading to our cape Brenton hikes

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful area