If chasing fall colours and fiddles sounds like your kind of holiday, then consider this Cabot Trail fall road trip itinerary your sign to book the trip. The Celtic Colours International Festival is one of the most beautiful ways to experience music, culture, and community in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. With concerts happening in dozens of small towns across the island, it’s the best way to take it all in at a pace that allows you to savour every moment.
In this 9-day guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your Celtic Colours 2025 trip—where to stay, what concerts to target, things to do in Cape Breton in October, and how to make the most of your time. Cape Breton isn’t a big island, but it’s packed with things worth slowing down for. So plan your Cabot Trail fall road trip to line up with Celtic Colours and you’ll be in for one of the most unforgettable road trips of your life. Let’s get to it.
What’s New at Celtic Colours 2025
This year’s theme is “Milestones and Memories,” and the 29th Celtic Colours International Festival is pulling out all the stops with 51 concerts and more than 250 cultural experiences across Cape Breton Island.
The festival kicks off Friday, October 10 in Port Hawkesbury with The Barra MacNeils, David Francey, Flook, and the MacArthur Dancers—and wraps up in Sydney with a powerhouse Grand Finale featuring Jimmy Rankin and an all-star collaboration you’ll be talking about long after it ends.
Expect big names like Beòlach, Mary Jane Lamond, Ashley MacIsaac, J.P. Cormier, Vishtèn, Solas, Heather Rankin, and David Francey sharing the stage with international performers from Scotland, Ireland, and beyond.
Special anniversary shows will celebrate Beòlach’s 25th, Solas’ 30th, and Ceòlas’ 30th. Plus tributes to Cape Breton icons including Alistair MacLeod, the North Shore Gaelic Singers, and Cyril MacPhee.
Of course, you’ll still find the heart of the festival in the community meals, fiddlers’ showcases, square dances, Gaelic milling frolics, and yes—even the Festival Club, open late every night and always full of surprises.
Tickets go on sale July 8 at celticcolours.ca. Can’t make it in person? You can still stream nightly concerts online and enjoy a little piece of Cape Breton wherever you are.
This itinerary starts in Port Hawkesbury and ends in Sydney for the festival finale, syncing scenic drives with nightly concerts, local culture, and cozy stays. Use it as your 2025 planning guide, and book early! Tickets go on sale July 8, and popular shows (like the Fortress of Louisbourg concert) go fast.
The key? Stay flexible and ready to pivot. Even if your top pick sells out, chances are there’s another amazing show — and another stunning view — just a short drive away.
Cabot Trail Fall Road Trip – Fiddles and Fall Colours
Quick Glance Itinerary
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Port Hawkesbury | Arrival and first concert |
| 2 | Inverness & Ceilidh Trail | Scenic drive, community meal, afternoon concert |
| 3 | Louisbourg | Fortress visit and concert (or backup venues) |
| 4 | Glenora & Judique | Seal Island Bridge, scenic lookouts, evening show |
| 5 | Cabot Trail East to Baddeck | Ingonish, Franey hike, Ingonish Beach, evening concert |
| 6 | Cabot Trail West to Chéticamp | Pleasant Bay, Acadian culture, Festival Club |
| 7 | Iona | Bras d’Or Lake, Highland Village, community supper |
| 8 | Sydney | Scenic detours, seafood supper, settle in for finale |
| 9 | Sydney (Festival Finale) | Downtown stroll, matinee options, final concert |
Friday, October 10 – Arrive in Port Hawkesbury
Pick up your rental car, grab a drink, and settle in. You’re officially on Celtic Colours time.
What to do:
Check into the Maritime Inn Port Hawkesbury
Walk the waterfront or grab dinner at Miller’s Tap & Grill located in the lower part of inn.
Evening Concert Venue:
Walk from the inn to catch The Grand Opening at Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre – 7:30 PM
Retire early tonight. Remember this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Saturday, October 11 – Inverness & the Ceilidh Trail
Morning:
Head north on the Ceilidh Trail, stopping in Mabou for breakfast or a walk along the beach.
Before your first concert, consider stopping for a community meal. This Seafood Chowder Lunch should hit the spot.
Afternoon Concert Venue:
To Everything There Is A Season: A Nod to Alistair MacLeod – St. Matthew’s United Church, Inverness – 2:00 PM
Where to Stay:
After your concert, make your way to Louisbourg and check into the North Star Inn for the next two nights. Enjoy dinner tonight in The Bothy.
Sunday, October 12 – Fortress of Louisbourg (or Plan B)
Important note for today:
I really want you to get tickets to this event, but I can’t guarantee it. So, if you want to attend, be at your computer when tickets go on sale July 8 and book this concert first.
Morning:
Have a leisurely breakfast at the North Star before heading out to explore the lighthouse and the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This a Canadian historic gem and the most unique concert venue on the schedule.
Evening Concert Venue:
Step Into the Past – Fortress of Louisbourg Chapel – 6:00 PM
Plan B (if it’s sold out):
- Raising the Roof – Boisdale Fire Hall
- Whycocomagh Gathering – Whycocomagh Education Centre
- Celtic Cabaret – Membertou Trade & Convention Centre (19+)
Where to Stay:
This is your last night at the North Star Inn. Soak in the brilliant mix of Scottish and Cape Breton hospitality.
Want to learn more about the festival?
Find out how the Celtic Colours International Festival brings fall in Cape Breton to life through music, culture, and community.
Monday, October 13 – Seal Island Bridge to Glenora
Leave Louisbourg and head west across the Seal Island Bridge. Stop at St. Ann’s Lookout for one of the most iconic fall photo ops in Cape Breton. From there, make your way toward Glenora, exploring the winding roads and southern Cabot Trail.
If you’re crafty, stop at the Scotsville School of Crafts weaving demo.
Evening Concert Venue:
Reel Roots – Judique Community Centre – 7:30 PM
Where to Stay:
This is a hotel you do not want to miss. The Glenora Inn & Distillery in the autumn looks like something plucked from a movie set. With an absolutely stunning backdrop, craft whiskey, and Cape Breton charm, I can’t recommend this stop enough.
Need help booking your stay?
From seaside inns to charming resorts, I’ve got you covered with the best places to stay during Celtic Colours.
Tuesday, October 14 – Cabot Trail East to Ingonish
Spend the day exploring the eastern stretch of the Cabot Trail. Stop in Ingonish to take in the coastline, grab a bite, and soak up the views.
If you’re into hiking, this is the day to tackle Franey Mountain for sweeping fall colour views. Don’t miss Ingonish Beach either.
Evening Concert Venue:
For the Love of Music – Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Baddeck – 7:30 PM
Where to Stay:
You’re going to want to knock off early tonight. You’ll need the energy for tomorrow. Thankfully, the Inverary Resort in Baddeck is the perfect place to rest your weary head.
Wednesday, October 15 – Cabot Trail West to Chéticamp
Exploring along the Cabot Trail continues, this time focusing on the western side. Plan stops in Pleasant Bay and Chéticamp, soaking up Acadian culture and dramatic coastal views before returning to Baddeck for the night.
Evening Concert Venue:
Girls Night Out – MacAulay Conference Centre, Inverary Resort, Baddeck – 7:30 PM (19+)
Bonus: Festival Club After-Hours
This is the night to trip the light fantastic. Head to the Festival Club in St. Ann’s for late-night music, dancing, and an epic dose of Celtic magic.
Where to Stay:
One last blissful slumber at the Inverary Resort, Baddeck
Thursday, October 16 – Scenic Drive to Iona
Enjoy a leisurely drive to Iona, with stops around Bras d’Or Lake or Whycocomagh. Spend your afternoon immersed in living history at the Highland Village Museum.
Afternoon Concert Venue:
Ellen Brèagha (Beautiful Island) – Malagawatch Church, Highland Village – 2:00 PM
Evening Options:
Consider a cozy community supper in East Margaree, or if you’ve still got energy, catch an evening show in Judique, Ingonish, Belle Côte, or Theatre Baddeck.
Where to Stay:
The Iona Heights Inn sits high overlooking the Bras D’or Lakes and offers epic views from every room.
Only have a few days?
Here’s how to tackle the Cabot Trail in just three days without missing the magic of Cape Breton.
Friday, October 17 – Scenic Stops and Final Concert Options
Begin making your way toward Sydney. Explore Marion Bridge, St. Peter’s, or the Mira River region for scenic views and a slower pace.
As you near the end of your time here, what could be better than a concert and fresh seafood? Absolutely nothing. So today make your way to Sounds and Supper by the Sea. Live music starts at 1:00pm and dining begins at 3:00pm.
Where to Stay:
Check in for your final two nights at The Simon Hotel, Sydney, a great location for exploring downtown and walking to the final concert at Centre 200.
Saturday, October 18 – Festival Finale in Sydney
It’s the last day of Celtic Colours 2025. Enjoy a slow start with brunch, a visit to the Big Fiddle, or a stroll on the boardwalk.
Afternoon Concert Options (if you want one last matinee):
Piper’s Ceilidh – St. Ann’s – Gaelic College – 2:00 PM
Gaelic in the Glen – Glendale – St. Mary of the Angels Parish Hall – 2:00 PM
Evening Concert Venue:
The Grand Finale – Centre 200, Sydney – 7:30 PM
Where to Stay:
Head back to The Simon Hotel. Wrap up the festival and your road trip with a proper sleep before heading home the next day.
Final Tips for Your Cabot Trail Fall Road Trip
Tickets go on sale July 8. Don’t wait on the popular shows—Fortress of Louisbourg will sell out fast. Be online and ready to book the second they’re available.
Book your accommodations early. Especially in smaller communities where there are limited options, places fill up quickly once concert schedules are released.
A rental car is essential. This isn’t a trip where public transit will cut it. You’ll need your own wheels to get to concerts, coastal stops, and backroads gems.
Be prepared for some driving time—but it’s worth it. The views are part of the experience. Pack snacks, make a playlist, and enjoy the ride.
You will never see and do it all — and that’s the point. There’s a reason people return year after year for Celtic Colours. Don’t try to cram everything in. Pace yourself, savour the moments, and leave room to be surprised. This festival is just as much about the journey as the destination.
Community meals are a must. In my humble (but correct) opinion, these are one of the best parts of the whole festival. They’re incredibly budget-friendly, packed with local flavour, and offer some of the best homecooked food you’ll have all year. Don’t miss out—grab a ticket or two and go hungry.
Have backup concerts in mind. There’s great programming across the island every night, so even if you don’t get your first pick, chances are there’s another fantastic show just a short drive away.
Leave room in your car for preserves, pottery, and tartan everything. Trust me, you’re not leaving empty-handed.
Dress in layers. It’s fall in Nova Scotia. That means you might see fog, sun, wind, rain, and rainbows in the same afternoon. Come prepared, and you’ll be golden.
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Whether you’re coming for the music or the maple leaves, a Cabot Trail fall road trip will check every box. Just know that you’ll be planning your return before you leave the island.
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