Canada
Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Island
Iona
Things to do in Iona
Highland Village
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Highland Village

See all things to do
See all things to do
Highland Village
4.5
#1 of 4 things to do in Iona
Historic Sites
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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About
Experience the lifestyle of the Scots in Nova Scotia at the Village's Outdoor Pioneer Museum or look up your Cape Breton roots at the Genealogy and Family History Centre. The Highland Village is situated on a beautiful site overlooking the Bras d'Or Lakes and is open from May to mid October.
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The area
Address
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Restaurants
4 within 5 kms
The Frolic'n Folk Pub & Grill
112
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub • Canadian
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34
8.9 m$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe • Canadian
Wheelhouse Cafe
20
1.9 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Grand Narrows Waterfront Development Society
3
1.9 kmPizza • Seafood • Soups
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Attractions
7 within 10 kms
St. Barra st Columba Catholic Church
2
1.7 kmChurches & Cathedrals
MacCormack Provincial Park
5
1.7 kmParks
Bras d'Or Lake
102
Bodies of Water
Acadian Trail
88
Hiking Trails
Franey Mountain
66
Mountains
Gillis Point Lighthouse
3
4.5 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
Iona Port Beach
1.6 kmBeaches
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
349 reviews
Excellent
256
Very good
78
Average
8
Poor
5
Terrible
2
BobN06
Avondale, PA590 contributions
Great recreation site
Oct. 2023 • Family
This site represents the origin of 30% of the population of Cape Breton. Beautiful well maintained site that recreates some of the buildings that mark early Scottish history on the island. The museum has created a path that follows the history and each stop is manned by guides in period dress doing typical tasks. They engage you in a short description of the setting and their task but the real joy is engaging them is conversation. All are well informed and full of knowledge.
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ITRT
Virginia38,566 contributions
Living History Museum
Aug. 2023 • Friends
We drove through the countryside to reach this village during our Cape Breton Nova Scotia port call. The village is a re-creation of the lifestyle of the Scotish Gaelics’ who were among the first to settle this area. They were fleeing persecution in Scotland and we're looking for a better life for their families. There are 11 historic buildings on site allowing for a better understanding of everyday life from 1770 to 1920 for the Scottish immigrants. Many of the buildings were moved from other areas to this location in Iona. The original log cabin was eventually replaced with a replica. Deterioration destroyed the original which was built in the 1770s to 1830s was. The Black House, Center Chimney House, church, center hallway house and barn date from 1770s to the 1850s. From 1880s to 1920s saw the addition of a schoolhouse, general store, forge, carding mill and a turn of the century home. People dressed in period costume greeted visitors, answered questions, and gave demonstrations. I leaned that many of the workers are of Scottish decent and enjoy telling stories of their ancestors. The village overlooks Bras d Or Lake. Great learning activity for all ages.
Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon F
Philadelphia, PA73 contributions
History lesson that keeps the drama of actual life.
Sep. 2023 • Couples
A wonderful and fully immersive lesson about Scottish immigration during the time of poverty created by the greed of landlords and the subsequent destruction of the society in the highlands. People in costume, in houses and businesses that represented each stage of immigration and acclimation…over the course of 200 years. The places were for the most part, actual habitations and stores and craft shops. The docent were knowledgeable and stayed in character. We spent hours talking to everyone and seeing how the old time crafts and industry functioned. Simply marvelous.
Written September 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark P
New Germany, Canada49 contributions
Living history that exceeds expectations
Aug. 2023 • Couples
There are few places that evoke recent history as well as this museum. It sits in a wonderful setting, has benefitted from significant recent investment, and hooks the visitor in with details of the Scottish diaspora. For those in their prime (60 plus!) there are also some forgotten details of childhood to be reminded of and enjoyed.
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian
5 contributions
Wonderful!
Aug. 2023 • Family
Highland Village in Cape Breton is an enchanting destination that beautifully captures the essence of Nova Scotia heritage. The meticulously recreated village immerses visitors in a rich tapestry of culture, showcasing traditional buildings, skilled artisans, and captivating performances. The breathtaking landscapes surrounding the village further enhance the experience, transporting you to a bygone era
Written August 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorrie F
Toronto, Canada401 contributions
Excellent tour and museum! A must see!
Jul. 2023
We had no idea what to expect and it was a major highlight of the trip! To walk through all the buildings and meet and talk with all the representatives of the Scottish people who came and settled in the area. To see the progression of their life here and hear some of the stories! It was absolutely fascinating and we so highly recommend this site to visit!!!
Written July 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I326TFdavew
Amherst, NH130 contributions
History comes alive here!
Jun. 2023 • Couples
If you like history, this is the place in Nova Scotia to learn about the early Scots who made a go of it here in North America. Through the decades we visited homes and some of the folks showed us what living was like when they lived here. If you are in the area, don't miss it.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yabbayabbahey
Whitby, Canada17 contributions
A for sure tour!! 😀
Jun. 2023 • Couples
What a wonderful little place. Picturesque and full of history to be told by friendly folks in costumes!! We thoroughly enjoyed our time there 😀
Written June 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
smz42
Olney, MD82 contributions
Interesting outdoor Gaelic historical museum
Oct. 2022
The Highland Village Museum was interesting attraction with beautiful views of the Bras D'or Lakes.

It is an outdoor living history museum (with many old buildings) dedicated to Nova Scotia’s Gaelic folk-life, culture, and language. You get a guided brochure with a map and an order to visit the buildings. People in each building (Cultural Historians) are dressed in period costume and tell stories of what took place in those buildings.

Be aware that there is a lot of walking and some uneven, hilly terrain.
Written November 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JLC1481
Ontario, Canada111 contributions
Quick on the Draw
Aug. 2022
Hubby and I made an unscheduled stop here while out for a drive with his parents. His parents didn't want to join us for the tour due to mobility issues with walking around the grounds so we ran through quickly to see what we could and not want to leave them alone in the car too long.

The day was hot, the sunshine was wonderful and the views were amazing. The interactions with the Cultural Historians was very nice as well. We enjoyed listening to their stories.

We will definitely come back in the future when we made a plan for spending a bit more time.
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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HIGHLAND VILLAGE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Highland Village