Cape Breton Miners' Museum
Cape Breton Miners' Museum
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
540 reviews
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5
Carolyn J
Gilford, NH10 contributions
Jul 2023
If you are, as we were, sympathetic to the difficult, risky work of miners and interested in how it was possible to extract coal from deep under the ocean, you might be tempted to visit this "museum" to learn more. Resist. It is a sham and a farce from beginning to end. Three young attendants at the entrance will take your money, ineptly run the orientation film with its barely intelligible sound track and operate the "intercom" with the retired miner running the current tour. There are no statistics or useful information about the mining operation or lives of miners in the displays such as a real museum would set forth, just a bunch of odds and ends. The actual tour never takes the group inside a real portion of the closed mines, it is all staged, from the Disneyfied "ride" down to the plastic rat and flowers -- and stays far away from the actual mine. The only real thing was the retired miner whose voice we could almost hear as he related stories of accidents and mining management mistreatment. A sad waste of time, money and potential.
Written August 7, 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.
Dear carolynj720,
So sorry you did not enjoy your experience with us. The coal mine is actually a real coal mine.
Safe travels,
Mary Pat
Written August 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tonypcd
Los Angeles, CA31 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
The Cape Breton Miners Museum is an amazing attraction. It is affordable and a huge value for the money. It is admittedly off the beaten path but a moderate CBRM bus ride from Sydney and a very short walk and you step back into the rich mining history of Cape Breton. The museum exhibits and memorial is top notch and only surpassed by the tour and tour guides. We had Mr. Eric Spencer who was informative, sincere and funny. Amazing to have this attitude after a lifetime in the mines himself. The tour was the real deal in a retired mine. Patrons are exposed to the incredibly difficult conditions and even if for a short time the experience conveys the effort it took for the miners to go into the pit every day. It was a wonderful experience that won’t be forgotten and hopefully repeated someday. Worth doing even on a short cruise ship turn around. If you want an adventure on Cape Breton Island this is it. Oh and the Miner’s Cafe is amazing. Go early on a night that the Men of the Deep choir is performing at the museum for the full experience.
Written July 8, 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.
Dear Tonypcd,
Thank you for sharing your review of our Museum with TripAdvisor. Eric Spencer is a wonderful mine guide and a very knowledgeable story teller. Looking forward to hosting you again sometime in the future.
Safe travels,
Mary Pat
Written August 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
localcanadian793
Halifax, Canada138 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We enjoyed the above ground part of the tour very much! The stimulator was very enjoyable, the couple on the screen were amazingly engaging and really knew how to tell a story!
As far as the underground tour goes, it was far too long in my opinion, we spent almost 2 full hours down there, over half of that was crouching in the low areas of the mine.
If you go, be prepared for wet, muddy conditions in which you will be crouching the majority of the time.
I recommend watching the video in the mini theatre before the tour as it provides some background of what the earlier miners went through. I can not imagine the hardships they faced.
I’m very glad we brought ourselves and our teens on this very historically accurate tour!
As far as the underground tour goes, it was far too long in my opinion, we spent almost 2 full hours down there, over half of that was crouching in the low areas of the mine.
If you go, be prepared for wet, muddy conditions in which you will be crouching the majority of the time.
I recommend watching the video in the mini theatre before the tour as it provides some background of what the earlier miners went through. I can not imagine the hardships they faced.
I’m very glad we brought ourselves and our teens on this very historically accurate tour!
Written July 27, 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.
Dear localcanadian,
Thank you for sharing your review of our museum with TripAdvisor. The tour underground can be uncomfortable but for individuals without mobility issues it is a visitor favourite.
Safe travels,
Mary Pat
Written August 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BobN06
Avondale, PA720 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Historical recreation of the original coal mining village attached to a visitor center built around the mine entrance. Coal was a big part of Sydney history and this museum tells the story and allows you to experience the mine. Our visit was with one of the mine veterans and it gave us a real sense of what it was like in the mine. You only go a short way out and under the water so I cannot imagine what it was like to go miles into these tunnels.
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.
Danny Switzer
Peterborough, Canada223 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
This is the one place to visit when you visit the area. We got very luck to be able to go as it’s the off season, and we’re able to join a couple other groups for the tour. Lot of information, and our tour guide terry, who use to work in the mines, was full of knowledge, and was able to answer any questions that you had. All staff present where very friendly. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit here, if you get the opportunity. Was definitely the highlight of our off season vacation to the area.
Written November 27, 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.
Ron W
Oshawa, Canada1 contribution
Sept 2021 • Couples
We absolutely loved our tour!!! Our guide was Eric a miner with 30 years punched. The history of the company and its treatment of the workers was unbelievable. But the actual fondness of Eric’s coworkers and community was enviable. It’s something you have to see to crawl along in a 42” high coal seem and imagine doing that everyday is a once in a lifetime experience. Honestly the best tour I’ve ever done of anything anywhere !!
If your in cape Breton make the time it will not disappoint. Warning it is strenuous on the legs and back
If your in cape Breton make the time it will not disappoint. Warning it is strenuous on the legs and back
Written September 17, 2021
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.
Dear Ronward,
Thank you for your great review! Your experience is exactly what we hope our visitors will take away with them. Even the uncomfortable moments of crouching through 4'2" tunnels help us connect to the experience of the miner's daily life.
Safe travels,
Mary Pat
Written January 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ramon Casiano
Juniper, Canada14 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
This is a must go to, we went to Louisburg in the morning and Miners Museum in the afternoon! The underground tour is great, amazing stories that keep you entirely engaged. Tough on taller people or if you have a bad back. Next time I will bring a kneeling pad to be more comfortable during the stops. Perhaps they could offer that there?
Written March 28, 2021
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.
Dear motorhead2469,
Thanks for posting your review on TripAdvisor. That's an interesting idea about kneeling pads.
I will look into it.
Safe travels,
Mary Pat
Written August 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alex M
Kitchener, Canada148 contributions
Aug 2021
A lovely place to learn about the history of coal mining in the region. I have been here a few times taking various visitors to the museum. Take the tour and enjoy the history given by real coal miners and their experiences.
I don't have anything bad to say, they basically have adapted it nicely do to Covid.
I don't have anything bad to say, they basically have adapted it nicely do to Covid.
Written August 18, 2021
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.
Dear alexmac131,
Thank you for posting your review on TrpAdvisor. It is very nice to hear from a repeat visitor and we are grateful for your recommendation.
Safe travels,
Mary Pat
Written August 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul H
Philadelphia, PA197 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
If I could I would give this 6 stars. The museum itself is interesting and well curated. But the highlight was the guided tour of a mine replica. The guide, a retired miner himself, was full of information: technical details, history (including some of the dark parts), and lived experience, all related in a warm and engaging manner. I actually found it a moving experience. Be aware though: I am a little under 6', and I had to spend 30 minutes walking bent over nearly double. Thank heavens they issue and require hard hats!
Written June 21, 2024
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.
Dear paullhU5674BE,
We are so glad you enjoyed the time you spent with us. Our guides are indeed the Museum's greatest assets. Thanks so much for letting us know that you appreciated their expertise.
Safe travels,
Mary Pat
Written June 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eric F
8 contributions
Aug 2022
This is always a highlight of our visits to CB. I'm from Glace Bay and have visited many times, but I always learn more details on every visit. The tour guides have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and always give a great tour, and it's always a new experience every time.
The mine simulator is really well done.
The miner's village offers a great insight into the daily life of the miners, and the history of the area.
My kids always insist on going back every year, they love to learn more about the history of the town and the difficult life of the miners.
I highly recommend visiting here.
The mine simulator is really well done.
The miner's village offers a great insight into the daily life of the miners, and the history of the area.
My kids always insist on going back every year, they love to learn more about the history of the town and the difficult life of the miners.
I highly recommend visiting here.
Written August 21, 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.
The actual mine tour would not work for me (claustrophobia) or my husband (back surgeries) Has anyone done the virtual tour? Although not the same experience, I assume it would give an idea of the miners life? How long is the virtual tour?
Written June 6, 2023
They are open 10am-6pm 7 days a week. Bring a tip for your guide! It’s well worth it! If you google ‘Cape Breton Miners Museum’ it comes up with the hours.
Written September 22, 2018
how long is the tour? trying to squeeze it in before flying home to Ontario
Written August 25, 2018
At least an hour for the tour itself I would say. There is a museum you can walk through in that building and some outer buildings. I would 2 hrs to be there
Written August 26, 2018
I want to come to the museum on the 12th of July and would like to know which bus is it that we need to take on Dorchester St. please. Also, what stop do we get off and how will we find the museum once we disembark from the bus? Thanks.
Written July 3, 2016
marypat m
Glace Bay, Canada
The bus stop is about 4 blocks from the pier. Take Esplanade to Dorchester to George. Wait at the glass-enclosed bus stop on Dorchester just short of George Street. Take the #1 Glace Bay bus at 10:00 or 11:00am. It may arrive early but it will wait and leave on the hour. The ride takes about 50 minutes. Once you arrive in Glace Bay, get off on Commercial (between
Marconi and York, across the street from Tim Hortons). Walk downhill on Commercial St. Commercial becomes South after you cross over a stream. Continue on South St and turn left at Birkley St. The museum will be straight ahead, about 2 blocks. (Total walk is 1.1 km, which will take you about 20 minutes). You will see occasional signage.
The Miners' Museum has a movie and exhibits on coal mining, methods, tools, and history. The real value in visiting the museum is the tour, led by retired coal miners who share with you their coal mining experiences.You go underground into a 1932 'room and pillar' coal mine where you will see coal-lined walls and learn from a true insider about the mining
methods and working conditions. He will share his stories with you as you enter one tunnel after another. Our tour lasts at least an hour. Highly recommended! Tours are not scheduled.
Catch the return bus on Marconi Street, near where you arrived, on the hour. If you get back to the bus stop a little early, stop in at Tim Hortons for a fresh Krispy Kreme-style doughnut or muffin, and coffee or hot chocolate.
Cost for the bus is $3.25pp 1 way (except Saturdays where all fares are just 1 Loonie).Allow a total of 6 hours for this excursion (1.5 hours for the bus and walk each way and 3 hours for the museum and mine tour).
All the best,
Mary Pat
Mary Pat Mombourquette
Executive Director
(902) 849-4522
Written July 10, 2016
What is the most economical way to get to the museum from Sydney? We are coming into Sydney on a cruise ship and really want to take in the Miner's Museum. Is it best to catch a taxi from Sydney or arrange to have a private car take us?
Written April 21, 2015
marypat m
Glace Bay, Canada
You can catch a cab away from the pier and it will cost you $25.00 one way. Renting a car would be a little costlier but you could make other stops along the way. For a really inexpensive trip to Glace Bay you can catch the bus on Dorchester Street for $1.25 one way. It is about one hour trip this way, car or taxi would be half an hour. Also if you come by bus and you get dropped off and will need to walk about a 20 minute to reach us. Please let me know if you have more questions or need further details.
Written April 22, 2015
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