Best Things to do in Inverness, Nova Scotia
Inverness is a small, charming town on the western coast of Cape Breton Island. Once a bustling coal mining town in Nova Scotia, Inverness has transformed into a popular tourist destination, famous for its long stretch of sandy beach, world-class golf, and a laid-back, welcoming vibe.
We were lucky to call Inverness our home for a year and a half. It was our base staying in Cape Breton and we absolutely loved it here. In this post, we will be sharing the things we loved and the best things to do in Inverness.
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Things to Do In Inverness, Nova Scotia
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Inverness, Nova Scotia.
1. Hit the Links at Cabot Cape Breton
No visit to Inverness is complete without experiencing the magic of Cabot Cape Breton. Home to two of the world’s top 100 golf courses – Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs – this resort is a golfer’s paradise. And yes, some celebrities even go here to golf, though we haven’t seen anyone, we have seen several VIPs landing with their helicopters close to the boardwalk.
Even if you’re not a golfer, the stunning ocean views from the courses are worth taking in. You can also enjoy a meal at one of their fantastic restaurants (more on that below!).
2. Relax on Inverness Beach
Just steps from the town center, Inverness Beach is where most people go to – locals and tourist alike. This mile-long sandy beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll, building sandcastles, or simply soaking up the sun.
What makes it extra special? Its warm waters, the longest boardwalk in Nova Scotia, and the breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the nearby golf course. Keep an eye out for sea glass and enjoy the accessible boardwalk for all abilities.
3. Walk or Bike the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail
Inverness is a major hub on the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, a 92-kilometer multi-use trail that follows a former railway line along the coastline. Rent a bike, or simply enjoy a walk, taking in the stunning ocean views, charming communities, and rich Celtic heritage. Make sure to take the Coastal Trail map in your phone. It’s a fantastic way to explore the area at your own pace.
4. Savor Fresh Flavors at Coore’s Lobster Shack (at Cabot Cliffs)
For an authentic taste of Atlantic Canada, head to Coore’s Lobster Shack at Cabot Cliffs. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Enjoy classic Maritime lobster boils, fresh seafood, and smoked delights in a relaxed, rustic setting that perfectly complements the coastal vibe. It’s a must-do for seafood lovers!
5. Discover Local Treasures at The Corner Store by Miss Brenna
More than just a convenience store, The Corner Store by Miss Brenna is a curated gem. Stop in for freshly made gourmet grab-and-go items, delicious coffee, and a unique selection of local artisan goods, “Love Cape Breton” apparel, and specialty treats (We had one of the best muffins of our lives here!). It’s the perfect spot to pick up a thoughtful souvenir or a tasty snack for your adventures.
More Local Shops:
- Mill Road Social Enterprises: excellent local bakery & thrift store
- Quincy Street Market: locally owned shop selling clothes & gifts
6. Explore the Inverness Miner’s Museum
Delve into Inverness’s rich history at the Inverness Miner’s Museum. Learn about the town’s coal mining heritage through fascinating exhibits, artifacts, and stories. It’s a powerful reminder of the industry that shaped this community and the resilience of its people.
7. Catch a Sunset Over the Gulf of St. Lawrence
The sunsets in Inverness are legendary. Find a spot on Inverness Beach, along the boardwalk, or at one of the Cabot Links viewpoints, and watch as the sky ignites with vibrant colors.
As this part on Cape Breton is in the west, we can guarantee that the sunset here is amazing! This reminds us of sunsets traveling around Asia. It’s a truly magical and unforgettable sight, and almost 50% of our photos here are of the sunset.
8. Indulge in High-End Dining with a View at The Annex
Imagine having dinner with panoramic views where you can dine in or take out one of the patio spots. The Annex offers exquisite cuisine with seafood options. This is also highly-recommended by locals.
9. Visit the Inverness County Centre for the Arts
Immerse yourself in the local arts scene at the Inverness County Centre for the Arts. This vibrant hub features rotating exhibitions from local and regional artists, workshops, and events. It’s a wonderful place to appreciate the creative spirit of Cape Breton.
10. Watch a Horse Race
Inverness is home to a historical racetrack! Races are held every Sunday afternoon from May to October and also Wednesday evenings throughout July and August. When we were here, we didn’t expect a race track in a small town, but we checked it out and had fun watching and cheering!
11. Join the Town of Inverness for the Gathering Week
Though last on the list, this is probably the best thing to do in Inverness – or the best time to be in Inverness. As the celebration name, it is the gathering of the community in special events, think of a family reunion but its the entire town.
The celebration goes for a week and you can check their website for schedule of daily events. Our favorite things include the free boat ride with the fishermen, the dances and the parade.
Where To Eat In Inverness?
As a small town, Inverness has surprisingly plenty of options from takeout options to pizzas to fine dining all within walking distance of each other.
- Route 19 Brewery: local brewery with amazing nachos
- Whit’s Public House: local beers on tap with excellent pizza and hot sandwiches
- The Crab Shack: locally-sourced and locally-owned, serving good seafood options!
- The Panorama Restaurant: fine dining with panoramic views of the golf course
- The Dancing Goat Cafe: local favourite bakery with coffee and sandwiches
- Coal Miner’s Cafe: good breakfast options and big servings
- Patty’s Pizza: another local favorite, have to call in advance for your pizza order
Top Things To Do Near Inverness, Nova Scotia
1. Visit Egypt Falls
A 20-minute drive inland will take you to the start of the Egypt Falls trail. This free hike is only about 1km but is moderately challenging with uneven ground. Your reward is an incredibly picturesque waterfall in the middle of the wilderness. Visit after a rainfall for the best views.
2. Hike the Salt Mountain Trail
The Salt Mountain Trail in Whycocomagh is 9.5 km (5.9 mi) return, takes 3+ hours, and is relatively steep. However the full hike is absolutely optional; we prefer to do the much shorter hike to the lookout point over the lake.
3. Go Square Dancing
Inverness is known as the ‘musical coast’, famous for it’s globally recognized fiddle music. A local favorite event is square dancing. You can find events in a few spots just outside of town, such as at The Barn, or in Mabou.
4. Mabou Farmer’s Market
Every Sunday from 11am to 2pm in the summer and fall is the Mabou Farmer’s Market. A great spot to try local foods, and shop local crafts.
5. Relax at West Mabou Beach Provincial Park
After shopping at the Mabou Farmer’s Market, head to is spot for an amazing beach day. It is not as long as Inverness Beach but it is equally beautiful and a sandy beach. There is a short hike overlooking the beach if you wanted to stretch your legs or simply take good photos of the area.
We came back here during fall for a quick walk. If you are wondering if its a good time to visit, we made a list of best things to do in Cape Breton in the fall.
6. Explore Lake Ainslee
Just south of town is Lake Ainslee. Although there’s no trail that does a full loop around the lake, we like to park here and take the trail about 1km south to the shoreline, find a quiet spot and listen to the sounds of nature (and occasional bald eagle sightings!)
7. Glenora Distillery Tour
In our full Cape Breton guide we mentioned Glenora Distillery. Here you can take a tour through their Whisky Distillery. It’s quite affordable and comes with samples at the end – we really enjoyed it.
Top Spots to Stay in Inverness Nova Scotia
In peak travel season, stays in Inverness sell out very fast. There aren’t any hotels in town, however there’s a campground and a few multi-unit facilities which cater to golfers.
Final Thoughts
Inverness truly offers something for everyone, from sunset lovers and golf enthusiasts to travelers simply seeking relaxation and cultural immersion. So pack your bags, and get ready to discover the charm and beauty of this incredible Cape Breton destination!
Finding your next Canadian destination? Make sure not to miss the our guide to Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, Gros Morne National Park and our 1-week itinerary for Banff and Jasper National Park.
If you are travelling around Canada, make sure you leverage your travel spending and day-to-day spending to have more travels. If you want to learn more about travelling for less using points, check out the Best Travel Credit Cards & Current Highest Offers in Canada and learn more about each cards benefits. Note: It is more than just free flight points! We frequently update this page to make sure you find the latest info.
Happy Travels!
