Big Pond: Beach, Festival Music and Local History

Big Pond combines a freshwater beach with recurring annual cultural events and local history. Different interests can shape your travel plans: Big Pond Beach offers a shoreline along Bras d'Or Lake, St. Mary's Catholic Church is part of a church tour, and the Celtic Colours International Festival brings concerts to Big Pond. Historic buildings also tell the story of their former uses as a schoolhouse, inn and station on the government stagecoach route.

Big Pond Beach on Bras d'Or Lake

Big Pond Beach is a sheltered, warm freshwater swimming spot on Bras d'Or Lake near East Bay. A long sandy stretch of shoreline defines the beach, which also has a small boat launch. This brings two different ways to enjoy the water together in one place: swimming by the lake and the option of launching a boat.

Church tours and festival music

St. Mary's Catholic Church in Big Pond is part of Doors Open for Churches, an annual tour of church buildings in Nova Scotia. The specific opening dates vary from year to year. The Celtic Colours International Festival celebrates the culture and traditions of Cape Breton each year over nine days, with music, singing and dance; concerts are also held in Big Pond during the festival. The schedules also change from year to year. Check the annual calendar to see whether you would like to include a church visit or a festival concert in your stay.

Rita's Tea Room and its history

Rita's Tea Room is permanently closed. The building was originally a one-room schoolhouse dating from the 1930s and was the first home of singer-songwriter Rita MacNeil. When it was in operation, it served homemade lunches and desserts. These are two chapters in its history: its former use as a school and MacNeil's connection to the place, followed by its later role as a tea room.

Lakeview House as a stagecoach station

Another historic stop is Lakeview House, built in Big Pond in 1882 as a residence and inn. It also served as a station on the government stagecoach route: passengers could be picked up and dropped off there, and drivers could change their teams of horses. While the building that later housed the tea room was first used as a schoolhouse, Lakeview House was built as a residence and inn and also served the stagecoach route.

More places to explore in Cape Breton County

For a broader look beyond Big Pond, the wider destination of Cape Breton County offers more to explore. Canoeing and kayaking are possible on the Mira River in Cape Breton County; the river is also a popular fishing spot, with several fish species including sea trout, shad, perch and American eels. At the Fortress of Louisbourg in Cape Breton County, you can explore the reconstructed town and several hiking and walking trails outside the fortress walls. It is the largest reconstructed 18th-century French fortress town in North America. Seasonal operations may affect access; check the latest visitor information before planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Marion Bridge, French Road, Louisbourg, Albert Bridge, Gabarus, Mira Gut, North Sydney, Port Morien

For the broader travel overview: Cape Breton County.