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Arichat

Historic Acadian capital of Isle Madame — bishopric, cathedral, working harbour.

On the Fleur-de-lis Trail

Arichat is the largest village on Isle Madame, the small French-Acadian island clinging to Cape Breton's southern coast. It was once the seat of the Diocese of Antigonish (1844–1886), and Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church on the bluff is a beautiful 1837 stone cathedral worth the brief detour.

Lobster fishing is still the main industry, and a short loop drive around the island via D'Escousse and Petit-de-Grat takes about an hour and has constant views of the Atlantic.

Other towns along the same trails

L'Ardoise

Quiet Acadian fishing village on the Fleur-de-lis Trail.

Louisbourg

Fortress of Louisbourg — the largest reconstructed 18th-century fortified town in North America.

Port Hawkesbury

Industrial port at the Canso Causeway — the first town most visitors see crossing onto the island.

St. Peter's

Canal village linking the Bras d'Or Lake to the Atlantic — the only working canal east of the Welland.

Sydney

The island's largest city — port, university town, and home of the world's largest fiddle.

Around Cape Breton

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Arichat, Cape Breton | Cape Breton First