What Are We?

The Highland Village Museum is an outdoor living history museum that tells the story of Gaelic settlement in Nova Scotia. We are located on a stunning 43-acre property overlooking the majestic Bras d’Or Lakes in Iona, Nova Scotia, the heart of central Cape Breton.

What to Expect

Our 11 historic buildings are staffed by costumed animators who are passionate  about sharing the Gaelic culture of our ancestors. We also host special events and programs throughout the year.

Dates & Rates

You can experience the Highland Village daily from June 1 - October 18. We offer Family & Group Rates.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be internationally acknowledged for advancing research, fostering appreciation, learning and sharing authentic Gaelic language and heritage while serving a vibrant Gaelic cultural community. The mission of the Baile nan Gàildheal | Highland Village, a living history museum, is to research, collect, preserve and share the Gaelic heritage and culture of Nova Scotia and represent it accurately and vibrantly.

What You Will Find

Nova Scotia’s incredible Scottish Gaelic culture comes alive on our stunning 43-acre property with costumed staff in full historic dress, an array of farm animals and much more. Our costumed animators will help you experience the history of settlement and the unique Gaelic culture of Nova Scotia. Our Highland Village Photo Gallery  and the Tour the Village section will give you a taste of what you can experience during your visit.

Take a tour up the hill and walk through period buildings with historic design, filled with related artifacts. Sit and enjoy a breath-taking view while listening to the annual Highland Village Day concert featuring premium traditional Cape Breton Gaelic music, song and dance.  We offer our walking guide in French [560 KB PDF], German [550 KB PDF] and Spanish [555 KB PDF] for our visitors when they arrive on site. 

Gaelic 

Gaelic scholars and enthusiasts will appreciate our commitment to research, and promotion of the Gaelic language, culture and history. We offer programs and events  throughout the year designed to bring together Gaelic scholars and learners. 

Gift Shop

Be sure to visit the gift shop where you can find the finest selection of Cape Breton, Gaelic and East Coast music, Gaelic resources, Highland Village souvenirs, clothing, giftware and local crafts.

Roots & Music

Our Roots Cape Breton Genealogy & Family History Centre is a fabulous resource for those looking into their own Cape Breton connections.
We also are fortunate to have the MacLean Collection of Scottish Music here at the Highland Village. This major collection contains many early books of Scottish music and hand noted music of some of our best fiddlers.