Ceilidh Trail (pronounced KAY-lee or, less poetically, called Highway 19) runs across Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, between Port Hastings and Margaree Harbour. In other words, it essentially connects the Canso Causeway—and by extension, the Nova Scotian mainland—to the Cabot Trail. Following Cape Breton's southwest coast, this scenic route is notable for its lovely Gulf of St. Lawrence beaches and relatively gentle terrain. It is known for fine fishing, as well, because Margaree Harbour is positioned at the mouth of the salmon-filled Margaree River.
But, more than anything, the Ceilidh Trail is known for music. Scots originally settled this part of the province and their musical traditions, nurtured over many generations, are still alive. In fact, fiddle tunes seem to hang thick in the air, usually accompanied by piano chords and the taps of dancing feet. The villages of Judique (where the Celtic Music Interpretation Centre is located) and Mabou (home to Strathspey Place and the Red Shoe Pub) are essential stops, and taking in a local ceilidh concert is almost mandatory.
As you proceed along the trail, you'll notice that the influence of those early Scots is also apparent in the Gaelic-language signs you'll see, the oatcakes you'll be served, and in the single-malt whiskey (Glen Breton Rare) that's made there.
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