The narrow and deep Strait of Canso separates Cape Breton Island from the Nova Scotia Peninsula. Since 1955 a causeway and swing
bridge has made the ferry services obsolete.
The island's history closely resembles that of the rest of Nova Scotia. European
fishermen showing up in the early 1500's only to find the Mi'kmaq people already living on the territory.
Later that century hostilities between the French and the British broke out and war lasted untill 1763 when France ceded its
Canadian territory to Great Britain in exchange for, among others, the sugarcane rich Guadeloupe.
In the 19th century many Scots fled the troubles at
home, settled in Cape Breton and made a lasting impact on the island's culture ever since.
Coal mining and steel production formed
the industrial pillar for Cape Breton's 20th century economy.
The less populated northwestern part is called the Highlands
and has an elevation of 300 to 500 meters.
The best way to experience the Highlands is to hit the Cabot Trail, a scenic 300 km loop that leads
you to interesting places like the Cabot's Landing Provincial Park, the little fishing community of Bay St Lawrence and a real Buddhist monastery
called Gampo Abbey.
For hikers here are a few interesting trails, best known is the scenic Skyline Trail.