Get an in-depth look at Cape Breton’s coal-mining industry in this museum just 30 minutes northeast of Sydney (and not far from the Fortress of Louisbourg). A must-see: the underground tour, guided by retired miners, of the Ocean Deeps Colliery beneath the museum. The Miners’ Village next to the museum re-creates a house and a company store from the late 19th century; there’s also a restaurant here. To learn more about how Cape Bretoners lived in bygone days, go southwest of Sydney to visit the Highland Village Museum, on Bras d’Or Lake. Costumed docents inside 11 restored historic buildings bring the island’s Gaelic culture to life as they spin wool, demonstrate blacksmithing skills and bake over an open hearth.
