Although some locals say that Gaelic culture in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia is on the decline, visitors are delightfully oblivious. With a square dance happening every night of the week during the summer months–which includes much step dancing and hearing Gaelic language spoken–travellers can simply plot out their Cape Breton vacation depending on “dances.”
Cape Breton Square Dancing, Nova Scotia
Here are the Cape Breton square dances being held in Inverness County, which takes up most of the western side of this island in Nova Scotia.
West Mabou
- West Mabou Sports Club Hall, 2399 West Mabou Road
- Jimmie or Margie MacInnis: 902-945-2814
The biggest (and some say best) dance on the island, this one runs all year long on Saturday nights. There are both indoor and outdoor dance floors.
- Glencoe Mills Hall, across from St. Joseph’s Church
- Elizabeth Beaton: 902-945-2647 / Ruby Campbell: 902-945-2213
With a new dance floor to spruce up the historic hall, this lively dance was once the regular gig of hometown Buddy MacMaster. It’s best to drive from route 19 and head east just north of Judique or from Mabou.
Southwest Margaree
- St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, 19678 Route 19 South West Margaree
- Lawrence MacLellan: 902-248-2180
Another dance that has been around forever, the St. Joseph’s Parish Hall hosts this adults-only shindig.
Brook Village
- Brook Village Parish Hall, 6432 Route 252, Brook Village
- Nellie Munro: 902-756-2450
This adults-only dance runs every Monday night for those who want to start the week off right.
The Barn at the Normaway Inn
- The Barn, 691 Egypt Road, Margaree Valley
- 1-800-565-9463 / 902-248-2987
A ceilidh (gathering of music, dance, singing and storytelling) kicks off the evening at 8:00 pm with a 3-fiddler competition. The square dance starts at the usual 10:00 pm.
Scotsville
- Lake Ainslie VFD Community Hall, 4550 Route 395
- Michael Gillis: 902-756-2790 / Mike Gillis: 902-756-2040
Located in the Lake Ainslie Community Hall, this adults-only dance is also on the north east side of Lake Ainslie itself. Come back and visit during the day.
Cape Breton Dances in Nova Scotia, Canada
As a general rule, all square dances start at 10:00 pm and the fiddlers play until 1:00 am or later. Admission is always by cash only and all of the contacts above are the direct organizers, so call at a reasonable time.
It’s best to pick up the Dancing Around Inverness County brochure at visitor info centres (June to September) for directions to all the community halls, as some are a bit out of the way and on country roads (and remember that it’s pitch black outside by 10:00 pm).
There is no better way to delve into the life and culture of Cape Bretoners than by joining them on the dance floor and listening to their fiddle music. It’s hard to leave without a smile on your face and step dancing throbbing through your knees.
Cape Breton Travel
Contact Nova Scotia Tourism (1-800-565-0000 or 902-425-5781) for assistance with accommodations and other travel plans.
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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