Orangedale Railway Station Museum
Hwy 105, Exit 4.19th-century railway station which was operational until 1990. Houses railway artifacts, stationmaster quarters, model. railway and original furniture. Several railway cars on site; gift shop in boxcar. Open midJune to mid-Oct, Wed-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 1-6pm. Admission free, donations welcome. VS, G, PW, B, Pic, P20, TR. 756-3384.

Marble Mountain Museum and Library
Story of the limestone and marble quarry industry in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Photographs, country artifacts, natural history specimens and records of local businesses when the community was at its height A former schoolhouse with a superb view of Loch Bras d'Or. Open summer months, MonSat 10am-6pm, Sun 1-6pm. Admission free. PW, Pic, P5.

Rita's Tea Room
Rte 4, 40 km (25 mi) west of Sydney. Tea room in a converted one-room schoolhouse, displays awards and photographs of singer/song- ' writer Rita MacNeil. Warm hospitality and home-style goodies. Open Jun 1 to Oct 15. Daily 9am-7pm. DD, AMCC. G, PW, B, TR. laura@lupins.com; www.ritamacneil.com; 828-2667, 539-8874. See ad p. 220.

Nova Scotia Highland Village Museum
4119 Rte 22, 19 km (12 mi) east of Hwy 1 OS, Exit 6. Devoted to the early Scottish settlers, this museum consists of ten historic buildings, including a Hebridean Black House "Taigh Dubh", three frame houses (c 1830-1900), a carding mill, and a forge. The picturesque 43acre site overlooks the Barra Strait. Highland Village Day, the first Sat in Aug, highlights traditional Scottish music. Costumed guides. Open May 28 to Oct 15. Daily 9am-6pm (July 10-Aug 19 till 8pm); O/S (Visitor Centre only), Mon-Fri 9am-Spm. Admission adults $5, seniors $4, families $10, students 5-18 $2, F(S); group rates. VS, MC, DD. G, PW, B; Pic, P50, Gen. hvillage@highlandvillage.ns.ca; www.highlandvillage.ns.ca; 725-2272; fax 725-2227.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park
The northern and most rugged tip of Cape Breton Island, between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. Within its 950 kmz (366 sq mi), the park encompasses a great variety of wildlife and landscape: a magnificent highland plateau with windswept barrens, deep-walled canyons, picturesque waterfalls, sandy beaches and spectacular cliffs plunging into the sea. Through it all winds the Cabot Trail, one of the world's most scenic drives. For golfers, the Highlands Links is one of the world's finest courses. For skiers, is area offers some of Atlantic Canada's best skiing. Accommodations vary from motels and cabins located in nearby communities to serviced and semi-serviced campgrounds, located along the Cabot Trail. In the park itself, there's everything from primitive backcountry campsites to full-service trailer hookups Park entry fees are charged from mid-May to mid-October.

Barachois Provincial Park
Barachois. Rte 223,12 km (8 mi) south of Hwy 125. Formerly a farm, this picnic park is situated on a knoll with a lovely view of Bras d'Or Lake. A short trail leads from the park down to a marshy lagoon. Open May 19 to Oct 9.

Battery Provincial Park
St. Peter's. On Rte 4; turn at canal bridge exit. Picnic area and small beach. Tables scattered in open area. View of the canal and St. Peter's Bay. Interpretive signage. Trail:1 km (0.5 mi). Boat launch, camping. Open Jun 9 to Sep 4.

Bird Watching
Nova Scotia's large population of Bald Eagles some 250 nesting pairs are seen quite readily, most frequently along the shores of Cape Breton's Bras d'Or Lakes. Other uncommon species include the rare Atlantic Puffin, which nests on cliffs of the Bird Islands, and the endangered Piping Plover. From late August through September flocks of migrating birds converge by the thousands on Nova Scotia's beaches to feed before continuing their southward journey.

Atlantic Whale Watch
Maurice F. Whitty. Ingonish Beach. Search for whales, seals, bald eagles, cormorants, other seabirds. 3 trips daily. Open Jul 1 to Oct 15. 285-2320.

Cape Breton Lobster Adventure Tours
Capt Brian Plant. Baddeck, on the waterfront. Catch lobsters and learn about their habitat. While on the Bras d'Or Lakes, see Alexander Graham Bell's estate, the sunken ship Yankee, bald eagles, seals. Every 2 hours,1 Oam-6pm; early morning and evening tours by arrangement. beasty@auracom.com; 295-2564/1142; fax 295-7201:

Elsie Yacht Tours
Peter Patterson. Inverary Resort; Shore Rd; Box 737, Baddeck, NS, BOE 1 B0: Captained charters aboard 18-m (59-ft) yacht built for Alexander Graham Bell in 1917. Tours, lessons, overnights, soft adventure and resort/yacht packages. Customized itineraries for individuals, families and groups of up to 10 people. Coast Guard certified ship and captain. Open Jun 1 to Oct 15. AMCC, DD. www.elsiecharters.com; 295-3500;1-800-565-5660; fax 295-3527

Two Rivers Wildlife Park
Off Rte 327, west to Two Rivers. This 500 acre park displays many native Nova Scotian animals in a natural setting, including black bears, white-tailed deer, moose and cougars. Spectacular view of the Mira and Salmon Riven. Swimming, hiking and cross-country ski trails, wagon/sleigh rides, stocked ponds, Ufish, playground. Observatory (by appointment). Open year-round. Admission charged. PW Pic, TO. 727-2483; fax 727-3153. www.cbnet.ns.ca/cbnet/comucntr/nwcomreg/wlifpark/

Fortress of Louisburg National Historic Site
A faithful re-creation of a town 250 years ago, with impressive walls and majestic gates, quaint homes and formal gardens, comfortable inns and lively taverns. Costumed animators re-create the lives and activities of Fortress residents. Enjoy 18th-century cuisine in three period restaurants. Guided walking touTs; allow a full day, wear comfortable shoes and bring a sweater and raincoat. Beaches, hiking/ski trails and fishing areas also on site. Pets not permitted (no kennels available). O/S walking tours; please inquire. Open May 1 to Oct 31. July-Aug, 9am-7pm; June bt Sept, 9:30am-Spm; May 1-31, Oct. 16-31 access by guided tour only. Admission adult $11, senior $8.25, youth $5.50, F(6); O/S rates. VS, MC, DD. G, PW, B, Pic, P400, R. Louisbourginfo@pch.gc.ca ;

Miner's Museum
42 Birkley St. Quarry Point (off South St). "A focus on the contribution of the coal miner and coal in the continuing advance of civilization." Many exhibits; guided tour of the Ocean Deeps Colliery; simulated mine ride. The Miners' Village features a company store and a home from the period 1850-900. Call for tickets to Men of the Deeps concerts. Open year-round. June-Sept, daily 10am-6pm (Tues to 7pm); O/S Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; closed Labour Day and Thanksgiving Day. Admission (STC) adult $3.50, child $2; incl mine tour adult $6.50, child $3.50; group and family rates. VS. G, PW, B, R. cbminers@highlander.cbnet.ns.ca ; www.cbnet.ns.ca/cbnet/comucntr/miners/museum.html ; 849-4522; fax 849-8022.

Dominion Heritage Building
Dominion-Gardiner Hvvy, Rte 28. Adjoining Dominion Beach Provincial Park. Schoolhouse (c 1888-1896) with a period classroom portraying various aspects of education in the region. Displays depicting the history of the town and of coalmining in eastern Cape Breton. Birdwatching platforms and mini roll-off observatory. Open Jul to Aug. daily 9am-5pm. Admission free, donations welcome. PW, Pic, P50, Gen. www.cbnet.nsca/~dominion.html

Beaton Institute of Cape Breton Studies
At the University College of Cape Breton, Glace Bay Hwy. Cape Breton Archives of the College. Holdings include manuscripts, newspapers and colonial records on microfilm, diaries, scrapbooks, almanaa, reports on Cape Breton history, tapes, maps, photographs and books. Collections include the labour, political and industrial history of Cape Breton; Gaelic manuscripts, newspapers, tapes and books; and Scottish, ethnic and current Cape Breton music and poetry on tape. Open year-round. Admission free. PW, Gen, R, TO. kcurrie@uccb.ns.ca ; www.uccb.ns.ca/beaton ; 563-1329; fax 562-8899.

Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science
225 George St. Focus is on the social and natural histories of Cape Breton County. Inhouse and travelling exhibits are enhanced by films, special activities, and a children's discovery corner. Open year-round. June 1-Sept 1, Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm, Sun 1-5:30pm; O/S Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 1-4pm. Admission by donation. VS. G, PW, B, P12. maltby.janet@ns.sympatico.ca ; 539-1572.

Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design
225 George St. The Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design's mandate is to promote excellence in the field of craft and design, both professional and recreational, through education and training. Programs serve a broad range of craftspeople from the beginner and recreational practitioners, through to the emerging and highly accomplished professionals who derive their livelihood from the sale of their products. The Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design provides instruction in the traditional and heritage crafts of our Island culture. www.capebretoncraft.com ; 539-7491 ; fax 539-4807 ; info@capebretoncraft.com

Cossit House Museum
75 Charlotte St, Sydney. Believed to be the oldest house in Sydney (c 1787), this was the residence of the Rev. Ranna Cossit, Sydney's first permanent Anglican minister. Several rooms have been furnished based on an 1815 inventory of Cossit's estate. Guides wear period costume. Visitors interested in New England colonial architecture and furnishings will find the museum of particular interest. Open Jun 1 to Oct 15. Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm, Sun 1-5:30pm. Admission by donation (STC). G, PW, B, P12. maltby.janet@ns.sympatico.ca ; www.museum.ednet.ns.ca ; 539-7973/1572.

Jost Heritage House (c 1787)
4 Charlotte St. Once the home of a prominent merchant, this building shows the evolution of a wooden dwelling over two centuries. Featuring marine display, apothecary and exhibits of local interest. Open Jun 1 to Oct 30. Mon-Sat 9:30am- 5:30pm (June-Aug), 10am-4pm (Sept & Oct). Admission free. VS. G, PW, B. 539-0366; 539-7998.

St. Patrick's Church Museum
87 Esplanade. The oldest Roman Catholic church on Cape Breton Island, erected in 1828 in the Pioneer Gothic style of archi· tecture, this restored stone building now houses artifacts depicting the history of Sydney. Open Jun 1 to Sep 1. Mon-Sat 9:30am· 5:30pm, Sunday 1-5:30pm (to Oct 31 by appointment). Admission by donation. VS. G, PW, B, P12. maltby.janet@ns.sympatico.ca ; 562- 8237/1572.

Main-a-dieu Fisherman's Museum
Visit the ship replica on the grounds of the museum. See and read all about the local history of fishing in Mainadieu and area, the lobsterland of the Maritimes. Open June-Sept,10am-7pm. Admission free, donations welcome.

Sydney and Louisbourg Railway Museum
The restored railway station (1895) exhibits the history of the S&L Railway, railway technology and marine artifacts. The original freight shed houses a working model of the line. Rolling stock includes two passenger cars (1881,1914), a box car, tank car and caboose. The Roundhouse, used in summer for concerts, dances and craft shows, displays unique memorial quilts. Partial wheelchair access. Open May 15 to Oct 15. Daily 9am-5pm, July and Aug 8am-5pm. Admission free, donations welcome. DD. G, PW, B, Pic, P15. fortress.uccb.ns.ca/historic/s_l.html ; 733-2157.

Louisbourg Playhouse
11 Aberdeen St. Adjacent to the boardwalk. Cape Breton concerts in a unique 17th-century-style theatre. One of the finest entertainment venues in Cape Breton. Open June 27-Oct 15; concerts nightly at 8pm. VS. G, B. www.gdlewis.ednet.ns.ca/lsbrg/playhs.html , 733-2996;1-888-733-2787.

Louisbourg Lighthouse
The Louisbourg Lighthouse stands adjacent to the ruins of Canada's oldest lighthouse, dating back to 1734. Watch for the sign, Lighthouse Point, on your right as you drive down Main St; a scenic 5-min drive to the site.

Station Hill Amusements
27 Harbourfront Cres. Go-carts, mini-golf. Open May to Oct. Sam-9pm. VS, AE, MC, DD. B, R, TO. 733-3033; fax 733-2786.