Cheticamp waterfront, a tranquil scene of a small town waterfront's calm waters.

Festival de l’Escaouette: Celebration Acadian Culture on the Cabot Trail, NS

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If you’re heading around the Cabot Trail this summer, it’s time to put the Festival de l’Escaouette on your calendar! It’s a 4-day event and a favourite one for everybody.

It’s a great opportunity to get to know a little something about the history of the area, and how it was shaped by the Acadian culture.

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I’ve spent the last 4 and a half years living along the Cabot Trail, and I learned early that this is a widely anticipated event!

Cheticamp waterfront, a tranquil scene of a small town waterfront's calm waters.
Cheticamp Waterfront

Festival Highlights and Location

The festival happens in downtown Cheticamp, with events spread out in different spots like:

  • Place des Arts Père Anselme Chiasson: Hosts concerts, plays, and art exhibits.
  • La Rigouèche: A venue for traditional Acadian music and dance.
  • Parc des Jeunes: A family-friendly area with activities, games, and outdoor concerts.

* Don’t let the French scare you. Though Cheticamp is a French community and French is spoken, you won’t have any trouble if you only speak English.

The sound of talented musicians playing is the soundtrack throughout the festival. The main parade overflows with colourful displays and performances that celebrate the Acadian heritage. And kids will love the children’s parade.

You can even get creative at the mask-making workshop or join the festival race for some more active fun.

The opening ceremony at Place du Pêcheur kicks things off, followed by a Talent Night’s amazing performances. The festival party is a highlight, with music from local and visiting artists, dancing, and lots of fun.

Kids have plenty to keep them entertained, and the Festival Mass offers a moment to come together in reflection and celebration.

And don’t miss the Art Exposition at La Place Père-Anselme Chaisson, displaying the community’s ingenuity and talent. The exposition takes place throughout the 4-day festival, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to enjoy.

The festival wraps up with a Gala featuring music from Le Grand Cercle. They will be celebrating their 20th anniversary this year!

A Brief History of Festival de l’Escaouette

The Festival de l’Escaouette has its roots in the Acadian heritage of Cheticamp. Acadians are the descendants of the French settlers who arrived in Nova Scotia some 400 years ago.

The festival started in the late 20th century to celebrate and help preserve Acadian traditions, music, and dance.

It also gives local artists a chance to shine.

Over time, the festival has grown. It now attracts people from all over who want to enjoy the music, food, and hospitality of the Acadian community.

It’s a tribute to the pride and resilience of the Acadian people, who keep their ancestors’ traditions alive through this highly anticipated event.

Riverside Retreat entrance, marked by a yellow kayak standing on end.

Where to Stay in Cheticamp

Cheticamp has a variety of places to stay, whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or something a bit more upscale. Here are some top picks:

  • Tiny Home on the Boardwalk: Close to Gallery La Bella Mona Lisa with an exceptional rating. You have the entire property, walking distance to whale cruises and restaurants.
  • Beach Cabin Cheticamp: The whole place is yours! Bring your pets, grill and eat outdoors, all just 3km from downtown Cheticamp.
  • Riverside Retreat Cabins and Campground: Just on the edge of Cheticamp, this pet-friendly place is on a great beach for picnics and swimming. You can even rent canoes and kayaks at the campground.
The Cabot Trail's Skyline Trail from stairs looking out over the ocean.
The top of the Skyline Trail

Other Activities around Cheticamp

Besides the festival, there’s plenty to do in Cheticamp and the surrounding area. The town itself has its own interesting spots, like Freya and Thor, a really unique café and folk art gallery.

Here are a few more things not to miss:

  • Hike the Local Trails: The area is known for its spectacular hikes. Just outside town is the famous Skyline Trail – check out AllTrails for all the hikes.
  • Visit Les Trois Pignons: A cultural centre and museum showcasing Acadian history and the local hooked rug tradition.
  • Whale Watching: Take a boat tour to see whales up close. I recommend Captain Zodiac Whale Cruise.
  • Golf at Le Portage Golf Club: Play a round of golf with views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
  • Charlo and Zabeth: This duo hosts nostalgic events in Cap-Rouge, Cheticamp, every Wednesday during July and August. Everyone is invited from 4 pm to 8:30 pm to enjoy music and storytelling that celebrate the area’s cultural heritage.

The Festival de l’Escaouette is a fun celebration that brings you together with the Cheticamp community and visitors for music, dance, and festivities.

Whether you’re into music, history, or just exploring, Cheticamp during the Festival de l’Escaouette has something for everyone.

Read More:

🦞 Cabot Trail Campgrounds: Cape North to Cheticamp
🏞️ Canada Park Pass to Explore the Cabot Trail
🏘️ Cabot Trail’s Cape Breton Highlands National Park Towns

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I had been travelling for years before I first went to Africa. Once I had been on my first safari, I was hooked. Now I go back every chance I get. I've stay a month in Tanzania, a couple in Botswana, explored the wild coast of Namibia, toured Southern Africa and so much more.

There's no other place that has more to offer a traveller than this enormous and spectacular continent. I write about it here to hopefully inspire you to experience it for yourself, and to make your travels a bit easier. It'll be the trip of your life!

And for the last several years I've been living on Cape Breton, just off the famous Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, Canada. It's one of the most stunning places I've ever been - get to know this epically beautiful island with me. Happy travels!