
The Gaelic College is located in the heart of Cape Breton Island. Nestled in the hills overlooking St. Ann's Bay, the 350-acre property is steeped in the history of Scottish migration and settlement in this area. Enjoy the tranquil nature on the walking and hiking trails that crisscross the property. You might be lucky to watch the soaring of the majestic bald eagle or to enjoy the sights and sounds of the numerous species of songbirds and waterfowl that inhibit the shores of this beautiful bay.
"You have Cape Breton's best kept secret" - Brian Gallop, Father of the Groom
Let the staff at the Gaelic College make your meeting or stay a memorable one. Whether it's a wedding in the Great Hall, a three day conference, or a half-day meeting, we can accommodate your special needs.
The Gaelic College has become a premier destination for events in the region. Our space offers the versatility to accommodate any of your entertaining needs from a small business meeting to a large wedding of 200. Our site offers dorm-style, double, or single accommodations. With three of our buildings recently renovated, you and your guests will enjoy the convenience of being housed on site. MacLeod House and Highland House consist of 14 bedrooms each. In addtition, MacKenzie Hall has 17 rooms. All rooms have an attached half bath. In all three buildings, showers are shared but private. The accommodations, although modest, are clean and well kept.
Our site offers many conveniences including our Gaelic College Craft Shop specializing in Scottish imports and tartans along with a large slection of goods. All proceeds from the Craft Shop go to the college and help promote and preserve the Gaelic culture. Our Great Hall of Clans offers an interactive Museum that can be used as an educational experience and a point of interest for your guests.
Services & Attractions:
- Wireless internet on site
- Audio / video equipment rental
- Custom made kilts
- Kilt Rentals
- Craft Shop on site
- Cultural museum
- Cabot Trail tours
- Golf course (driving distance 15 minutes)
- Minutes from Baddeck shopping and amenities
- 7 km of walking & hiking trails on site
- rural setting
Our campus offers a private setting where social functions can be held in conjuction with meetings. Evening entertainment can be added to any event as we can arrange for ceilidhs, demonstrations, lectures and performances. Since we are located in a rural setting, most guests can stay on site and fully participate in activities. Our accommodations and food services are moderately priced and all of our food is "home cooked" on site by our excellent staff. Come join us in beautiful rural Cape Breton.
*** The Gaelic College operates year round.
Our Campus
The Gaelic College can accommodate day meetings of up to 300 persons or conversely we make a group of ten feel at home for a meeting in comfortable surroundings. We can accommodate 45 guests in single rooms or 90 guests in double occupancy. In dorm-type accommodations we can accommodate 146. Our kitchens are capable of handling small groups or up to 200 buffet-syle or 160 plated meals with table dressings and chair covers. Our cafeteria regularly serves up to 200 meals.
Download our Gaelic College Campus Map:
The Entrance Building
The Entrance Building serves as a portal and consists of our Craft Shop , kilt making studio, library/boardroom, two dance studios/classrooms and administration offices.
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The Clachan
The Clachan is our weaving studio and also includes a classroom.
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MacLeod House
MacLeod House consists of a small dance studio/meeting room, 14 newly renovated bedrooms that include a flush and sink, a lounge / kitchenette area and three classrooms. It can accommodate a maximum of 28 people.
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MacKenzie Hall
MacKenzie Hall is the main residence consisting of a cafeteria and dining area, school administration office, lounge area with a large stone fireplace and meetings rooms. One large meeting area on the first floor with a smaller meeting room on the second floor. MacKenzie houses 17 bedrooms newly renovated that include a flush and sink. It can accommodate 17 people single occupancy, 34 people double occupancy or 90 dormitory style.
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Highland House
Highland House consists of a small dance studio/meeting room, 14 newly renovated bedrooms that include a flush and sink, and a lounge / kitchenette area. It can accommodate a maximum of 28 people.
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The Great Hall of the Clans
The Great Hall of the Clans has a 350-seat auditorium with a moveable stage. A large stone fireplace forms an end wall. A walk around exhibit featuring the social and military history of Gaelic Scotland and 8 interpretive stations portray the cultural and lunguistic contributions of Gaels in Nova Scotia to the social fiblre of this province and country. The newly established MacLeod Exhibit, set in the 1800's tells the story of Rev. Norman MacLeod, his journey from Scotland to St. Ann's and later on to Waipu, New Zealand. It is a fascinating tale that interprets the life of the man and the preach through both audio and visual allowing each visitor to know the history and experience one of the most remarkable migrations in history. The balance of the ground floor contains a kitchen, museum, theatre and public washrooms. The upper level and basement both contain classrooms and an upstairs lounge is open to and overlooks the auditorium. The auditorium is a great area for a large meeting space and for weddings.
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The Old Craft Shop
The Old Craft Shop houses the St. Ann’s – Waipu Twinning Society office, the C@P site and also serves as a maintenance workshop and storage area.
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The Performance Centre
The Performance Centre is a unique “fine-weather” facility that offers a beautiful view from the hillside overlooking St. Ann’s Bay. It is well equipped to provide sound and lighting for performances. Bench type seating on the hillside provides seating for 450 people and a large grassy area surrounding it increases capacity for concerts to over 2000.
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Classrooms, Studios and Practice Huts
Classrooms, Studios and Practice Huts are scattered across the campus and provide plenty of space for both classes and practice areas.
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