Life in Cape Breton

The beautiful island of Cape Breton is ready to be the backdrop for your next adventure!

With a backdrop like Cape Breton Island, you will be inspired both inside the classroom and out.

It’s no surprise that Cape Breton is Canada’s most beautiful island, with its rich, natural beauty and lively culture, Cape Breton is ready to be the backdrop for your next adventure. Located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw people, our beautiful island has deep roots in Indigenous, Gaelic, and Acadian cultures, among others.

Activities available all year-round

With a wealth of activities to participate in year-round during all four seasons, fall, winter, spring, and summer, the list of things to do is endless. Whether it’s tubing down the Margaree River, snowboarding at Ski Ben Eoin, catching a movie at the Cape Breton Drive In, or cruising around the world-famous Cabot Trail, the adventures you take part in on Cape Breton Island will be a big part of your student experience at Cape Breton University.

To get a better taste of places to visit and things to do on Cape Breton Island, visit cbisland.com and explore our virtual tour.

Cape Breton is truly a global community, and has a population of approximately 135,000 that is spread across awe-inspiring land and seascapes just waiting to be explored. With nearly 7,000 students from more than 70 countries around the world, even if you’re travelling from far away, you’re bound to meet many other people who are making Cape Breton their new home away from home.

With stunning views around every corner and magnificent sunsets every evening, you’ll feel grounded in the safety and serenity of campus and its surrounding communities. Cape Breton University is situated within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, just minutes away from grocery stores, pharmacies, urgent centres, and the JA Douglas McCurdy Airport.

So, what’s the weather like?

Well, it’s Canada. So, be prepared to enjoy snowy winters as well as warm, pleasant summers. If you are coming in the winter, we recommend arriving with warm clothing such as hats, gloves, boots, and jackets. Can’t find anything like that where you live? Don’t worry, there are clothing stores here where you can purchase what you need to keep you comfortable.

Check out our list of FAQs about Canadian Winters to help make the most out of your winter.

Living on Cape Breton Island

Securing housing before arriving in Cape Breton plays a vital role in your student experience. Like most of Canada, affordable housing is a serious issue in Cape Breton. Housing in the area is limited and students should begin their search early. It is dangerous and irresponsible to travel anywhere without planning accommodations.

We recommend living on-campus for your first year of study. To view residence options, visit CBU.ca/residence. If you’re interested in living off-campus, housing listings can be found at CBU.ca/accommodations.

University is about more than just what you study. It’s also about the friends you make, the life lessons learned and the adventures you take. Cape Breton Island is the perfect place to learn and explore.