Cape Breton Miners Museum:
A Must Do
When I asked my friends who have been to Cape Breton or who were from there where we should visit on our trip, they immediately mentioned the Cape Breton Miners Museum.
I have vivid memories of visiting the Cape Breton Miners Museum when I was a child, so I couldn’t wait to take my boys there as well.
Our family was offered a free pass to the Museum in exchange for sharing our stories with you!
About the Museum:
Situated on one of the most picturesque coasts of Cape Breton Island, on a 15-acre site filled with wild roses and grasses, the Museum pays tribute to the region’s long and rich history of coal mining. It is home to profound stories of miners and their families, and the resource that helped build a nation.
The Museum is also home to the famous choir of miners – The Men of the Deeps. (I’ve actually had the priviledge of singing with this choir through the Annapolis Valley Honour choir! Wow!)
Glace Bay is on the northern shores of Cape Breton, about 30 minutes north of Sydney.
Our Visit:
Before you enter the Museum there is a historic “village” that you pass through. There are several buildings which are open to the public that you can tour (for free) to catch a glimpse of what life might have been like when mining began in the 1800s. There is a general store and family home (divided so that one half is the 1840s and the other from 1910). Another building houses a restaurant which I hear is very good!
Inside the Museum we were greeted by the friendly staff who helped to book visitors on their mine tour. When we arrived mid-morning there was quite a long line and the tours filled up quickly. Their frequency depends upon demand, but when we were there, they were leaving every 30 minutes. My advice would be to go early to book your tour.
Before going on our tour of the mine we walked around the exhibits. Here you can learn how coal is made over time
and the history of mining.
There were several hands-on activities for the kids to do (fossil rubbings) and things for them to look at.
The boys went through the exhibits in about 30 minutes.
Tour of the Coal Mine:
The real highlight of our visit was the tour of the coal mine. We put on capes and hardhats and were then met by our tour guide – a retired coal miner!
Our guide, Abbie, was excellent! He had grown up in Glace Bay and was a third generation miner. He told us countless first-hand stories about the history of mining in Glace Bay and what the life of a miner was like. Abbie had us all captivated – listening and laughing and hanging on every word.
After our introduction, Abbie opened the door to the coal mine shaft. This was an actual shaft that had been used. The real deal.
We started out walking up right, but soon the ceilings began to drop. Only the children were able to walk without ducking. David is 6’2” and found it very uncomfortable. He said it really let you know what the conditions would have been like, and how hard it must have been to be in those conditions 6 days a week.
When it came time to explain the role of small boys in the mine, Abbie used Daniel as an example. He explained how Daniel would have to open and close the doors to the mine, watch for rats, and maybe take care of the pit ponies. Daniel decided that he would rather stay in school! This was a great lesson for the boys and they could fully understand the conditions!
During the tour we had a demonstration of the various coal mining tools and even saw a place where some of the miners started an underground garden!
On our way out, the boys even received a piece of coal as a souvenir.
This tour was definitely one of the best things about our trip!
Museum Information:
The Cape Breton Miners Museum is open June 1 to October 19 from 10am to 6pm. Admission: Adults $12; Children $10
Overall:
Although fairly well lit, the conditions are dark and chilly. Wear proper footwear and consider bringing a sweater – even in the summer. If you are at all claustrophobic, think twice about going under!
If you do go, it is well worth it! Run as a non-profit organization by the town and by the miners, this is money well spent. It was definitely a trip highlight.
Our boys (6 and 8) were perfect ages to understand the significance of the tour and the information. After the tour they could relay back everything they learned. They really got it! Our tour had children as young as 4 on it. Although they didn’t get as much information from the tour, they enjoyed the experience. Some children were scared of the dark and the loud noises.
If you are heading to the Sydney/Louisbourg area, add the Cape Breton Miners Museum to your list!
Museum Website
Have you ever been to the Cape Breton Miners Museum?
