'Perfect storm' of tourism hits Cape Breton hotel rooms, car rentals
Thousands expected to descend on Sydney, Louisbourg for events this weekend
A quick look at online booking sites will tell you: Sydney is practically sold out.
Thousands of people are expected to descend this weekend on Cape Breton Island, where more than a dozen special events and festivals are taking place. Most of the traffic is expected to hit Sydney and Louisbourg, where tall ships will be in port.
In both places, hotels, motels, B&Bs and even Airbnb's are all fully booked.
Campgrounds and car rental agencies across the island that haven't already sold out are expected to by Friday evening.
Coming attractions
Tourism officials say that late July to August has always been the beginning of the island's peak tourist season. But this could be the busiest weekend of the year given the lineup of events:
- Tall Ships in Sydney, Louisbourg and St. Peter's
- Sydney Pride Festival
- Johnny Miles Festival in Sydney Mines
- Cape Breton Jazz Festival in Sydney
- 25th Annual Louisbourg Crabfest
- Cape Breton Bike Rally in Membertou
- Sydney Waterfront Festival
"It's like multiple perfect storms coming together," said Mary Tulle, CEO of the Destination Cape Breton Association.
Industry up 15 per cent
Tulle said Canada 150 celebrations have led to increased activity and that an upward trend in tourism last year is still showing results.
"Last season, the tourism industry here saw an increase of 15 per cent," said Tulle.
"We think people are coming back, and they're bringing their friends and families."
Festivals aplenty
Joe Costello is at the helm of the CBRM's recreation department, and said he and his team have been working with a dozen community-led committees that are hosting one or more events this weekend.
"There's literally not a place you can turn in the CBRM and not hit a festival or event this weekend," said Costello.
Despite having a lot to do, Costello said he's more excited than stressed about the onslaught of activity.
"The nervousness comes during the nine to 12 months of planning," he said.
"This time of the year, you just hope that you haven't forgotten anything. Things are going to just keep happening whether you want them to or not. It's going to be a lot of fun."
Priority on safety
Costello said the municipality has spent a lot of time working with emergency services, making sure the infrastructure is in place to allow as many people as possible to attend as many events as possible — and safely.
The Cape Breton Regional Police Service and Emergency Health Services are both deploying extra members this weekend.
Paramedics on bicycles will patrol downtown Sydney at peak times, while police co-ordinate the control of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.