Cape Breton Miners Museum

On the eastern coast of Cape Breton lies the town of Glace Bay. Rich in coal mining history, Glace Bay was formed in 1901 by the amalgamation of multiple small communities situated around the various mines. At its peak, there were twelve collieries. Today, there are none with the last closing in 2001. The Cape Breton Miners Museum aims to keep that vibrant mining history alive.

The museum is located on an open plot of land overlooking the north Atlantic on the southeast side of town. Exhibits share the stories of miners and their families as well as knowledge of the black, sedimentary rock that powered early industrialization. Additionally, there are mine tours that consist of a virtual simulation as well as an underground portion.

By far, the most unique aspect to the Cape Breton Miners Museum is The Men of the Deeps. This all male choir, formed in 1966, is comprised of former and working coal miners. The group has recorded multiple albums and toured North America and other parts of the world. Their home base, however, is at the Miners Museum where they regularly perform throughout the summer. There aren’t many museums that can claim this kind of attraction!