Atlantic Canadian tourism organizations and operators are working hard to recover from pandemic challenges and find new approaches to deliver world-class tourism experiences that tell the stories of the region, and what makes it such a special visitor destination. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting the Cape Breton Miners Museum in the expansion of an enhanced visitor experience that preserves and commemorates Cape Breton’s coal mining legacy.

“As communities transition away from coal towards cleaner energy, it is imperative that we find new ways to build on our economic viability. With today’s investment, we are building on Cape Breton’s thriving tourism industry by remembering its coal mining past and creating new opportunities.”
-  The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“To fully appreciate what we have today, we have to honour the past. The Cape Breton Miners Museum, one of the province’s premier tourism destinations, has long excelled at telling the powerful stories of the mining industry and its formative role in shaping our region. I am proud that our government is supporting the musem to fully commemorate that legacy for generations to come. ”
-  Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Mnister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard, and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso  

“Cape Breton is an important tourism driver for this province, and the Cape Breton Miners Museum is a gem that shares part of Nova Scotia’s unique history with visitors and residents alike. Our government is committed to making investments that help maintain our heritage. Projects like these keep our communities strong, attract tourists and grow the economy.”
-  John White, MLA for Glace Bay-Dominion, on behalf of Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage 

“The Cape Breton Miners Museum’s Board, staff and volunteers are very excited to begin Phase II of our Interpretive Renewal Plan. Phase I created a quality visitor experience that went beyond our expectations.  We look forward to getting the team back together to build new experiences that ensure our museum remains one of the most beloved destinations in the Maritimes for many years to come.
- Mary Pat Mombourquette, Executive Director, Cape Breton Miners Museum

•  The Cape Breton Miners' Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the history of coal mining and coal miners in Cape Breton. It fulfills this mission through the operation of the Cape Breton Miners Museum, which seeks to recreate to the greatest extent possible a day in the life of a miner. 

• The museum is one of the region’s premier tourism attractions, typically drawing more than 15,900 visitors each year, 85 per cent of whom come from off Cape Breton Island.

• This project will enable the museum to continue to build on the components undertaken in Phase 1 of the plan which was announced in 2018. 

• The permanent memorial will project the names of those lost in Cape Breton’s coal mines up through an existing tower to be visible from outside in the night sky. There will also be a multimedia screen allowing visitors to search for descendants.

Related products

• Miners Museum exploring depths of immersive displays

Associated links

• Canada Coal Transition Initiative
• Cape Breton Miners Museum

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Chris Brooks
Communications Director
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839
chris.brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Mikaela Etchegary
Communications and Media Relations Advisor
Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, Province of Nova Scotia
902 229-5671
mikaela.etchegary@novascotia.ca

Mary Pat Mombourquette
Executive Director
902-849-4522
marypat@minersmuseum.com

Stay connected

Follow ACOA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.