Highland Village Museum — Attraction in Iona

We thoroughly enjoyed the village. It is a representation of the lives of the people who immigrated from Scotland to this area. It begins with life in Scotland and what motivated the people to leave their homeland in search of a better life and future. From there we see the progression and changes through the 1800’s and 1900’s. Costumed people greet you and explain daily activities and speak as they would during their time. Life, struggles, beliefs, traditions, friendships and so forth. You’ll see all sorts of farm animals and demonstrations of tools and equipment common in their lives. The people were so friendly and welcoming and answered all our questions.

We choose to take a personally guided tour (which was a little more expensive but worth every bit of the cost!). Our guide Robert was fantastic. His family has lived in the area for generations and he talked and shared with us as we walked from place to place. We left feeling we had really experienced this interesting life and culture. This was definitely a highlight...

Unexpected gem-well worth a 3-4 hrs visit. Living museum with staff in character for the Scottish historical period they represented. they had live demonstrations of spinning wool, carding wool, blacksmithing, creating wood shingles. The folks there were excited to share details for those who had questions. They were running their fireplaces as well as their wood stoves. One home demonstrated baking cookies in her woodstove and shared them as samples. there was a horse, sheep, Highland, cattle, chickens, and a pig as well. The expanse of artifacts and replicas was amazing. We were able to see looms, a variety of Butterchurn, a multitude of blacksmithing tools, the only working carting machine from 1863 in North America and so on. This place is rich with history and fun for all ages. In addition, the view is spectacular. The views from the museum are as beautiful as most views you're gonna see on the Cabot Trail. This became an unexpected favorite stop...

We walked in thinking it was going to be like any other indoor museum but we were wrong- it was BETTER. The price was $11 per person to get in and I think the price you pay is way below what they should be charging. This could easily be an expensive museum but it’s not! This place takes you back in time, with people dressed up like they we were back in the 1800’s when the Scott’s left Scotland and arrived in Nova Scotia! People are amazing, you get to see the amazing set up from that time. The church was brought to this museum in one piece! The views are breathtaking, there are a few animals on site like a horse, pig and some 🐑. We went there when tourists weren’t there so got to interact with the people 1on1 which was great so get to learn their history. Apparently this place can hold around 700 people at a time when the cruise ships arrive! Go see it for your self. Promise you won’t be...