One of Cape Breton’s most unique Halloween experiences is returning this October, and instead of a traditional haunted house, you’ll explore an entire historic village by lamplight after dark.
Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village in Iona is hosting Oidhche nam Bòcan | Night of the Spirits on October 23 and 24, 2026.
For two nights, visitors will make their way through the historic village during a special evening tour filled with storytelling, skits, special effects and Gaelic Halloween traditions.
And with the village illuminated by lamplight overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake, it might be one of the most atmospheric Halloween events happening in Cape Breton this year.
You Can Explore Highland Village By Lamplight
Highland Village is a living history museum in Iona that shares the story of Gaelic settlement and culture in Nova Scotia.
The property includes historic buildings representing different periods of Gaelic life in Cape Breton, creating the feeling of walking through a community from another era.
Usually, visitors explore the village during the daytime.
But Oidhche nam Bòcan gives you a chance to experience it completely differently.
Guests will explore the village after dark during a guided lamplight tour, with storytelling, skits and special effects incorporated throughout the experience.
The event is inspired by Halloween and traditional Gaelic customs, making it much more than a standard haunted attraction.
The Night Ends With A Céilidh
The experience doesn’t end once you finish walking through the village.
After the evening tour, visitors will gather inside “The Tuning Room” for a céilidh.
Guests can enjoy traditional treats including fuarag and oatcakes while continuing the evening together.
Fuarag is a traditional Gaelic Halloween dish associated with seasonal celebrations, adding another cultural element to the event.
It makes the night feel less like walking through a typical Halloween attraction and more like stepping into a Cape Breton Gaelic tradition.
The Event Is Family Friendly
Despite the spooky name, Night of the Spirits is designed as a family-friendly event.
Tours run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both October 23 and October 24.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $10 for students or $40 for a family.
Prepaid reservations are required, so this isn’t an event you’ll want to leave until the last minute.
Highland Village Is Located In Iona
Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village is located at 4119 Highway 223 in Iona on Cape Breton Island.
The museum sits on a hillside overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake, giving visitors sweeping views during the daytime.
But for two nights this October, the historic buildings, darkened pathways and lamplight will give the village an entirely different atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a Cape Breton Halloween experience that combines spooky storytelling with history and Gaelic culture, this one deserves a spot on your fall bucket list.
Oidhche nam Bòcan | Night of the Spirits
📍 Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village, Iona, Cape Breton
📅 October 23 & 24, 2026
⏰ 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
🎟️ Adults: $18
🎟️ Students: $10
🎟️ Family: $40
🏮 Lamplight village tour
📖 Storytelling & skits
🎶 Céilidh after the tour
👨👩👧👦 Family friendly
🎫 Prepaid reservations required
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