Baddeck is considered to be the beginning and end of the world famous Cabot Trail and lies at the center of Victoria County in the heart of Cape Breton Island. BABTA represents businesses and attractions from the base of Cape Smokey all the way to Whycocomagh on the shores St. Patrick's Channel and the Bras D'or Lakes. We have much to offer you, the visitor, whether your tastes run from a simple walk along the beach or an unforgettable dining experience. As in other parts of Cape Breton Island, the first people to settle here were the Mi'qmak, members of the Wabenaki First Nation people, attracted to this beautiful, serene place by the abundant fish and excellent game. Baddeck, in fact, takes its name from the Mi'kmaq 'Abadak' - "place with island near". That island, just off the shore of Baddeck, was the home British officer James Duffus who received a crown grant of the Island in the late 1700's. He christened the Island Duffus Island and it was not until 1833 when William Kidston married James Duffus' widow and settled there that the place got its current name, Kidston Island. Baddeck owes much to Mr. Kidston who, in addition to being an astute businessman, was responsible for the separation of Cape Breton and Victoria Counties and it was he who granted the site of the present Court House to the Village of Baddeck. Today Baddeck is a thriving, friendly community that boasts a well-equipped volunteer fire department, lawyers, doctors and dentists, an information technology center, a consolidated school, a Provincial Building, a well-equipped, new hospital, Victoria County Court House (that houses the Municipal offices as well), library, garage, The Alexander Graham Bell Museum, the Bras D'or Interpretive Center, a fine selection of restaurants, hotels, motels and bed and breakfast accommodations, shopping establishments and entertainment. The surrounding area, from the bottom of Cape Smokey to the shores of St. Patrick's Channel offer magnificent scenery to photograph, calm rivers to canoe and fish, trails to explore and beaches for swimming and pure relaxation.