While Hurricane Fiona caused damage to parts of Cape Breton Island, some communities have fared much better than others. 

Destination Cape Breton Association reports that most tourism businesses are either open or in the process of reopening and that cruise ships are returning starting on Monday, October 3. Celtic Colours International Festival is forging ahead on Cape Breton Island beginning Friday, October 7.

Organizers of the Celtic Colours International Festival have been monitoring conditions and restoration efforts all week, as well as consulting with volunteers, community organizations, venues and municipal officials. Based on the feedback they’ve received, the progress they’ve seen, and the fact that the opening weekend is still a week away, the festival will go ahead, while being mindful of the restoration and recovery efforts that are ongoing.

The full schedule of concerts and community events, and any updates, can be found at celtic-colours.com/schedule.

For visitors who have travel booked to come to Cape Breton Island this fall, Destination Cape Breton is encouraging travellers to keep those plans. Travellers should check ahead with accommodations providers to ensure they are open and pay attention to any directions from emergency responders about road closures or clean up work in areas that are still effected by the storm.

If visitors need to find alternate accommodations, they can contact the Destination Cape Breton team or the Tourism Contact Centre at 1-800-565-0000.