Highwheeler Cafe & Bakery

We visited for the first time on our way to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and instantly understood why it’s a crowd favourite. Even with lots of parking around, the café was bustling, but the staff were so thoughtful, meeting you at the end of the line to explain the baked goods and make sure you didn’t miss out. I loved the bacon grilled cheese with its sweet red pepper jelly, and my husband’s Italian deli sandwich on focaccia was hugely incredible. We couldn’t resist the homemade poptarts either: one bursting with bumbleberries, the other cozy with spiced apples. My husband loved the sweets so much he had to go back for a classic date square before we hit the road! The café’s bright, bold colours and cheerful energy made it such a lovely stop.

Absolutely fabulous coffee, the bagel lox was exactly how it should be and the house made bagel was spectacular. I could have eaten two. I had a latte and an Americano, both were delicious and they roast the beans in house! They also have fabulous merch and the staff are so friendly, attentive and helpful. I will be going back again ASAP. Edit: I have now been three times in as many days! The bagels are spectacular, both the lox + shmear and the breakfast sandwich are scrumptious. They are neither Montreal nor New York bagels, they are a special Cape Breton bagel made from a 100-year old recipe and they are light and flavourful and robust enough to hold the sandwich fillings perfectly. I will plan my next trip to Cape Breton to make sure I come back for my Caper bagel fix!

Our favourite cafe and breakfast spot of our road trip! Everything was amazing, including the espresso, cappuccino, big breakfast sandwich, breakfast plate, chocolate peanut butter oatcake, and carrot cake. I especially loved the porridge bread and sesame bagels, which were soft and chewy. Everyone who works there was lovely and were giving great recommendations for our Cape Breton road trip, including other food spots to stop by. I also loved the interior, which was bright and colourful. If you’re starting or ending your drive on the Cabot Trail, I highly recommend stopping by here!

Absolutely FANTASTIC experience! We came from the UK and were so impressed with this beautiful little cafe. The food was absolutely delicious (I recommend the bumbleberry pie) and the staff could not have been friendlier! We had wonderful conversations with many of the staff members who all went out of their way to ensure we had a lovely time at the cafe but also gave us lots of tips for our trip to Cape Breton! Would thoroughly recommend this cafe to anyone in the area!

The Highwheeler Café in Baddeck is a true hidden gem! The staff were so warm and welcoming — genuinely friendly and eager to serve. You can feel the pride they take in every dish. The seafood chowder was outstanding — creamy, flavorful, and packed with mussels, haddock, salmon, clams, and more. The cheddar cheese biscuit alongside it was perfectly flaky and comforting. And don’t skip dessert! The pie had a buttery, homemade crust and the carrot cake was moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with rich cream-cheese frosting. A must-visit in Cape Breton for anyone who loves great food, friendly people, and genuine local charm.

Amazing bagel!!! (All the food, actually.) I hear sesame bagel and cringe, BUT, this bagel was the perfect combo of substance, fluff, and crunch, with a delicious taste, and the sesame seeds are not overwhelming!!! I will tie this bagel with my favourite nyc bohemouth (but they are very different styles!!). I asked about the bagel, and it turns out they make it in-house! The latte was also well-balanced (please dont judge my preference for iced, but had I known they roast their own beans in advance, I would have gotten the pure stuff). My family got the turkey sandwich, a bagel with schmier, and carrot cake, and loved it all. We did come in as part of a tour. The cafe handled us efficiently and kindly, but also balanced their regular customer balance. It was a brief but very pleasant stop. Highly recommend.

What a gem! We came to Baddeck to sample Cape Breton and tour the Cabot Trail we just might come back for the coffee. When you walk in the door you are welcomed by the owner who will tell you her favorites among the baked goods. Her son took our order and wouldn’t let us walk away without sharing a few “must see” items on our trail visit. The decor is so comfy and friendly and seriously, the coffee. Come for a coffee and maybe stay for a weekend.

What a lovely café! It is a busy place but our orders came out rather quickly. The sammies are to die for, especially the Cuban and regular grilled cheese. The magic is in their bread! And one must not forget to try the chocolate-covered oat cookies with peanut-butter filling. Unforgettable! I brought 12 back home with me and almost cried when I ate the last one. The staff was ultra friendly, too, and gave tourist info.