Over the past few months, there’s been a lot of discussion about the future of visitor information centres in Nova Scotia. As part of a provincial effort to “modernize” tourism services, several visitor information centres, including the Port Hastings VIC, were permanently closed. The Province has said the change reflects how people travel today, with more visitors planning trips and accessing information online before they arrive.
While there’s no question that digital tools are important, many people across Cape Breton are asking a simple question: does online information really replace a welcoming face at the Island’s front door?
Destination Cape Breton doesn’t think so.
They recently submitted a proposal to the Province and Cape Breton’s 5 municipalities that would see the centre reopened and operated through a collaborative pilot project for the 2026 season.
In 2025, the Port Hastings VIC assisted more than 72,800 visitors, a 15.5% increase from the previous year. Visitors are still looking for personal recommendations, local knowledge, and help navigating everything Cape Breton has to offer.
Anyone who has worked in tourism knows that a website can’t answer every question. Visitors often want advice from someone who knows the area: where to find the best seafood, which section of the Cabot Trail to drive first, where to catch live music, or what hidden gems aren’t showing up in an online search.
All 5 Cape Breton municipalities have committed to the proposal, and Destination Cape Breton’s Board has approved participation. The remaining hurdle is provincial approval, since the Province owns the Port Hastings building and must authorize its use.
Unfortunately, time is becoming a factor. The tourism season is already underway, and visitors continue stopping at the site expecting information and assistance, only to find the doors closed.
Destination Cape Breton is encouraging anyone who supports the proposal to contact their MLA and ask the Province for a timely response.
