Chéticamp (; ) is an unincorporated town on the Cabot Trail on the west coast of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is a local service centre. A majority of the population are Acadians. Together with its smaller neighbour, Saint-Joseph-du-Moine, Chéticamp makes up the largest Francophone enclave on Cape Breton Island. The 2006 population was 3,039 people.

Etymology

The name "Chéticamp" derives from the name given by the Mi'kmaq First Nations, who still live on Cape Breton Island (but not in Chéticamp). The name is Awjátúj (Francis-Smith orthography) in Mi’kmaq, meaning "rarely full", presumably making reference to the mouth of Chéticamp harbour that once had a large dune that grew during low tide.

The French spelling of the town's name went through several variations including Ochatisia (1660), Ochatis (1689), "Chetecqan" (1689 Pierre Detcheverry map of the Gulf of St Lawrence for Governor Antoine Parat) Chétican, Chéticamps (1725) and Chétifcamp (1803). The coldest temperature ever recorded was on 27 January 1994.

|date=28 April 2017

Economy

Apart from an important gypsum mine which operated off and on until the Second World War, the main industry in Chéticamp historically has been fishing. As ground fish quotas have declined, tourism has taken on more importance and is one of the two largest industries at this time along with the shellfish fisheries, lobster and crab.

The tourism industry is based on culture and the scenery found in the coastal village at the entrance of Cape Breton's national park. Chéticamp has also marketed its traditional rug hookers ("tapis hookers"), Acadian music and food. Activities for visitors include whale watching, hiking, swimming, cross country skiing, golfing, snowmobiling, cultural events and festivals and photography. They also host an International Dance Festival, and La fête nationale de l'Acadie (August 15).

Tourist attractions

The local beach named St. Peter's Beach gives the locals as well as tourists a place for swimming, camping, and other recreational activities. There are a great deal of accommodations for visitors and hospitality is a trademark.

The Northern Inverness Recreational Association also manages the local golf course, Le Portage, which is considered part of "Cape Breton's Fabulous Foursome" and is renowned for the beautiful views and challenging course.

Chéticamp extends itself for four kilometres along the Cabot Trail. One kilometre northeast is Petit Étang, then further east is La Prairie. South of La Prairie is Le Platin and Belle-Marche. Even further south is Pointe-à-la-Croix (Point Cross). From Main street Chéticamp, you can view the typical Chéticamp houses. Saint Peter's Church is unique and rich in Acadian history.

The Université Sainte-Anne has a campus in Saint-Joseph-du-Moine.

<gallery>

Image:Acadian monument Chéticamp.JPG|Acadian Monument to their Return (1790)

Image:Rue principale Chéticamp.jpg|Main street in Chéticamp.

Image:Houses in Chéticamp.jpg|Houses in Chéticamp.

Image:Cheticamp-port.jpg|Fishing boats at Chéticamp.

Image:Cows on Chéticamp island.jpg|Cows on Chéticamp Island

</gallery>

References

  • The Official Chéticamp Website
  • Photographs of Cheticamp war memorial