'Perfect storm' of tourism hits Cape Breton hotel rooms, car rentals

A quick look at online booking sites will tell you: Sydney is practically sold out.

Thousands of people are expected to descend this weekend on Cape Breton Island, where more thana dozen special events and festivalsare taking place.Most of the traffic is expected to hit Sydney and Louisbourg, where tall shipswill be in port.

In both places, hotels, motels, B&Bs and even Airbnb's are all fully booked.

Campgrounds and car rental agencies across the island that haven'talready sold outare expected toby Friday evening.

Coming attractions

Tourism officialssay that late July to August has always beenthe beginning of the island's peak tourist season. Butthis could be the busiest weekendof the year given the lineup of events:

• Tall Ships in Sydney, Louisbourg and St. Peter's
• Sydney Pride Festival
• Johnny Miles FestivalinSydney Mines
• Cape Breton Jazz Festivalin Sydney
• 25th Annual LouisbourgCrabfest
• Cape Breton Bike Rally in Membertou
• Sydney Waterfront Festival

"It's like multiple perfect storms coming together," said Mary Tulle,CEO of the Destination Cape Breton Association.

Industry up 15 per cent

Tullesaid Canada 150 celebrations have led to increased activityandthat an upwardtrend in tourism last yearis still showing results.

"Last season, the tourism industry here saw an increase of 15per cent," said Tulle.

"We think people are coming back, and they're bringing their friends and families."

Festivals aplenty

Joe Costello is at the helm of the CBRM'srecreation department, and said he and his team have been working with adozen community-led committeesthat are hosting one or more events this weekend.

"There's literally not a place you can turn in the CBRMand not hit a festival or event this weekend," said Costello.

Despite having a lot to do, Costello saidhe'smore excited than stressed about the onslaught of activity.

"The nervousness comes during the nineto 12 monthsof planning," he said.

"This time of the year, you just hope that you haven't forgotten anything. Things are going to just keep happening whether you want them to or not. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Priority on safety

Costello saidthemunicipality has spent a lot of timeworkingwith emergency services, making sure the infrastructure is in place to allow as many people as possible to attend as many events as possible and safely.

The Cape Breton Regional Police Service and Emergency Health Servicesare both deploying extra members this weekend.

Paramedics on bicycles will patroldowntown Sydney at peak times, while police co-ordinatethe control of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.