settlers. Today Chéticamp, which is at the entrance of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, is a popular tourist spot. Geography Chéticamp is at the western entrance to Cape Breton Highlands National Park which contains the Acadian Trail. The downtown area overlooks a harbour that is protected from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence by Chéticamp Island. The Chéticamp River flows into the Gulf of St. Lawrence approximately 5 km northeast of the village. Climate Chéticamp experiences a humid continental climate (Dfb). Temperature and precipitation patterns are greatly influenced by the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and Cape Breton Highlands. The highest temperature ever recorded in Chéticamp was on 10 August 2001. The coldest temperature ever recorded was on 27 January 1994. 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 fish quotas have declined, tourism has taken on more importance and is the largest industry at this time. The tourism industry is based on 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 is unique and rich in Acadian history. The Université Sainte-Anne has a campus in Saint-Joseph-du-Moine. Gallery References External links The Official Chéticamp Website Photographs of Cheticamp war memorial Communities in Inverness County, Nova Scotia Populated places in the Municipality of the County of Inverness,