TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
The page created by Lauren Sparling | McMaster University | Photo by Bardencj (talk) (Original text: I (Bardencj (talk)) created this work entirely by myself), Public Domain
Home to the remains of an 18th-century fishing settlement and the ruins of a battle-ravaged earthen fort, Canso Islands National Historic Site welcomes curious explorers upon its windswept shores to journey through the history that forged a nation.
It consists of a group of islands located off the eastern tip of mainland Nova Scotia; these include grassy islands, cobble beach to George island and Piscatiqui islands.
This 4.2 km loop trail near Canso is generally considered an easy route. This trail takes an average of 1 hour to complete and is great for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing.
You are unlikely to encounter anyone else while exploring, and you are welcome to take your furry friends with you, provided they are on a leash.
This rocky beach is located a few km away from Canso. It is over 2 km long and is a fantastic walking or running route for many individuals. Betsy’s beach is open all year round but is most popular in the summer when people can watch the waves crash while basking in the sun.
Photo: Google Maps, Marty Bru (Martin)
This local museum illustrated the history of Canso Town and eastern Guysborough County, with exhibits from Canso Harbour. These guides will show you a birds-eye view of the town from the widow’s walk on the rooftop. Some of these displays also include panoramas of Canso, period furniture, photographs and other historical memorabilia.
Photo: https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/canso-museum-whitman-house/1472
This local restaurant offers extremely friendly staff, quick service, and fantastic food. Some include fish and chips, pizza, chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches, and more for you to enjoy. As one of the few restaurants nearby, this is an excellent spot for lunch or dinner if you want to dine out.
Photo: Google Street View
Climb aboard the charter company island-made commercial 40-foot fishing boat designed and built to chase down Bluefins. This exhilarating experience will be captained by Captain Bill, a one-of-a-kind fisherman born and raised in Nova Scotia and who has been fishing all his life.
You will be provided with a high-quality custom-built rod and a chance at an official IGFA world record.
Photo: https://www.worldrecordtuna.com/catchingmonsters-giant-bluefintuna
July
This local music festival, known as Stanfest, is an annual festival held in Canso. It is not celebrating its 25th year and is one of Nova Scotia’s signature summer festivals. It has attracted international stars and showcases as well as the finest East Coast and local artists.
Some of the past headliners include Jonny Reid, George Canyon, Matt Anderson, and Serena Ryder.
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/stanrogersfolkfestival/
This site was first used by the Mi’kmaq as a base for fishing and transportation; French and English settlements dotted these remote islands for over 300 years. It now includes remnants of 18th-century British fortifications situated on Grassy Island, one of a group of islands off the eastern tip of mainland Nova Scotia known together known as the Canso Islands National Historic Site. The designation consists of the area within the fort’s footprint as outlined by the ramparts.
Photo: cm195902, flickr, CC-BY-2.0
