Canso Islands National Historic Site

Home
Canada
Canso, NS
Canso Islands National Historic Site

Parks Canada's official page for Canso Islands and Grassy Island Fort National Historic Sit

Cette page est aussi disponible en français à http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lieu-historique-national-des-%C3%8Eles-Canso/504337666254313

One of the early European fishing ports in North America, Canso grew to be a thriving community of fishermen and merchants from New England. Now you can discover the fascinating story of the people who lived here more than 200 years ago, before it became a casualty of the Anglo-French rivalry for North America. Free boat service to the island is available from the Visitor Centre on the mainland.

09/07/2026

Today is our last day! We would love to see you before we say goodbye to another visitor season.

Can’t make it this year? You can start planning for 2027 when we open again on July 1!

09/02/2026

On September 1, the Government of Canada announced significant investments in infrastructure improvements at several Parks Canada-administered places across Cape Breton Island/Unama’ki and in Canso.

The investments will support projects that improve public safety, enhance visitor experiences, strengthen climate resilience and preserve nationally significant heritage. Projects include roadway, bridge and trail improvements, visitor infrastructure upgrades, and heritage conservation at sites including Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Alexander Graham Bell, Fortress of Louisbourg, Canso Islands, Marconi, and St. Peters Canal national historic sites.

Destination Cape Breton

08/17/2026

Planning a visit to Canso Islands National Historic Site?

Here’s how to make the most of your stop:
⚓ Start your visit at the waterfront visitor centre
🎣 Learn about one of North America’s earliest fishing settlements
🗝️ Check out 18th-century artifacts

Then continue your visit with:
🛥️ A boat trip to Grassy Island
🚶 A walk along the interpretive trail
🌊 Coastal views and historic remains of the settlement

Trip planning tips:
🕔 Allow about 30 minutes for the visitor centre
🕔 Allow about 1 hours for the boat trip and island visit
📞 Call ahead to confirm boat service availability: 902-366-3136

Find out more information here: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/canso/visit

07/21/2026

Looking to add a unique stop to your Eastern Shore road trip? Check out Canso Islands National Historic Site!

🐟 Learn about one of the earliest fishing settlements in North America
🛥️ Take the boat to Grassy Island
🚶 Walk along the interpretive trail
🌊 Enjoy the Canso waterfront

Today, this once-bustling fishing settlement offers a quieter place to connect with coastal history and explore at your own pace.

ℹ️https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/canso/visit

07/17/2026

Every great visit starts with a good plan!

If you’re thinking about visiting Canso Islands National Historic Site, the Parks Canada website has everything you need to get started. 🌊🛥️🌿

ℹ️ https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/canso/visit

07/01/2026

🎉 Canso Islands National Historic Site has reopened! We’re excited to welcome new and returning visitors to the site.

📍Admission to Canso Islands National Historic Site is free and open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, July 1, 2026, to September 7, 2026.

We hope to see you soon! 👋

📸H. Hendsbee

06/21/2026

On , we recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

This day is an opportunity to reflect on the deep and enduring relationships Indigenous Peoples maintain with the land and to acknowledge the important role these connections continue to play in shaping our shared future.

We are committed to listening, learning, and walking forward in the spirit of reconciliation, respect, and collaboration. 🧡

03/20/2026

A new season is just around the corner 🌱

As spring settles in, we’re preparing to welcome visitors once again. It’s the perfect time to start planning your next visit.⚓🛥

01/12/2026

📣 Students, youths, and young adults, stop scrolling and keep reading below! 👇

Are you searching for a fun and unique summer job?🤔

We’re hiring an Outreach Assistant!

As an Outreach Assistant, you will bring Parks Canada’s stories to life by delivering fun and educational programs, connecting with audiences at virtual and in-person events, and represent Parks Canada across Cape Breton Island and Canso.

Your dream summer job is just a click away. Apply before the deadline of February 15! ⏳📅

For more information on the position and how to apply, visit the link below. 🦫

https://emploisfp-psjobs.cfp-psc.gc.ca/psrs-srfp/applicant/page1800?poster=2389254

12/10/2025

📢 Big news for Parks Canada administered places in Nova Scotia! 📢

Today marks a historic step forward! The Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia and Parks Canada have signed the Toqi'maliaptmu'k Arrangement – meaning “we will look after it together.”

This significant milestone in co-management strengthens the relationship between the Mi’kmaq and Parks Canada, ensuring the stewardship of these lands honours Mi’kmaw ancestors, traditions, and responsibilities. Together, we are walking the path of reconciliation, respect, and shared decision-making.

🌿Honouring the past, protecting the future – together🌿

For more information, visit: http://parks.canada.ca/toqimaliaptmuk-arrangement

***********************

📢 Meski’k aknutmaqn ukjit Amalitasikl Kana’ta iknmuetasikl etekl ta’n No’pa Sko’sa! 📢
Kiskuk ewi’kek na sa’qewey elteskmk nikantuk! Ta’n Mi’kma’q ta’n No’pa Sko’sa aqq Amalitasikl Kana’ta na ketloqo ewi’kmi’tisnek ta’n Toqi-maliaptmu’k Kiskaja’tasik - teluek “ kinu toqi-anko’tesnu.”

Ta’n nuta’q tepteskasik na toqi-maliaptasik melkiknewa’toq ta’n tela’matultimk mekwaye’k Mi’kma’q aqq Amalitasikl Kana’ta, kejitmk ta’n lukwaqn ukjit ula maqmikewel kepmite’tmaji Mi’kmawe’k Kniskamijinaq, telo’ltimk, aqq maliaptmkl. Toqita’mk, kinu na elleketa’yk ta’n awti na apiksiktuaqn , kepmite’taqn, aqq naskwa’tmk telite’tmk-eltmk.

🌿Kepmite’tmk sa’qewey, kelpitmk ta’n elmi’knik- toqpultimk🌿

Address

1465 Union Street
Canso, NS
B0H1H0

Telephone

+19023663136

Website

http://www.parkscanada.gc.ca/cansoislands

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Canso Islands National Historic Site posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Canso Islands National Historic Site:

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Canso?