Canso Islands National Historic Site

Near the small fishing village of Canso, Nova Scotia, a low, windswept archipelago stretches eastward into the harsh Atlantic. Once an abundant fishing ground for the Mi’kmaq and early European settlers during the 18th century. Learn more through engaging displays at our visitor center, and imagine life in this remote outpost.

 

 A man and a woman sitting in wooden chairs while the sunsets

The Grassy Island Settlement

Visit the archaeological site of Grassy Island.

A woman sits on a bench holding a brochure

Learn at home!

Fun activities you can try at home while you learn about Canso Islands National Historic Site.

Two hands holding wooden tools while making a green fishing net

Fish and fur trades

Learn about the history of Canso Islands throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

Visiting Canso Islands National Historic Site

Activities and experiences

Things to do at the Canso Islands visitor centre and Grassy Island, and at-home activities.

Plan your visit

How to get here, hours of operation, facilities and services, and local services.

About Canso Islands National Historic Site

Culture and history

History, culture, and cultural landscape.

Stewardship and management

Public consultations, plans, and policies.

Contact us at Canso Islands National Historic Site

902-366-3136 or 902-295-2069
Send an email

Hours of operation

July 1 - September 4, 2023
10 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 6 pm daily

More information

#CANSONHS

More places to discover with Parks Canada

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

Mingle with Louisbourg’s lively 18th century citizens, hearing their stories and tasting their food while soldiers march, cannons blast, children play and women mend clothes on a typical 1740s day in the French fortified town.

St. Peters Canal National Historic Site

Located in one of Canada’s oldest European settlements, St. Peters Canal links the Atlantic Ocean with the Bras d'Or Lakes as well as Canada’s historic trading past to Cape Breton Island’s vibrant future.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

A third of the world-famous Cabot Trail winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, renowned for stunning ocean vistas, deep-cut canyons, 26 diverse hiking trails, spectacular campsites and glorious sandy beaches.

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

Meet the man who would forever transform the modern world. Feel Alexander Graham Bell’s remarkable legend come to life while touring full-scale replicas, touching his personal artefacts and taking part in exhilarating behind-the-scenes tours.

Marconi National Historic Site

Discover how the wireless age began at a museum chronicling inventor Guglielmo Marconi’s achievements in carrying out the world’s first transatlantic wireless telegraph experiments in Nova Scotia at the turn of 20th century.

Date modified :