Canso is a small, coastal fishing town on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. The community has a population of 1,250 residents with 2,000 or so living nearby (Approx. 10 KM). Canso is often cited as the oldest fishing port in the Maritimes, having been founded in 1604. The area's rich history is well presented at a local museum and National Historic Park. The community's economy has been predominantly fishing and remains so today.

In 1990, the collapse of the Atlantic Ground Fishery placed Canso in a very precarious economic state. Since that time a concentrated diversification effort has been pursued. The festival is, of course, one of the many components of the economic development strategy that has emerged. Plan to take some time away from the festival to do some sight-seeing.

Where isn't Canso?

Canso isn't in Cape Breton — it's on the mainland of Nova Scotia. Don't be confused by the Canso Causeway, either. The causeway crosses the Strait of Canso, but it isn't in Canso.

Where is it, then?

There are a number of routes that can get you to Canso, depending on which direction you're coming from.

Via Trans Canada Highway 104 at Monastery
Take Exit 37 and enter Route 16. Travel approximately 87 km through Monastery, Lincolnville, Boylston, Guysborough, Halfway Cove, Queensport, Fox Island, and Hazel Hill on to Canso.

Marine Drive from Halifax
Travel along Provincial Highway 107 approximately 45 km to Route 7. Once on Route 7, a picturesque drive will take you through many small villages to Sherbrooke — a drive of approximately 150 km. Onward from Sherbrooke on collector highways 211 and 316, through many villages and hamlets to Route 16 — a distance of 104 km, turning right onto Route 16 at the junction.

From Cape Breton via Mulgrave
When entering mainland Nova Scotia you can access the Marine Drive by turning left directly across from the Aulds Cove Irving Big Stop. Travel through the Town of Mulgrave and the small villages of St. Francis Harbour, Boylston, Guysborough, Queensport, Fox Island, and Hazel Hill onto the Town of Canso, a distance of approximately 106 km.

You may also travel the Trans Canada Highway westward to Exit 37 and enter Route 16. Following Route 16 for approximately 87 km through Monastery, Lincolnville, Boylston, Guysborough, Halfway Cove, Queensport, Fox Island, and Hazel Hill will bring you into the Town of Canso.