Nova Scotia - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island - page 191

The cape surrounding the village has some very off-the-beaten-track opportunities for
hiking, kayaking, birdwatching and surfing.
Grassy Island National
Historic Site HISTORIC SITE
( 902-366-3136; 1465 Union St; admission $3; 10am-6pm Jun-Sep) An interpretive center
on the waterfront tells the story of Grassy Island National Historic Site, which lies just
offshore and can be visited by boat until 4pm. In 1720 the British built a small fort to off-
set the French who had their headquarters in Louisbourg, but it was totally destroyed in
1744. Among the ruins today, there's a self-guided hiking trail with eight interpretive
stops explaining the history of the area. The boat to Grassy Island departs from the center
upon demand, weather permitting.
Whitman House Museum MUSEUM
( 902-366-2170; 1297 Union St; 9am-5pm Jun-Sep) The tourist office is at the
1885 Whitman House Museum, which holds reminders of the town's history and offers a
good view from the widow's walk on the roof.
Chapel Gully Trail HIKING
This is a 10km boardwalk and hiking trail along an estuary and out to the coast. It begins
near the lighthouse on the hill behind the hospital at the eastern end of Canso. A large
map is posted at the trailhead.
Festivals & Events
Stan Rogers Folk Festival MUSIC
( www.stanfest.com ; 1st weekend Jul) Most people who come to Canso come for the Stan
Rogers Folk Festival, the biggest festival in Nova Scotia. It quadruples the town's popu-
lation, with six stages showcasing folk, blues and traditional musicians from around the
world. Accommodations are pretty much impossible to get unless you reserve a year
ahead. Locals set up 1000 campsites for the festival; check the website for details and try
to get a campsite away from the festival site if sleep is a priority.
Sleeping
Last Port Motel MOTEL $$$