Active on the island: 3 road closures (3 total)See details →

Port Hawkesbury

Industrial port at the Canso Causeway — the first town most visitors see crossing onto the island.

On the Ceilidh TrailOn the Fleur-de-lis Trail

Port Hawkesbury is the gateway to Cape Breton from the mainland — the Canso Causeway (built 1955) crosses the Strait of Canso here, the deepest causeway in the world. The town is a service centre and the home of one of Canada's largest paper mills.

For most travellers it's a refuel stop, but the NSCC Strait Area Campus is here, and the town has a workmanlike walkway around the harbour and a small live-music scene at The Granite Brewery.

Local businesses

Papa’s Pub and Eatery

Papa’s Pub and Eatery

restaurant

Dine at Papa's Pub and Eatery in Port Hawkesbury for Canadian cuisine with modern flair, craft pizzas, and an extensive wine list in a warm atmosphere.

★★★★ (585)
Maritime Inn Port Hawkesbury

Maritime Inn Port Hawkesbury

accommodation

4-star · Port Hawkesbury

★★★★ (495)
Miller’s Seafood & Chophouse

Miller’s Seafood & Chophouse

restaurant

Dine at Miller's Seafood & Chophouse in Port Hawkesbury with casual elegance, fresh local seafood, steaks, and a summer patio overlooking the Strait Area.

★★★★ (454)
Fleur de-Lis Tea Room and Dining Room

Fleur de-Lis Tea Room and Dining Room

restaurant

Book a table at Fleur de-Lis in Port Hawkesbury for home-cooked breakfast, Acadian seafood, and Cape Breton cuisine with vegetarian and gluten-free options.

★★★★★ (251)
Harbourview Motel & Accommodations

Harbourview Motel & Accommodations

accommodation

3.5-star · Port Hawkesbury

★★★★★ (107)
Scenic View of the Straight of Canso

Scenic View of the Straight of Canso

accommodation

Book this 3-bedroom Cape Breton Airbnb in Port Hawkesbury with full kitchen, 2-tier deck, firepit, and stunning Strait of Canso views.

★★★★★ (48)
Strait of Canso Yacht Club

Strait of Canso Yacht Club

attraction

Visit the Strait of Canso Yacht Club in Port Hawkesbury, a member-run maritime facility since 1964 with docks, clubhouse, showers, and a licensed bar.

★★★★★ (48)
Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre

Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre

attraction

Visit Port Hawkesbury's modern civic centre featuring an arena with 1000 seats, fitness centre, conference facilities, and a green building design in the Stra

★★★★★ (25)
Port Hawkesbury Community Trails

Port Hawkesbury Community Trails

attraction

Hike the 10-kilometre trail system through hardwood and softwood forests in Port Hawkesbury, open year-round for hikers, walkers, and cross-country skiers.

★★★★ (13)

Things to see & do

Other towns along the same trails

Around Cape Breton

More news →
CBC · Jul 29, 2026
'Stewards of the land': Cape Breton groups heralded for salmon conservation efforts

Local conservation groups are gaining recognition for their efforts to protect salmon populations in Cape Breton's rivers and waterways.

PNI Atlantic News · Jul 10, 2026
Dockside Sessions this summer at Cape Breton's Big Fiddle

Live music performances are coming to Cape Breton's iconic Big Fiddle this summer.

Your Tri Counties · Jul 22, 2026
Cape Breton researcher awarded $40K grant to improve supports for women with disabilities in N.S.

A Cape Breton researcher has received a $40,000 grant to enhance support services for women with disabilities across Nova Scotia.