Englishtown Ferry & Park

The Englishtown Ferry is a small cable-driven vessel that has crossed the narrow throat of St. Anns Harbour for over a century, shaving 30 kilometres off the Cabot Trail loop. Nearby is the grave of Cape Breton "giant" Angus MacAskill, plus a small day-use park and beach. The crossing is short and a memorable bit of Cabot Trail tradition.

What to see

• The cable ferry itself — a Nova Scotia government-run two-minute crossing that's been in operation in some form since the 19th century.
• The grave of Angus MacAskill, the Cape Breton-raised "giant" who toured with P.T. Barnum in the 1840s.
• A small day-use beach on St. Anns Bay with shallow warm water on a calm day.
• Views across the bay to the Gaelic College campus.
• Bird-watching for cormorants, kingfishers, and the occasional bald eagle.

Tips

• The ferry runs roughly every fifteen minutes during operating hours; queues can build in midsummer afternoons.
• A small toll applies; cash or card.
• Skip the ferry queue and drive the longer route around if you're in no hurry — the road around St. Anns Bay is itself worth doing.
• Best light at the cemetery is late morning.
• Service can be suspended in heavy weather or for maintenance — check the Nova Scotia ferries page if it's critical.

Park & access

• Free parking at the ferry approach and at the small day-use park.
• The crossing operates year-round, with reduced winter hours.
• Restrooms at the day-use park in summer only.

Combine it with

• The Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts a few minutes south.
• A Cape Smokey ascent — gondola or hiking trail — on the way north.
• A meal at one of the St. Anns Bay artisan stops along the Cabot Trail.