Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings Travel Guide
A comprehensive tour guide for Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings, including culturally important attractions, natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, what to buy, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, nearby destinations, and more.
- Introduction to Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
- List of Places to Visit in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
- Best Things to Do in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
- Food and Drink Scene of Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
- Where to Stay in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
- Best Time to Visit Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
- Do’s and Don’ts of Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
- Where to Go Next from Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings are two neighboring towns located in Cape Breton Island, in Nova Scotia, in Atlantic Canada, in Canada, in North America. The two towns lie on opposite sides of the Canso Causeway, which connects Cape Breton Island to mainland Nova Scotia. Port Hawkesbury is the larger of the two towns, while Port Hastings has a population of around 1,000.
Despite being small towns, Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings offer a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. From museums and historical places to outdoor adventures and scenic views, there is plenty to explore. In this travel guide, we will take you through some of the must-visit places and experiences in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings.
List of Places to Visit in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Port Hastings Historical Society Museum
- St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site
- Port Hastings Heritage Park
Natural Attractions of Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Bras d’Or Lake
- Beinn Bhreagh
Hiking/Biking Routes of Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
- Celtic Shores Coastal Trail
- Bras d’Or Lakes Scenic Drive
- Marconi Trail
Best Things to Do in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings: Activities and Tours
- Whale watching tours
- Fishing charters
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Golfing
- Island hopping tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings and visit the museums and historical places |
| Day 2 | Go hiking along the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail |
| Day 3 | Go fishing or take a whale watching tour |
| Day 4 | Take a day trip to Bras d’Or Lake |
| Day 5 | Play golf at one of the local courses |
| Day 6 | Take a kayaking or paddleboarding tour |
| Day 7 | Visit Beinn Bhreagh and enjoy the scenic views |
Food and Drink Scene of Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
Must-Try Dishes
- Lobster rolls
- Clam chowder
- Fish and chips
- Barbecued chicken
Local Beverages
- Nova Scotia wine
- Craft beer
Where to Stay in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- MacKenzie House Tourist Home B&B
- Hearthstone Inn Port Hawkesbury
- Maritime Inn Port Hawkesbury
What to Buy in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local crafts
- Seafood
- Nova Scotia wine
Local Culture and Customs of Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
- The Scottish influence on Cape Breton Island
- The importance of the fishing industry to the local economy
- The Mi’kmaq people and their culture
Best Time to Visit Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
The best time to visit Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Do’s and Don’ts of Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs
- Try the local seafood
- Explore the outdoor attractions
Don’t:
- Litter or damage the natural attractions
- Disrespect the locals or their customs
- Overfish in the local waters
Safety and Health
Safety in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings are generally safe areas. However, it is important to take precautions, such as locking your car and valuables, and being aware of your surroundings.
Health in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
The healthcare facilities in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings are of a high standard. There are several hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies available in the area.
Getting to Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
- Sydney Airport (YQY)
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Bus Stations Near Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
- Port Hawkesbury Bus Terminal
Other Options
- Car rentals
- Taxis
How to Get Around in Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings
The best way to get around Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings is by car. There are also taxis available in the area.
Where to Go Next from Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Halifax
- Louisbourg
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Conclusion
Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings are small towns, but they have plenty to offer visitors. From museums and historical places to natural attractions and outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings are the perfect destinations. So pack your bags and get ready to explore all that these two picturesque towns have to offer.
