Margaree Travel Guide

Welcome to Margaree, Atlantic Canada

In the 18th century Acadians settled on Cape Breton Island near the opening of what would eventually be known as St. Maguerite or the Margaree River. Not long after the Acadians called this breathtaking landscape home, the Irish and Scottish built their homes throughout the highlands and valleys of the Margaree area. This region, located just off the Cabot Trail, benefits from the impressive 120 km (74.6 mi) long Margaree River, which flows down to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A spawning ground for salmon, this river has shaped the culture of the Margaree area, providing a livelihood for hundreds of years. Reveling in this rich heritage, Margaree is the proud home of the Salmon Museum and Nova Scotia's oldest fish hatchery. A major contributor to the vibrant music and arts culture thriving on Cape Breton Island, Margaree celebrates its artisans and musicians with fairs, festivals, gift shops, boutiques and Friday night Ceilidhs – a Gaelic word meaning musical party. Situated near both the Cabot Trail and Ceilidh Trail, Margaree presents outdoor opportunities ranging from snowmobiling to hiking to skiing and beyond. There are impressive beaches nearby including Margaree Harbour, which is situated approximately 16 km (9.9 mi) from the tourist centre in Margaree. Perfect for swimming, this harbour features rolling sand dunes, stunning rock formations and a white sand beach.