The Canso Islands were first used by European fishermen and fur traders in the 1500s. They built wharves, temporary houses, and platforms to dry the thousands of cod fish that they caught in shallow waters of the Grand Banks. By the 1700s both British New Englanders and French Canadians were salting and drying fish on the islands until the French were forced off in 1713. The British built a small fort, a few wealthy merchants built houses, and taverns were built for the soldiers and fishermen. Drying and salting platforms were built along the shore. Everything was burnt and the islands deserted when the French attacked them in 1744.
A small visitor center is located on the mainland. Visitors may watch a short film, view the exhibits, and take a boat ride to Grassy Island. An interpretive trail circles the island.
The visitor center is accessible. The website says that the island is accessible with help but the woman working at the visitor center told us that the trail is rocky and difficult so we skipped the boat ride.
The visitor center has a small lot where short RVs will fit. Larger RVs can be parked in the lot at the end of Water Street, west of the visitor center. A short trail along the shore goes to the center. It’s surfaced with large gravel and is not accessible. Historic Site
45.33593, -60.99064
No comments:
Post a Comment