Mulgrave

I have passed the exit for Mulgrave over a hundred times traveling to and from Cape Breton, but I had never been there. It's no secret that this picturesque Guysborourgh town, located on the shores of the Canso Strait has been dealing with economic hardships, the town's history has been a tale of struggle and perseverance.

Post Office

The Mi'kmaq called this area Tui’knek, meaning “at the out flow”. When it was founded in 1800 by British loyalists it was then known as McNair's Cove, and later the town's name changed to honour the colonial Lieutenant Governor, the Earl of Mulgrave. The town was incorporated in 1923. Once the site of a ferry service to Cape Breton, Mulgrave was a transportation hub for decades, but has seen a steady decline in population since the Canso Causeway was built in 1955. Today 722 residents call Mulgrave home.

I visited Mulgrave on July 2nd, and here's what I found:

1. Selfie – Nabbed a picture in front of the town's sign where Route 344 meets Main Street. 

Mulgrave Heritage Centre

2. Visitor’s Centre & 3. Museum – Mulgrave Heritage Centre and Visitor's Information Centre, located on Logie Drive is modeled after the Scotia II ferry that transported railcars and vehicles from the Mainland to Cape Breton Island before the Canso Causeway was built. And it was closed that day. Poopie.

4. Food – No restaurants in Mulgrave, so we settled on an ice cream cone at the Mulgrave Ice Cream Barn. Perfect treat on a hot sunny day.

Mulgrave Ice Cream Barn

5. Drink – Mulgrave doesn't produce any of it's own spirits, so while at Mulgrave's NSLC I picked up a couple of Watermelon Blonde beers made by Nine Locks Brewery in Dartmouth.

6. Public Space – I stumbled upon The Scotia Trail that runs between Marine Drive and the harbour. The trail features signs telling the story of Mulgrave's history, along with gorgeous views of the Canso Strait.

One of the beautiful views along the Scotia Trail

7. Art – I had to hunt a bit to find some public art, but I did spot a few colourful very tiny floating houses (possibly for the ducks?) at the town's Duck Pond.

8. Swag – The gift shop at the Heritage Centre was closed so I couldn't find any swag, but if someone knows where I can get a pair of Mulgrave Mittens, please message me.

When should you go? Check out Canada Day Celebrations (July 1), Scotia Days Festival (July 13-22), and Market at the Mulgrave Marina (throughout the summer).

A little bit of trivia: By 1880, one third of Mulgrave's population migrated to New England after the collapse of the local fishing industry in the decade prior.

Up next: This town has a social movement named for it. Find out where on Wednesday.