Strait of Canso facts for kids
The Strait of Canso is a narrow body of water in Nova Scotia, Canada. It acts like a natural border. This strait separates the main part of Nova Scotia from Cape Breton Island.
It is also known as the Gut of Canso. In the past, people sometimes called it the Straits of Canceau. This waterway is very important for ships and local communities.
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What is the Strait of Canso?
A strait is a narrow channel of water. It connects two larger bodies of water. The Strait of Canso is about 27 kilometres (17 miles) long. It is usually about 3 kilometres (2 miles) wide. At its narrowest point, it is only about 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) wide.
This strait links Chedabucto Bay to St. George's Bay. Chedabucto Bay is part of the Atlantic Ocean. St. George's Bay is part of the Northumberland Strait. The Northumberland Strait is a smaller part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Deep Waters and Busy Ports
The Strait of Canso is very deep. It is more than 60 metres (200 feet) deep in some places. This depth makes it suitable for large ships.
Two important towns are located on the strait. Port Hawkesbury is on the eastern side. Mulgrave is on the western side. Both towns have busy ports. These ports help ships load and unload goods.
The Canso Causeway and Canal
The strait is crossed by a special road and railway called the Canso Causeway. This causeway was built in 1955. It connects the Nova Scotia mainland to Cape Breton Island. This means you can drive or take a train across the strait.
There is also a special waterway through the causeway. It is called the Canso Canal. This canal allows ships to pass through the causeway. Any ship that can travel through the St. Lawrence Seaway can also use the Canso Canal. This makes it a key route for shipping.
Early History of the Strait
People have lived near the Strait of Canso for a long time. Early settlers helped build the communities there. One important person was Henry Nicholas Paint. He lived from 1830 to 1921. His family settled near the strait in 1817.
In the 1800s, shipbuilding became important. Towns like Port Hawkesbury, once called Ship Harbour, built many boats. Companies like H.W. Embree and Sons made special fishing boats. These boats became known as "Canso Boats" because they were built near the strait.
See also
In Spanish: Estrecho de Canso para niños
