History The community traces its history back to the early 1700s when it was largely settled by Highland Scots who, in the Gaelic language, referred to the area as Chestico. It is natural that the ocean has always played an important part in the life of the community. In early years ships from as far away as Halifax and Prince Edward Island called several times weekly at Port Hood with passengers and freight. Stone from Port Hood Island, a 3 minute boat ride from the village, was transported by vessel between 1720 and 1740 to Louisbourg for construction of the now famous Fortress of Louisbourg. With all this marine activity going on it became necessary to build a lighthouse. One was built in 1854 at a site south of the village. It provided guidance for sea-going traffic until 1938 when it was destroyed by fire. By that time harbour activity had tapered off considerably so a new lighthouse was not built. The property was purchased by John and Ann MacDonald and it remains in the MacDonald family name to this day. In 1988 John and Ann's son Colin and his wife Rachel began construction of four cottages on the site to accommodate a growing tourism industry. What more appropriate operating name could one put forward than the designation 'Lighthouse Cottages'? Not only is it a link to the past but it reminds us that there was indeed a golden age of sailing ships and Port Hood was an important part of it. Other Attractions If traditional Scottish music and dance strikes your fancy, then you ll be delighted to know that ceilidhs and dances are held almost every night of the week in Port Hood and the surrounding area (i.e., Mabou, Glencoe, Judique, are all only ten minutes away ). From your cottage, a short path takes you down to the sandy Port Hood beach which boasts some of the warmest waters north of the Carolinas It is easy to travel the Cabot Trail in a day and be home by supper time. Baddeck and its many attractions is only an hour away. Don't forget that there are interesting drives away from the main highwaysuch as a drive along the scenic Colindale Rd. to West Mabou. Beautiful coastal hiking and biking trails are close by. Bird watching Port Hood Island View Boat Tours You also have your choice of six wonderful golf courses, all located within an hour and a half or less of Port Hood. There are many fine dining establishments in Port Hood and Mabou, as well as gift shops, a museum, and an art gallery.

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