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THE COMMUNITY OF IONA In 1758, a soldier in the British Army, by the name of Donald “Og” MacNeil, took part in the Siege of Louisburg. For several years before that, while scouting in and about Cape Breton Island, Donald “Og” was extremely impressed by the beauty and advantages of the Bras d’Or Lake and its surroundings. On his trips to his home in Barra while serving in the British Army, he repeatedly impressed upon his relatives and associates, that if ever they were to migrate to Canada, they should settle in that part of the Lake’s northern bank which we know today as “Iona”. In 1759, Donald “Og” also took part in the Taking of Quebec. After the defeat of General Montcalm’s army on the Plains of Abraham, Donald “Og” was ordered to raise the British flag. In the attempt to do so, he was killed by a French sniper and buried in Quebec. The first Scots to carry out the instructions that Donald “Og” had detailed for them some forty years earlier were Donald (Rory) and his son Rory, as well as Eoin (Donald, John) and his son John who left Barra and arrived in Pictou in the fall of 1799. They made their way to Arisaig where they remained for the winter. In the spring of 1800, the 4 boarded a small boat and headed for the location which was so richly described for them by Donald “Og”. They staked their claim and began the task of clearing the land. That year would see large numbers of immigrants, all Roman Catholics, arriving from the Island of Barra. Many found their was to The Grand Narrows and still remembering their old home, they named the narrow passage which connects the two sections of the Bras d’Or Lake the Straits of Barra. The Iona Peninsula, which is located in the center of Cape Breton Island, is almost completely surrounded by the Bras d’Or Lake - Canada’s only Inland Sea. The Village of Iona (pop 135) which is located on the western side of the Barra Strait, is rich in Scottish heritage. Its name, which was Grand Narrows at one point, was changed by the Statute of Nova Scotia in 1891 to Iona. Today, the MacNeils and MacKenzies, the MacLeans and MacDonalds, and the Gillises and Campbells “All Call Iona Home.” Iona is home to the Highland Village Outdoor Pioneer Museum, which recreates Nova Scotia’s Scottish heritage. Through numerous historic buildings with costumed staff, the Village gives testimony to the strength of character and love of home and family of the pioneers. The Village is set on a hillside overlooking the Bras d’Or Lakes.
WHAT CAN BE FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF IONA Barra Strait Marina Chantal’s Antiques Christmas Island Volunteer Fire Department Emergency Centre (Hall) Grand Narrows Convenience Store & NSLC Outlet Iona CAP site Iona Volunteer Fire Department Little Narrows Convenience Store Little Narrows Community Centre (Tourist Information Centre) McCormack Provincial Picnic Park Port of Iona Post Office Rankin School of the Narrows Rosie’s Take-Out St. Columba Community Centre St. Columba Roman Catholic Church Washabuck Community Center
TRAVEL DIRECTIONS FROM SYDNEY: By way of Boisdale: Follow 125 to Exit 3. Follow Route 223 west through Boisdale, Christmas Island and Grand Narrows. Cross the Barra Strait Bridge to Iona. By way of Eskasoni: Follow Route 4 south to Route 216 at Portage. Follow Route 216 to Christmas Island and the junction with Route 223. Turn left and follow Route 223 to Iona.
FROM CANSO CAUSEWAY: By way of Little Narrows Ferry: Follow TransCanada Highway 105 from Port Hastings to Exit 6. Take Route 223 and board the Little Narrows Ferry for a 3 minute crossing. Turn right when leaving the ferry and drive approximately 33 km to the Village of Iona. By way of Portage Road: Take Exit 4 (Orangedale Road) off TransCanada 105 to the Portage Road. Turn left on the Portage Road. Follow Portage Road until it meets Route 223. Turn right on Route 223 to Iona.
WHERE TO STAY Accommodations in the area consist of: Highland Heights Inn www.highlandheightsinn.com Hector’s Arm B&B The Grand Narrows Hotel www.grandnarrowhotel.ca
WHAT TO DO Take a tour of The Highland Village Museum http://museum.gov.ns.ca Visit www.centralcapebreton.com for up-to-date information on events and activities in the area Visit www.rcl124.com for up-to-date information on entertainment at the Legion Enjoy a scenic drive around the Iona Peninsula | |||||||
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