Grand Narrows, Nova Scotia
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Grand Narrows (2001 pop.: 15) is a community in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Taking its name from the "Grand Narrows" of Bras d'Or Lake, formally known as the Barra Strait, the community is located at 45º57'24"N, 60º47'32"W.
The community came to prominence during the 1880s after the Intercolonial Railway built its line from the Strait of Canso to Sydney, crossing the Barra Strait between Iona and Grand Narrows. This bridge, which remains in use today, is the longest railway bridge in Nova Scotia.
Because of its location on the Bras d'Or Lake and the presence of the railway, Grand Narrows became a major transshipment point for train passengers and cargo to and from boats and steamers that would dock in the community. A hotel was constructed and became a popular resting spot, citing Canada's first prime minister Sir John A. Macdonald among its guests.
A passenger/vehicle ferry service was operated by the provincial government across the Barra Strait to Iona until it was replaced by a new highway bridge in October 1993.
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