Discover the Isle of Canna

The Isle of Canna is a place where nature, history, and culture live in harmony. Known as “the garden of the Hebrides” for its lush green meadows and fertile soil, Canna is a haven for wildlife lovers, walkers, history buffs, and anyone seeking peace in a truly unspoilt landscape.

Despite its small size, Canna punches well above its weight. The island has been a designated bird sanctuary since 1938 and is home to over 20,000 breeding seabirds. Watch puffins nest in the cliffs, guillemots dive from rocky ledges, and razorbills soar above the waves. The surrounding seas offer regular sightings of dolphins, porpoises, and even the occasional minke whale.

Canna is also steeped in history, with over a thousand archaeological and historical sites scattered across its landscape and evidence of human habitation dating back to 5000 BC. From early Christian relics to Viking remains and ancient field systems, the island is a living timeline of Scottish island life.

Canna House, recently reopened after a nine-year restoration by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). Once home to Gaelic folklorist John Lorne Campbell and American ethnomusicologist Margaret Fay Shaw, visitors to the island can pre-book a guided immersive tour of the house and gardens. Inside, visitors will find a world-class archive of Gaelic folk songs, tales, music, literature, photographs, and sound recordings, as well as the couple’s personal collections.

Visitors are warmly welcomed to regular summer ceilidhs, concerts, and events, often held in the island’s repurposed shearing shed, where music, storytelling and local hospitality come together.

Getting to Canna

You can sail from Mallaig to Canna on the MV Loch Nevis (Caledonian MacBrayne service) every day through summer except Tuesday and Thursday. The 1hr boat trip offers up beautiful views and the chance to view seabirds and a variety of marine-life. Bella Jane boat trips also offer regular RIB trips over to Canna throughout the summer months (April - Sept).

Arriving in Canna

The ferry docks at Canna Pier on the east of the island.

Just a short stroll from the pier, you’ll find the Visitor Hub - your starting point for island information and facilities. Housed in a beautifully restored building, the hub offers:

• Helpful information boards and maps

• Toilets (including accessible facilities)

• Hot drinks and snacks from vending machines

• Free Wi-Fi

• Phone charging stations

• Indoor seating and shelter

It's the perfect place to plan your day, shelter from a passing shower, or simply enjoy a moment of calm before heading out to explore.

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ISLE OF CANNA HIGHLIGHTS

Isle of Canna Wildlife

• There is an abundance of wildlife on the Small Isles. Here are some of the highlights on Canna:

  • Explore Canna’s smaller neighbouring island Sanday (connected by bridge) and make your way to the eastern part of the island to see the local puffin colony. Enjoy a virtual visit here.

  • Look to the skies on warmer days and you are likely to see either golden or sea eagles over Canna.

  • The waters around Canna are home to a range of sea-life including the Common Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise, Minke Whale, Orca Whale and Basking Sharks.

• The National Trust for Scotland's Ranger - provides regular guided walks and tours throughout the season. Follow on Instagram for more information.

Isle of Canna -Walking/ Places of Interest

• Canna coastal circuit. Take a circular walk around the whole of Canna with magnificent views out to the neighbouring Small Isles and beyond. Allow 8-9hrs (summer conditions) for this 12mile walk.

• Hike up Compass Hill, which due to its high iron content causes compasses to deviate off course. Close to it are the ruins of Coroghan Castle, a 17th century hilltop tower.

• Canna House on the island has an archive of Gaelic materials from the collection of the Campbell family. Take time to visit the Canna House Walled Garden whilst here.

• Visit the Rocket Church (near the pier) so named for its shape.

• Take in a beautiful sunset from Sanday beach or in Autumn/ Winter take in the spectacle of the sun sinking straight into the Atlantic over Hyskeir Lighthouse.

• Visit the Punishment Stone - where criminals would have their thumb wedged into a hole.

• There’s a great list of local walks available here.

Isle of Canna - NTS Ranger Services

• Canna's Ranger offers seasonal events and activities including guided walks and talks. Look out for events running throughout the year. on Eventbrite. Learn more about the history, ecology and sea life surrounding Canna with an expert guide. Follow along on Instagram.
  

Isle of Canna - Food

• Café Canna is an award-winning little restaurant and bar. The dishes are almost entirely locally sourced with even the beer made locally. Booking is strongly advised.

• When the Cafe is closed on a Tuesday, the community provides tea/ coffee/ homemade cakes and snacks in The Shearing Shed. All proceeds go towards the community and development for the island. 

• Organic vegetables from Canna House Garden are available in the community shop.

• The local community shop, situated a short walk from the pier, stocks essentials (pasta, soups, sauces, ice-creams etc), local goods (including free range eggs & home-made bread) and an assortment of gifts and handmade crafts. The shop operates on an honesty basis and a percentage of monies raised goes back into the community fund and helps support community projects.

Isle of Canna - Accommodation

Accommodation options include:

• Tighard Guest House - 2 doubles and 1 Twin, Bed and Breakfast with dinners available of request);

• Canna Campsite - camping, pods, caravans, cabin & bunkhouse

• Self Catering - 3 properties (2 sleeping 6 people and 1 sleeping 4 people).

Isle of Canna - Good to Know

• There is a phone box available next to the post office if you are unable to get mobile reception.

• The post office is open 6 days a week through summer (10-4pm).

• Waste Management - At the pier there are large, yellow refuse skips and recycling skips for plastic and glass bottles. Please note these are not open top skips so make sure you open the doors to put your waste in. We also have Beach Cleaning Stations at various locations around the bay if you pick up any marine litter during your visit.

• Canna hosts a 10k run and BBQ in May every year. Check out the Isle of Canna website for more information.

• There is Wifi available at the Visitor Hub, the shop and The Shearing Shed.

Image by Bella Jane boat trips