Chat with us

Cape Breton Lobster, Lobster, Lobster

Many of us enjoy a good lobster dinner and go to Maine and Nova Scotia for the authentic experience. Here at Cabot Shores, we get our lobsters from Merrill MacInnis. For more on lobster and lobster fishing, click to see our video on Lobster Fishing Off Cape Breton Island

We asked Merrill: What’s the difference between “Canners” and “Market Lobster?” His answer can help us understand the history of lobster fishing on Cape Breton Island, in addition to, which lobster to order.

The MacInnis family has been fishing lobster for over 80 years off the eastern (Atlantic coast) of Cape Breton, in the Breton Cove area. We can see his fishing territory as he cruises along the coast starting at 4:30 am each morning from May through mid July.

The farmhouse at Breton Cove, is adjacent to his acreage in front of which his family fishes, as they have done for years, with each zone marked on land by colorful signs visible from the ocean below the Cape Breton cliffs. Merrill is an excellent story-teller and over the warmth of afternoon tea, he told us something about the history of lobster fishing and of his family–mostly mink farmers and fishermen.

Here are some of the main points in Merrill’s account:

  1. The native Mi’kmaq were the first to fish for lobster. They made large fires on the beaches and used the lobster for ceremonial purposes.
  2. The MacInnis family started fishing on Cape Breton Island just about as soon as they emigrated here from Scotland, but not for lobster. That came later. The lobster market began around 1880 or 1890.
  3. Around 1900 a canning factory was set up by a fellow from Yarmouth. Money didn’t change hands; every member of the family, children included, worked at the cannery. Their labor was traded for “luxury” items such as flower and sugar and “other items not readily available and known to the community.” During this period, according to Merrill, there were no rules and the fisherman could take any size lobster caught up in a trap. They also could catch females, even ones with eggs.
  4. The changes in fishing practices started in 1910. Merrill said: “the commission had come here to the island to speak to the fishermen…put some rules in place. That all females that had eggs would have to stay in the water and there is a minimum size as well …so there’s a chance of reproduction.”

That is how the term “canners” came about. The “Canners” were lobsters just big enough for the canning factory. Bigger ones are called “market” lobster, fetching more money because of the size and were sold locally or to dealers.

Back in the day, almost all the lobster was exported. In fact it was mostly canned and sent by train to Boston or Toronto. For the Cape Bretoners, lobster was considered “trash” food. A boy or girl walking to school wanted to have a sandwich of peanut butter and jelly or, even better, baloney. They would sooner throw a lobster sandwich in the bush for embarrassment, according to Merrill, than be seen with it in public. It was not exactly the luxury item it is today.

But now tourists engage in Nova Scotia travel from the world over, to enjoy and photograph the scenery along the famed Cabot Trail and to eat lobster and other Nova Scotia seafood. There was even a lobster festival on Cape Breton called “Lobsterpalooza”.

Which one should you order? Canners or market lobster?

It is all the same lobster meat, the same food. Your choice depends on how hungry you are!



Good
Based on 289 reviews
Seahorselife Shannon (Seahorselife_Canada)
Seahorselife Shannon (Seahorselife_Canada)
October 17, 2023.
My boyfriend and I came here on a whim for lunch while in the area. What a pleasant surprise! Loved the unique atmosphere and amazing, friendly people. Could have very well have been the best salmon I have ever eaten. Everything was cooked to perfection. Fresh and tasty. Hats off to the chef. We also had the mussels... huge portion and delicious. We took a walk about the property, one of a kind cabins/domes to stay in.. most of which, if not all had their own hot tub. Even a sauna by the water. We would definitely highly recommend eating here at the bistro even if you are not staying over night. Everyone is lovely.. they even offered to email us the salmon recipe because we loved it so much. My only suggestion to owners would be to get better signage on the roadway, so visitors can find you easier. We passed the place twice before actually finding it. I think if there were two more signs a little up the rd on either side, more people may be able to come visit this hidden little gem. Thanks so much for a great lunch and top-notch service.
Jasmine Rahmel
Jasmine Rahmel
October 17, 2023.
Loved the location and the amenities. What a unique resort. The upgrade to the chalet was wonderful. Above and beyond.
Malcolm
Malcolm
October 16, 2023.
Stayed at Cabot shores from October 7th-13th was an unforgettable experience. Stayed in a yurt and very spacious and comfortable. The location along the sea was gorgeous and could hop over to the beach whenever. Kayaked two of those days and could see beaver domes while doing so. Would highly try the food as well very accommodating to all dietary requirements. Recommend the chickpea massala very nice meal! Friendly staff and good accommodation. 5/5
Vishnu Vardhana
Vishnu Vardhana
October 15, 2023.
Amazing experience in the yurt and dome. Friendly staff and beautiful views!
Trevor B
Trevor B
September 13, 2023.
Stopped for lunch and ordered the spaghetti bolognese. Very hearty and lots of meat. A nice satisfying meal. One surprise was to see a mandatory 10% gratuity when paying the bill. Who does this for a party of less than 5?
kate mcauley
kate mcauley
September 12, 2023.
We had our wedding here over the September long weekend and we honestly couldn't have asked for a better experience! Our wedding was just over 40 adults with some children. The owner and all the staff were very friendly, accommodating and went above and beyond with everything to help us have the best time. Over the weekend staff were knowledgeable with things to do on and off of the resort when asked by our guests. The food was exceptional!! All of our guests could not stop raving about the food that was served- for all meals. Accommodations are rustic and cute, exactly what we were looking for! Many hot tubs arounds the resort as well that can be moved to your accommodation if you request it. The resort is quite large as well with lots of beautiful scenery. Location on the Cabot trail was great as well. We have nothing but positive things to say about our experience here!

Excellent
Based on 50 reviews
Lukas
Lukas
September 21, 2022.
Verified
Very nice people and a place full of joy ! Stayed 2 nights in the „Eagle dome“ which was really comfy and clean! Had really delicous dinner at the main lodge where paul played some music just for us and had nice conversations whith him and the other staffmembers. Also booked the hot tub at our dome for our last night from where we had a great view on the campfire. Lovely place where you see how much effort they put in every detail.
Nicole
Nicole
August 22, 2022.
Verified
Amazing adventure! Lots of fun sleeping underneath the stars!
Ryan
Ryan
August 14, 2022.
Verified
Relaxing
Nigel
Nigel
July 25, 2022.
Verified
Beautiful place and very friendly staff. Perfect location if you’re travelling along the Cabot Trail, I highly recommend checking this place out! Would definitely stay here again. Thanks for a fantastic experience.
Anooj
Anooj
October 25, 2021.
Verified
This was our first time staying in the Eagle Dome and we absolutely fell in love with this beautiful place. Super clean place to stay!
Redwan
Redwan
October 17, 2021.
Verified
Very nice place to spend a couple of nights in the nature! My wife and I enjoyed our stay. It might be a good idea to install a heater in the dome as it can get chilly at night.
Brooke
Brooke
October 1, 2021.
Verified
Beautiful, quaint place to stay! So unique and off grid. We loved staying at the dome!
Madison
Madison
September 9, 2021.
Verified
We had a great stay in the Eagle Dome! We loved watching the sunset and sunrise, and being able to hear the waves from the ocean. Next time we would stay a few more days and prepare a bit better - we weren’t packed for off grid but we made it work. Outhouse was a few steps away, shower and toilet a short walk. We didn’t get the hot tub or use the sauna/other amenities but would certainly consider it next time.
Micayla
Micayla
August 16, 2021.
Verified
This place is absolutely beautiful! We loved our stay here. I highly recommend it. All the staff are very friendly. The dome was such a unique experience looking at the stars and watching the sun rise. The beach is beautiful and there’s a little swimming spot 2 minutes down the road that we really enjoyed 🙂

Google Analytics Tracking code