Frankville is a village on Highway 4. When planning, it is worth distinguishing destinations in the immediate area from regional attractions in the wider Antigonish County.
History and Nearby Destinations
Frankville was given its name in 1887. Before that, the settlement outside the harbour was called “Back Settlement of Harbour au Bouche.” This history of the name gives the place a distinct historical connection before turning to nearby outings.
Cape Jack Beach is nearby. In November 2025, Antigonish County reported that the beach had recently been designated a Provincial Beach. Check current access conditions before visiting the beach.
Another destination is Our Lady of Grace Monastery and Outdoor Shrine in Monastery. Father Vincent de Paule Merle and several French Trappist monks founded it in 1825. It was the first Trappist monastery in North America and was called Petit Clairvaux. Our Lady of Grace Monastery includes a chapel, a hillside shrine, and a walking trail. As facilities and visitor access may change, check current conditions before your visit.
Walks, Water Access, and Places to Stay
Nearby Linwood Heritage Nature Trail and Picnic Area offers opportunities for walking and picnicking, as well as small-boat access to Linwood Harbour. Check local conditions before launching a boat. There is also an accessible boat ramp in Aulds Cove.
For an overnight stay in the immediate area, The Cove Motel & Restaurant in Auld’s Cove offers seaside cottage accommodations with views of the Canso Strait.
More Options in Antigonish County
Antigonish County lies along the Northumberland Shore and the Sunrise Trail. The trail runs along St. George’s Bay between Heatherton (TCH 104, Exit 36) and Aulds Cove (TCH 104, Exit 39). In eastern Antigonish County, the coast is characterized by pebble and sand beaches, quiet harbours, and tidal estuaries. The estuaries are home to numerous waterfowl and shorebirds, as well as other wildlife.
The coast in eastern Antigonish County offers opportunities for swimming, beachcombing, and birdwatching; conditions vary by season. The county offers a variety of trails for hiking: in Arisaig, a 1.5 km trail winds through the forest and provides access to the shore. Snowshoeing is also possible there and may depend on conditions.
Beaver Mountain offers views of Antigonish County and Cape Breton Island. The 6 km trail system includes groomed trails and more challenging unpaved hills. Compared with the 1.5 km route in Arisaig, it offers a different scale and trail character: Arisaig’s focus is on a forest trail with shore access, while Beaver Mountain offers a choice of groomed trails and more challenging hills.
Culture enthusiasts will also find a variety of themes in the wider Antigonish County: the Cape George Heritage School Museum displays artifacts and provides information about regional heritage and culture. The Ballantyne’s Cove Bluefin Tuna Interpretive Centre offers information about tuna and the history of tuna fishing.
Discover more destinations: Aulds Cove, Antigonish.
Return to the main travel overview: Antigonish County.
