Canna Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

The primary gateway to Canna is via CalMac ferry services operating from Mallaig on the Scottish mainland, with a journey time of approximately 2.5 hours. Travelers can reach Mallaig by car along the scenic A830 (Road to the Isles), or by taking the West Highland Railway Line from Glasgow or Fort William. The Mallaig ferry terminal offers limited long-stay parking options, though booking in advance is recommended during summer months. Local bus services connect Mallaig train station to the ferry terminal, with timetables typically coordinated with ferry departures.

Nestled in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, Canna offers visitors a serene escape from the bustle of modern life. This small island combines dramatic basalt cliffs, rolling green fields, and pristine beaches along just five miles of breathtaking coastline. As a ferry destination, Canna provides a genuine glimpse into remote Scottish island living, where wildlife outnumbers the human population and time seems to move at a gentler pace.

Late spring through early autumn (May to September) offers the most reliable weather for visiting Canna, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures ideal for exploring the island. July and August typically provide the warmest conditions, though these months also bring more visitors to this tranquil isle. The Canna Gala in late July offers a chance to experience local culture and community spirit. Ferry services operate year-round but with reduced frequency during winter months, while spring brings the added bonus of spectacular wildflowers and returning seabird colonies.

From Canna, the neighboring Small Isles of Rum, Eigg, and Muck are accessible via island-hopping ferry services, each offering distinct landscapes and experiences within a 30-60 minute sailing. The larger isle of Skye can be reached by connecting through Mallaig, where dramatic mountains and fairy pools await exploration just 45 minutes from the mainland. South Uist in the Outer Hebrides presents another option for more adventurous travelers, with its pristine beaches and Gaelic culture accessible via connecting ferries. The journey between these islands offers spectacular views of Scotland's rugged western coastline and abundant marine wildlife.

Hiking to Compass Hill rewards visitors with panoramic views across to Rum and Skye, while birdwatchers will treasure spotting puffins, sea eagles, and guillemots along the dramatic cliffs. The historic St. Columba's Church and the Celtic cross offer glimpses into the island's spiritual heritage dating back centuries. Local cuisine centers around freshly caught seafood, with the Gille Brighde Café serving dishes made from island-grown produce when open. The sheltered harbor area provides a perfect starting point for coastal walks where you might spot minke whales, dolphins, and basking sharks in the surrounding waters during summer months.

Despite its small size, Canna boasts Scotland's largest Puffin colony, with thousands of these colorful birds returning each spring to nest on the cliffs. The island was once gifted to the National Trust for Scotland by Gaelic scholar John Lorne Campbell, who built up one of the world's most important collections of Gaelic literature and recordings here. Canna's unique volcanic formation includes a distinctive magnetic hill that can cause compass needles to point south instead of north, confounding sailors for centuries. The island's population has fluctuated dramatically over time, from over 400 in the 19th century to fewer than 20 permanent residents today.