- the first means of transportation between the mainland and Cape Breton was a steam powered ferry and train barge called the "S.S. Mulgrave
- an additional ferry was purchased in 1901, the "Scotia I", followed by the "Scotia II" in 1915
- the first contract for construction of the causeway was awarded in May of 1952
- the total cost of the causeway was estimated at $22,000,000
- construction of the causeway began on September 16, 1952
- the rock used to build the causeway was blasted from quarries at Cape Porcupine
- some 10,092,000 tons of rock were used to close the Strait of Canso
- approximately 125,000 tons of rock came crashing to the ground with each blast
- the causeway is 860 feet wide at the ocean floor (8 times the width of the crest)
- the span is a mile-long and 80 feet wide
- the causeway is shaped like an "S"
- the Canso Canal measures 1,870 feet long by 80 feet wide
- approximately 98,000 cubic yards of concrete was used to build the canal
- the swing bridge measures 308 feet long
- the causeway is lit by 57 light posts
- Cape Breton was permanently connected to the Mainland on Friday December 10, 1954
- the causeway was officially opened on August 13, 1955