FaQs
Here’s our FAQ’s!
Have a Quick Question?
Send us a WhatsApp on 07752877233
TRAVEL:
How do I get to Canna?
Take the ferry from Mallaig, which also serves the other Small Isles (Rum, Eigg and Muck).
Make sure you book your ticket in advance at www.calmac.co.uk .
How do I get to Mallaig?
Mallaig is easily accessible by public transport, and is the terminus of the scenic West
Highland railway line which runs from Glasgow ( www.scotrail.co.uk ). There are also buses
from Fort William ( www.shielbuses.co.uk ).
Parking in Mallaig?
If you are driving, there is a long stay car park in the East Bay area (turn right at the
roundabout as you arrive in Mallaig). One month’s permit costs £11
( myringgo.co.uk/parkinglocator ). It is not possible to bring a vehicle to Canna.
How often does the ferry run?
In summer (end of March to end of October) the ferry runs once a day on Monday,
Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and twice daily on Saturday.
In winter (end of October to March) the ferry is once a day on Tuesday, Thursday and
Sunday.
Please check www.calmac.co.uk for the latest information and timetables.
Can I bring my car/bicycle/kayak?
It is not possible to bring a vehicle to Canna unless you are a resident or a contractor.
Bicycles and kayaks can be taken on the ferry subject to space. Make sure you add this to
your ticket when booking.
How do I get to the Campsite/Caravans?
We will meet you at the pier, give you walking directions and take your luggage to the
Campsite or caravan where you are staying. See ‘Getting Here’ (link) for a map on where
the different properties are located. We will also take your luggage back to the pier on the
day you are leaving.
How far is it to the Campsite/Caravans?
It is roughly 1 mile from the pier to the Campsite, Sanday Caravan and Sanday Croft
Cabin, and a little less to West Caravan.
How do I get to the Bunkhouse?
The Bunkhouse is a short walk from the Campsite, which is where we will deliver your
luggage as there is no road to the Bunkhouse. It is possible to have luggage transported to
the Bunkhouse by quad bike, which costs £25 for a round trip.
How do I get around Canna?
As Canna is a small island, it is easily accessible on foot. There are rough roads and
farm tracks, so bicycles can be useful.
What happens if the ferry is disrupted or cancelled?
The Calmac app is useful for getting notifications on any changes to the ferry. The latest
information will also be on the Calmac website. We will also aim to keep you updated of
any changes.
We recommend that you have travel insurance, even for short holidays, in the case of
travel disruption. If you are affected by ferry cancellations we will look at the impact on
your booking on a case-by-case basis.
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FOOD:
Where can I eat on Canna?
Café Canna serves lunch and dinner and is open from April to September (closed
Tuesdays). Make sure you book in advance as it can get very busy. They serve local
produce and freshly caught local seafood.
Do I need to bring all my food with me?
No! We have a well-stocked Community Shop which is open 24h on an honesty basis.
Payment is by cash, card or bank transfer. The shop stocks fresh fruit and vegetables,
dairy produce as well as some non-dairy alternatives, fresh and frozen meat, dry goods,
whole foods, soft drinks and snacks. There are also local eggs, jams and chutneys and
seasonal vegetables. The shop does not sell alcohol or tobacco. If you would like to check
any stock in advance, please email cannatradingltd@gmail.com . All profits from the shop
go to support community projects on Canna.
It is also possible to order food online from the Co-op via shop.coop.co.uk . Use the
postcode PH44 4RS. Please be aware that there is a £15 minimum spend and delivery
costs £4.99.
DOGS:
Can I bring my dog? Yes dogs are welcome at the campsite and we can supply you with dog towels and food/water bowls. Please let us know when booking if you are bringing a dog.
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LUGGAGE:
How far is the campsite from the ferry?: about 1 mile.
Do I have to carry my luggage to accommodation?: NO -we meet you at the ferry and take your luggage so you can enjoy the walk.
Do I have to carry my luggage to the Bunkhouse?: We collect your luggage at the ferry and take it to the campsite. There is no road to the bunkhouse so all luggage must be carried from the campsite to the bunkhouse.
Can I hire luggage transport to the Bunkhouse? You can book a quad bike luggage transfer with Canna Farm. This costs £25 and covers a trip to and from the ferry.
CANNA CAMPSITE:
What is at the campsite?: toilets and showers, drinking water, a cookshack for preparing and cooking - with a gas cooking ring, picnic tables, fire pits.
Is there electricity at the campsite?: no. To charge any items use the Shearing Shed (our community space) or the Canna Community Shop. There is electric in Kate’s Cottage Bunkhouse, the West and Sanday caravans & Sanday Croft Cabin.
Fridge and Freezer?: at the campsite to keep your food chilled you can store it in the stream or we can give you a cool box with ice blocks. All other accommodation have their own fridges.
What do I need to bring for my holiday?: we recommend that you bring a torch, waterproof clothing and walking boots. Many other items depend on the time of year you come and what you like to do. On Canna you can go swimming, snorkelling, walking, trail running and many other activities.
Laundry: there are now laundry services available at the Visitor Hub near the ferry terminal. This is also run on an honesty basis - pay your donation in cash or card.
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ISLE OF CANNA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many people live on Canna?: Approximately 20-22 adults and 1 child living permanently on Canna. There is no school open at the moment until we need it.
Water: All piped water goes through a UV water filtration system and is safe to drink.
Rubbish: rubbish and recycling facilities are provided at all accommodation. We ask that you use these properly as shown in guidance provided. There are main recycling bins at the ferry terminal for glass, mixed recycling and non-recyclable rubbish. There is also a skip on the ferry terminal for marine plastic.
Electricity: all the electricity is from renewable energy. CREEL is the community owned company that runs the electricity. You can see our solar panels and wind turbines across the island.
Money- cards or cash?: Canna Community Shop and Cafe Canna take card and cash payments. The Canna Kitchen honesty stall is on a cash only basis. Fresh Seafood is available for cash only. So bring cash and cards.
Mobile Phone coverage: depending on what network you use - there may be a signal on Canna. We use EE which gives the best coverage.
Is there WiFi?
Free WiFi is available at the Shearing Shed (community space next to the farm) and the
Community Shop. There is no WiFi at the Campsite or any of the other properties.
Roads: or roads are rough tracks and can have potholes depending on the time of year and traffic. These roads are repaired regularly by Murdo who uses the digger to scrape and fill the potholes.
Can we walk anywhere?: yes you can walk anywhere on the island. We ask that you are careful to shut any gates that you open. Check each gate once you have closed it.
Where are the good walks?: There are Canna leaflets showing the walks available at our Visitor Hub and you can also go to https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/islands/isle-of-canna.shtml
Walking near farm animals: be careful at lambing time - stay out of the fields where there are lambs. This avoids disturbing sheep and lambs. Be careful if you have a dog and are near cows with calves - walk as far away as possible to avoid causing any alarm to cows who are extremely protective.
Is there an NTS Ranger?: Yes there is a full time NTS Ranger who does guided walks and trips. https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/canna/highlights/ranger-service
Can I visit Canna House?
Canna House reopened in 2025 after an extensive restoration project. It is open for guided
tours, book online at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/canna-house-guided-tour-tickets-
1299214819499
What events are happening on Canna?
For updates and events on Canna, see: https://www.theisleofcanna.com/events and follow
Isle of Canna Community on Facebook .
Guidebooks and Maps for Canna:
OS Landranger Map 39 https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/map-of-ra-m-eigg-muck-canna/
Small Isles Walks Guides:
https://pocketmountains.com/product/coll-tiree-and-the-small-isles/
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Visitor Information Websites: www.theisleofcanna.com and www.visitsmallisles.com
Watch Me See: Visit Canna with Kathi from Watch Me See: https://watchmesee.com/blog/isle-of-canna-guide/
Bradt Guide to Inner Hebrides: https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781784776442/Hebrides-Skye-Gigha-Including-Mull-1784776440/plp​​
What is there to do on Canna?
There are many opportunities for exploring the great outdoors both on land and water.
Walking and hiking: from gentle strolls to rugged clifftop hikes
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/canna/highlights/walks
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/islands/isle-of-canna.shtml
Sea kayaking: a varied coastline with caves and sandy beaches
Swimming: Sanday Beach is generally sheltered and a short walk from the campsite, but
there are many other excellent swimming spots
Snorkelling: disover the underwater world through the Small Isles Snorkel Trail
https://snorkel.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/region/small-isles/
Canna is a haven for wildlife, especially for seabirds and is a great place to spot seals,
whales and dolphins.
Birdwatching: https://www.highlandbirds.scot/canna.html
Hebridean Whale Trail: https://whaletrail.org/explore
For those interested in history, there are a number of archaeological sites to explore, and
Canna House is home to a significant collection of items relating to Gaelic heritage.
Archaeology: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/canna/highlights/archaeology
Canna House: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/canna/highlights/canna-house
Where can I see the puffins?
Over 2000 puffins nest on Canna between April and late July. We recommend following
the Puffin Trail walk which takes you to the sea stacks off the coast of Sanday:
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/islands/sanday-puffins.shtml