Iona is an unincorporated place located in the Municipality of the County of Victoria, on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. It takes its name from Iona in Scotland, reflecting the Scottish heritage that shaped much of this part of Cape Breton.
Location and Geography
Iona sits at the western end of the Barra Strait Bridge, which crosses the Barra Strait connecting the community to the wider region. Directly opposite Iona, on the eastern side of the strait, lies the community of Grand Narrows. The bridge serves as a key link between the two communities, spanning the narrow channel that separates them.
About the Municipality
As an unincorporated place, Iona falls under the governance of the Municipality of the County of Victoria, one of the county-level municipalities on Cape Breton Island. Victoria County encompasses a broad stretch of northern Cape Breton, and Iona is one of a number of small communities within its boundaries. The area’s Scottish place name is a reminder of the strong ties between this part of Nova Scotia and the settlers who arrived from Scotland, bringing with them the names of places they had left behind.