Pleasant Bay is a scenic town located on the north western corner of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and is situated along the Cabot Trail. Pleasant Bay is a member of Inverness County, on the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Pleasant Bay was previously known as Limbo Cove, and its current name was chosen in the 1870s. The first Europeans came to Pleasant Bay in 1819, but it wasn't until around 1828 that the first settlers built permanent homes.

Pleasant Bay established a lobster cannery in 1887, as fishing is the main industry, as well as tourism. Ten years previous to the opening of the lobster cannery, the first Church in Pleasant Bay was built. Pleasant Bay is 211 km (131 mi.) northwest of Sydney.

Pleasant Bay is the proud home of the Whale Interpretive Centre, which provides vast knowledge about the whales of the world. See livestock in large tanks, a life-size model of a whale and plenty more attractions. Scotia Sea Kayaking Tours offers a guided tour along the western coastline of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. As well, various other tours are offered including scouting for whales and seals.

Pleasant Bay accommodations include water front hotels, bed and breakfasts and cottages.