Previously known as Plaster Cove, Port Hasting is the first town situated on Cape Breton Island, for those traveling down highway 104 from the main island. Port Hastings is located on the east side of the Canso Causeway. The construction of the Canso Causeway, which was finalized in 1955, helped Port Hastings become a railway junction.

After the Second World War, Port Hastings developed numerous motels and gas stations, and a tourist information centre. Tourism in Port Hastings is focused mainly on automobiles. Port Hastings centralized all its new developments around its large traffic circle, which acts as an interchange with highway 105, highway 19 and highway 4. Port Hastings is home to the 'Gut of Canso' Museum, dedicated to local history, as well as the history of the Canso Causeway. Port Hastings is located 264 km (164 mi.) from Halifax.

Port Hastings accommodations include motels, inns, bed and breakfasts and cottages.