Port Morien

As with much of Cape Breton, Port Morien has a long history. It was first shown on a map dated 1580, where it was called "Baie de Mordienne". The presence of coal in Cape Breton was first noted by Intendant Jean Talon in 1671. It was the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, and the subsequent founding of Louisbourg, which really focused French attention on Cape Breton coal as a valuable and necessary resource. The Fortress of Louisbourg and its inhabitants were in need of a local coal supply, and the closest source was the outcrop at the Baie de Mordienne.
The first commercial coal mine in North America began production at Port Morien (Baie de Mordienne) in 1720. By at least 1724, coal from Port Morien was being traded to Boston in the first officially recorded export of minerals in Canada.
In the 70's, at least, they used to run regular tours of the old mine entrance. They had a double-decker English bus that would take tourists from the old Morien station to the site. I understand that they do not do this today although it is still visible from the shore, or the bank along Long Beach Road.