Mabou, situated on the west coast of Cape Breton Island, is a part of Inverness County. The name, Mabou, of Mi'kmaq origin, means "place where two rivers meet." Mabou is a friendly little rural community, known for its beautiful landscape, culture and friendly citizens. In the post-WWII era, mining was stopped altogether and the railway running to Mabou was eventually abandoned; however, Mabou continues to be a fishing port for mainly lobster boats and has many prosperous farms in its surrounding area.

Mabou is the home of the Rankin Family, an iconic Canadian band, and is surrounded by the Creignish Hills, which are low mountains. Mabou offers visitors a gift shop portraying a local art gallery, the An Drochaid, which acts as a local museum that exhibits genealogical and historical records, artefacts, research and local music, mostly of Gaelic origin. Mabou also is home to the Mother of Sorrows Pioneer Shrine, which is a religious shrine at the miniature pioneer church and is dedicated to Our Lady of Seven Sorrows and pioneers of the surrounding Mabou area. Finally, Mabou Provincial Park offers a high up view of the Mabou Valley, a sandy beach and walking trails.

Mabou accommodations include inns, cottages, motels, campgrounds and bed and breakfasts.