The Mira River is located in eastern Cape Breton County, Nova Scotia, roughly 20 minutes south of Sydney. Despite being called a river, it behaves more like a long, narrow lake for most of its approximately 55 km length, occupying a trench that likely follows an old fault line. Glacial gravels have dammed the lower reaches to create this lake-like character, and the same glacial deposits formed numerous peninsulas along the lower two-thirds of the route. The river flows from a cluster of lakes near Victoria Bridge, passes through the communities of Marion Bridge and Albert Bridge, and ultimately discharges through the narrow tidal cut known as Mira Gut into Mira Bay on the Atlantic coast.

The primary put-in is at Victoria Bridge, where Grand Mira South Road crosses the river near the Richmond County boundary. An alternative starting point is Mira Lake at the headwaters to the northeast. The main take-out is at Mira Bay, though Mira River Provincial Park at Albert Bridge serves as a practical intermediate take-out with a public boat launch. Several road bridges along the route provide additional access options.

Because the river carries essentially no current along most of its length, the route can be paddled in either direction. The one significant exception is Mira Gut, the final tidal narrows where the river cuts through bedrock to reach the ocean — this section has appreciable current and conditions differ markedly from the lake-like stillness upstream. Paddlers should also be aware that the open, elongated shape of the river generates its own wind, and waves of two to three feet can develop within 20 minutes. Staying near the shoreline is advisable.

Camping requires advance planning. No official campsite exists for the first 30 km from Victoria Bridge, and a formerly operating site in that stretch closed in 2002. Beyond the midpoint, cottage properties line much of the shoreline, making landing difficult. Mira River Provincial Park at Albert Bridge is the practical overnight destination, offering 156 campsites in open and wooded settings, a boat launch, swimming area, flush toilets, showers, and other full campground facilities.

Wildlife along the corridor includes bald eagles, loons, great blue herons, and Canada geese. Fish species present include brook trout, striped bass, sea trout, shad, perch, American eel, mackerel, herring, and smelt. The Two Rivers Wildlife Park, situated where the Salmon River meets the Mira, includes a campground with river access, though suitable landing spots become scarce beyond that point due to private property.