Sutherlands River is a rural community is located near the mouth of the Sutherlands River just south of Merigomish Harbour. It was named after John Sutherland who arrived on the ship Hector in 1773 and settled in this area soon after. The land was part of a grant made to Sir John Wentworth in October, 1765.

The River, Sutherlands River originates in Kerrowgare area west of Burroughs Lake and flows north through the communities of Blanchard Road, Blue Mountain, Mclellans Mountain, McPhersons Mills, Sutherlands River where it drains into Merigomish Harbour.