The Kubena enters the district from the east, forms a border between Ust-Kubensky and Sokolsky Districts, and crosses it to the west, forming a river delta at the confluence with Lake Kubenskoye.

The swamps are mostly located in the Uftyuga valley, along the shore of Lake Kubenskoye, and in the southern part of the district.

In the 13th century, it became a part of the Principality of Beloozero, whose first prince Gleb Vasilkovich founded Kamenny Monastery on the island on Lake Kubenskoye in 1260.

It was also an important point where pilgrims were put on boats and transported to Kamenny Monastery.

[11] In the course of the administrative reform carried out in 1708 by Peter the Great, the area was included into Archangelgorod Governorate.

On July 15, 1929, the uyezds were abolished, the governorates were merged into Northern Krai, and Ust-Kubinsky District was established among others.

In the 19th century, the canal and Lake Kubenskoye were the main waterways connecting the Volga with the White Sea.

The canal is still in operation, serving cargo traffic and occasional cruise ships, which then proceed to Lake Kubenskoye.

The district contains nine cultural heritage monuments of federal significance (the ruins of the Kamenny Monastery on Kamenny Island and the ensemble of churches known as Voskresensky Pogost in Ustye) and additionally thirty objects classified as cultural and historical heritage of local significance, mostly located in Ustye.

[15] Two of the handicrafts developed in Ust-Kubensky District have been officially recognized and protected by Vologda Oblast Law.