Known as the “great inland sea” it spans 450 square miles,offering some of the most pleasant scenery on the Island. The drive around the lake is equally impressive as bald eagles soar above in hopes of finding a fish or two. There are points of interest along the drive such as the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and the Highland Village in Iona.
Boating enthusiasts enjoy the lakes as an ideal environment for sailing, kayaking and conoeing. If you don’t have a boat, no worries, you can take a sail on the Amoeba in Baddeck. In Summer, the lakes play host to numerous Regatta events in various communities attracting sailors from all over the world. The Regatta in Baddeck is usually held the second week in August and this particular week is when many Baddeckers take their yearly vacation.
While on the Bras d’Or Lakes, boaters can explore the many coves and inlets some with beaches that will allow you to put the bow of the boat on the beach with plenty of water beneath the keel. The water is warm enough to swim in by June( for the brave). There is the” big lake” and the “little lake”, separated by the Barra strait with it’s bascule bridge.
Just outside Baddeck, a few hundred feet from shore is an underwater ridge called Stoney. You really have to know where you are going to navigate anywhere close to Stoney as low tide can find just a few inches of water covering the ridge. It’s well marked on the lake but I’ve heard of a few people going aground on it. Funny story…many years ago a local funny guy , whose name shall remain a mystery to my readers, came up with the bright idea to set up and take a seat on a picnic table out on Stoney at low tide. Many passer-by tourists scratched their collective heads at the effort.
I hope you are inspired to visit the lakes as well as the rest of Cape Breton Island. The hospitality is second to none and we love to share our stories and gush about of favourite Island getaway.
Wishing one and all a super day!
Terri Brewer
Catherine E. Harvey Realties Ltd.
902-295-2364 ph, 902-295-3019 fax
902-295-3472 home
