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EXPERIENCE THE BRAS D’OR

With about a thousand kilometers of shoreline the Bras d’Or lake has so much to experience. There are four first nations communities right on the lake and many other historic settlements to see. With world class sailing, sport fishing and paddling through beautiful islands and coves, there’s so much to do on the Bras d’Or water. From beaches to waterfalls to highland views, the Bras d’Or watershed can keep anyone exploring for a lifetime. Come learn why this has been a special place for locals for time immemorial. Check out some of our favourite ways to explore the Bras d’Or.

PARTICIPATING IN SCHEDULED EVENTS

Try canoeing or kayaking in the sheltered waters of Kayak Cape Breton. Make new friends at a community shoreline clean up. Hike up Marble Mountain or kayak around Kidston Island with a stop for Angelos famous banana bread. Take in a local play. Join a community bike ride. Learn from traditional knowledge keepers and ecologists on a hike. There are a lot of scheduled events throughout explore the Bras d’Or, make sure to register early as some events have limited capacity.  

SELF-DIRECTED EXPERIENCE

You don’t have to make it to a scheduled event to explore the Bras d’Or there are self directed activities and adventures to be had as well, here are some of the best ones.

Become a citizen scientist and explore the Bras d’Or on your own or with friends and family. Using the Inaturalist app, take photos and share what you see to learn about the local plants and animals in this unique ecosystem. Explore the Bras d’Or and ACAP Cape Breton will be collecting the data to contribute to knowledge of the health of the lake and surrounding environment.

There are twenty four water trail access points to the Great Trail on Cape Breton Island, and most are along the shores of Bras d’Or Lake in partnership with the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association. Some of these are public beaches and parks while others are community partner properties such as Ben Eoin Yacht Club or Goat Island in Eskasoni First Nation. All are available to access the water and explore the Bras d’Or. Watch for road signs pointing to the water trail access points

Go on a scavenger hunt! Pick up your biodiversity scavenger hunt at local businesses around the Bras d’Or Lake. Play along the shores and trails and see what you can find. There will even be prizes for submitting your scavenger hunt back to ACAP Cape Breton.

Get out and see all the Bras d’Or has to offer. There are many magical places to find, and memories to make.