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The upper and lower lakes meet at the scenic Barra Strait and the village of Iona. The Barra Strait road bridge and the
Sandpipers can be seen along coastline of Cape Breton, just a sample of the adbundance of seabirds and wildlife the area boasts .
Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture & Heritage photo
parallel railway bridge open for boats to pass through however winds, currents and choppy waters are not uncommon here. Boaters may be well advised to motor, rather than sail, through this area.
Once into the Bras d’Or Lakes, at either end, boaters have a vast area to explore, virtually free of fog, large rocks and tides; with bays, coves, islands and secluded anchorages in abundance and full service marinas. The waters are warm and excellent for swimming. There are a number of places where you can safely pull the bow of your boat ashore and still have plenty of water under you.
The Town of St Peter’s is one of the oldest settlements in North America, a trading post since the early 17th century. It has a full-service marina.
Leaving St. Peter’s, boaters venturing in the lower lake can head northeast into East Bay or southwest into West Bay.
East Bay is beautiful to cruise and includes the village of Big Pond, home of Cape Breton singer/song writer Rita MacNeil, who owns “Rita’s Tea Room.” The Big Pond Festival begins in mid-July.
West Bay has a full-service marina at Dundee and features the Crammond Islands, a beautiful series of islands, where boaters can land and explore.
Located in the upper lake is the Town of Baddeck, home of inventor Alexander Graham Bell.
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