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Known as the 'Jewel of Canada', Cape Breton Island has been called one of the most beautiful islands by National Geographic Traveller and the Bras d'Or lakes is the crown jewel of the Island. Life is much more relaxed in this area of the world and is home to some truly breathtaking scenery. This idyllic spot is the most northern part of Nova Scotia and offers a wide array of attractions. Steeped heavily in Gaelic culture, you will find yourself fully immersed in its Celtic spirit and all it has to offer. The Island lives and breathes its culture like no other place and festivals celebrating arts and culture are held all year round. It is impossible to list all the Island has to offer but here is just a sample.
Bras d'Or Lake
Bras d'Or Lake is a large body of salt water dominating the centre of Cape Breton Island in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. Canadian author and yachtsman Silver Donald Cameron describes Bras d'Or Lake as "A basin ringed by indigo hills laced with marble. Islands within a sea inside an island."
With an area of approximately 1,099 square kilometres, the extent of Bras d'Or Lake measures roughly 100 km in length and 50 km in width and is surrounded almost entirely by high hills and low mountains.
Bras d'Or Lake is home to an array of wildlife with successful lobster and oyster fisheries, as well as the pursuit of other marine species. The lake's largely undeveloped shorelines have resulted in significant concentrations of Bald Eagle populations.
A favoured vacation destination, the remarkable scenery of Bras d'Or Lake has become increasingly popular with tourists, as well as recreational boaters. The heavily indented shoreline and numerous protected coves and harbours for snug anchorage provide for a boaters paradise.
Cabots Trail
Most Scenic Drive. Best Island. Best Summer Escapes. World's Greatest Road Trip. So many superlatives, so little time. This is Cape Breton's Cabot Trail where breathtaking was invented. No matter how long you're able to stay, it can never be long enough.
Along this magnificent highway carved into the edge of ancient highlands eagles soar above you, seals splash below you and moose wander alongside you. From the enchanting Acadian village of Cheticamp where world-famous hooked rugs are handcrafted to the greens of famed Highland Links Golf Course to the 950 square kilometres of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this is a destination where spectacular is waiting around every corner.
Cellidh Trail
Pronounced "Kay-lee," this roadway tracks in excess of 100km of the western shore and here you will witness Gaelic Traditions in all their glory, from Celtic music to kitchen parties in places like Inverness, Mabou, Judique and Port Hood. Then, after diving into the folklore of the region, take a dip or two into the warm waters of St. George's Bay or Lake Ainslie.
Climate
Cape Breton's climate is mild thanks to the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean. The weather you will experience depends on the time of day and if you are close to the lakes or the ocean. So while you might be warm driving through the valleys in Margaree at noon, when you reach Cheticamp on the coast in the evening you might need to throw on a sweater.
For general reference:
• Spring 1 °C (34 °F) to 17 °C (63 °F)
• Summer 14 °C (57 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F)
• Autum 5 °C (41 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F)
• Winter −11 °C (12.2 °F) to 5 °C (41 °F)
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