Bras d'Or Lake

ARTICLE CONTENTS:  |  Links to Other Sites
Bras d'Or Lake, 1099 km2, is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean occupying the centre of CAPE BRETON ISLAND that nearly divides the island in 2. On the north it is linked to the ocean by a narrow channel down the west side of Boularderie Island. On the south it is divided from the ocean by a low strip of land that is breached by a ship canal at ST PETER'S. This inland sea is about 90-95 km long and is circled by high hills.

MICMAC were the earliest inhabitants and in 1650 a French trading post was built at St Peter's. Late in the 18th century, LOYALISTS settled along its shores, followed by Scottish immigrants. The lake has long been known for good fishing and today is popular for water recreation of all kinds. BADDECK, on the north shore, has been a shipbuilding centre. The name is a corruption of "labrador," a term applied by Portuguese explorers to a large part of Nova Scotia.

Author DANIEL FRANCIS


Links to Other Sites
St. Peters Canal National Historic Site of Canada
This site chronicles the history of the St. Peter's region and St. Peter's Canal, which connects the Atlantic Ocean with Bras d'Or Lake.

Nova Scotia's Natural History
An online guide to the natural history of various regions in Nova Scotia. From the website for the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History.

Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive
Explore the many historic communities along the Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive in Nova Scotia.

Boularderie Island Historical Society
Check out the interactive map for details about the many heritage sites on Boularderie Island. From the website for the Boularderie Island Historical Society.

Highland Village Living History Museum
The website for the Highland Village Living History Museum, a centre devoted to authentic Gaelic language and heritage.

Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association
This website offers an illustrated description of the unique ecological qualities of the UNESCO Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve.

Bras d'Or Lake
An information page about the designation of Nova Scotia's Bras d'Or Lake as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. From the website for UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization).

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