Various locations around the Bras d'Or Lake
Discover attractions, outdoor activities, tours, provincial parks, and more found throughout the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere by viewing the official Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Atlas.
Surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with islands, the Bras d’Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the heart of Cape Breton Island. Offering a unique blend of both fresh and salt water, the Bras d’Or Lake is a great location to view everything from the majestic bald eagle to curious grey seals.
The diversity of the area doesn’t stop at the waters’ edge. The extensive watershed is home to Mi’kmaw First Nations and descendants from early French, Scottish, and English settlers. The people of the Biosphere maintain close ties to the culture of their ancestors.
In 2011, the Bras d’Or Lake and its watershed area were designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognizing that the locals live in harmony with nature and work to promote a healthy environment, economy and culture. Whether you charter a sailboat in St. Peter’s or Baddeck, paddle the inlets of Baddeck Bay, hike to Uisge Ban Falls, take part in a Mi’kmaw cultural journey in Eskasoni, or join a ceilidh or milling frolic at the Highland Village, embrace the beauty and living culture of this tranquil area.
Get on the Water
Subtle tides, sheltered coves, secluded beaches, and a diversity of marine and bird life make the Bras d’Or Lake ideal for boating, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing. Discover tour operators, charters, and launch sites throughout the area to experience the Bras d’Or Lake firsthand.
Explore the Land
The Biosphere’s extensive watershed offers a number of trails with sweeping views of the Bras d’Or Lake and surrounding hills, and hikes through gorges to towering waterfalls. Be sure to hit the links at a local golf course or the slopes at the local ski hill for some of the best views.
Connect to the Culture
Home to Mi’kmaw First Nations and descendants from early French, Scottish, and English settlers, the communities within the Biosphere maintain close ties to the culture of their ancestors. Connect with the people and experience their language, art, music and storytelling.
Regions: Sydney and Area / Marconi Trail, Bras d’Or Lake, Canada’s Musical Coast, Cabot Trail, Cape Breton’s South Coast, Louisbourg Area
For nine days in October, amid the splendour of the fall colours, Cape Breton Island overflows with music, energy, and excitement as people ...
Region: Canada’s Musical Coast
Community: Inverness
Located in the brand new Company House building, as soon as you enter Inverness. An ideal spot to grab a deli sandwich, cup of coffee, fresh...
Region: Sydney and Area / Marconi Trail
Community: Sydney & Area
Breton Brewing Co. opened its doors in 2015 and has established itself as a must-see destination on Cape Breton Island. A welcoming taproom ...
Regions: Cabot Trail, Bras d’Or Lake
Community: Baddeck & Area
18-hole, par 72, 7037 yd. Rating 74.8; Slope 144. Beautiful Thomas McBroom championship course high above the Bras d’Or Lakes, overloo...
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Margarees
Rainbow Trout stocked pond U fish located in Margaree. Open hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Catch and keep only (no release). Limited equ...
Regions: Cabot Trail, Canada’s Musical Coast
Community: Margarees
“Cape Breton offers a surprisingly large number of wonderful quirky museums. My favourite, by far, was the Margaree Salmon Museum.�...
June on Cape Breton Island is when music fills the air, feet find rhythm on wooden floors, and communities come together in celebration of culture, heritage, and shared joy.
If you're searching for a beautiful hiking destination on Cape Breton Island, look no further than the trails of Cape Mabou. Located on the Island’s west coast, Mabou is a charming rural community known for its Gaelic culture, coastal views and unfor
Canada's Musical Coast, nestled along the western shores of Cape Breton Island, offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the country.
Snowmobiling offers exhilarating experiences across winter landscapes, but safety must always be a priority.
Atlantic lobster from Cape Breton Island is renowned for being the freshest and some of the tastiest lobster in the world.
Tap your toes to fiddle tunes at a Ceilidh. See authentic Acadian crafts at Les Trois Pignons. Take a piece of Mi’kmaq culture home with you at a drum-making workshop. On Cape Breton Island, culture is all around you just waiting to be explored!
When the adventurous duo Chris and Jan from A for Adventure received the call to explore Cape Breton Island’s magical Waterfall Season, they packed their gear, laced up their boots and set their sights on some of Nova Scotia’s most breathtaking scen
Cape Smokey offers a ski experience that’s both easy to reach and impossible to forget. A short, two-hour flight from Toronto lands you right on Cape Breton Island, where you’ll find incredible coastal scenery, fresh powder, and the chance to ski ju
