Serene Sailing in a Maritime Oasis

On the outside, the seas swell, winds whip, fog drifts, gulls scream and currents boil. But on the inside, all is calm. The air is clear. Bald Eagles soar overhead, kingfishers fly low over shoreline reeds, and the rich, earthy scents of fields and forests are carried on a gentle breeze.
The saltwater inland sea of the Bras d’Or Lakes, stretching between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is a sailor’s haven. Cape Breton’s legendary “arm of gold” is short on fog, mist and rain, but long on balmy breezes, safe harbours and picture-perfect sights. Accessible by sea, but sheltered from the storm, the Lakes rank among the world’s most popular sailing destinations.

The waters of the Bras d’Or are known for their fair summertime weather. Mornings tend to be calm, with southwest winds picking up in the afternoon and calming again in the evening. Occasional south-easterlies bring mist or rain, while cool north-easterlies are rare.
The shoreline of the Bras d’Or Lakes is a filigree of islands, coves and sheltered bays. The wide expanse of the largest Lake, and the long sweep of the upper Channels, provides lots of room to roam. Among the highlights that Bras d’Or Lakes boaters can anticipate:

• The towering red cliffs that plunge into the clear water of East Bay
• The Little Harbour of the Malagawatch Basin, where a narrow channel leads into a wide, marsh-like lagoon
• The lift bridge at Iona, in the Barra Strait
• The tranquil waters of Maskill’s Cove
• The white gypsum cliffs on the way to Marble Mountain
• The scenic corridor of St. Peter’s Inlet, leading to the St. Peter’s Canal