Activities
Autumn Activities Beaches Bed & Breakfast
Boardsailing Boat Tours Crafts
Cycling Diving Fishing
Hiking Equestrian Lakes & Rivers
Sailing
CAPE BRETON ISLAND HAS MANY FALL OFFERINGS
Cape Breton Island has such a wealth of travel and recreation
possibilities that it is easy to overlook many of them. Some people
even neglect an entire season, autumn, figuring that summer is the
only time for travelling around the Island. How wrong they are.
The Cabot Trail and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park are
spectacular during all seasons. Nothing, however, is as colourful or
as beautiful as the Park during the fall months, especially in
October during the height of the spectacular fall colours.
In addition to the drive itself, stop at the Interpretation Centre
at the Park Entrance in Cheticamp. Displays depict the flora and
fauna of the park. You can also pick up a map of park trails.
Get out of the car and explore a little; you'll be glad you did.
There are over 20 trails in the park, with one to suit every schedule
and fitness level. They range from the short, 800-metre Lone Sheiling
trail (through 300-year-old sugar maple trees), to the more
challenging 15 km Fishing Cove trail down to a former fishing
community, and Franey, where you climb 366 metres in less than 3 km
to an incredible view of Smokey, Keltic Lodge, and the Atlantic
Ocean. Park information can be obtained by calling 224-2306.
An indoor point of interest in the National Park area is Les
Trois Pignons, the Cultural Centre in Cheticamp. This museum features
the tapestries of Elizabeth Lefort, renowned artist of Cheticamp
Hooked Rugs. Tourist information and a genealogical service for
Acadians are also available.
Inverness and Victoria Counties also offer many other treats, some of
them not so well-known. It is recommended that you see the MacFarlane
Woods Nature Reserve in Mull River (near Mabou); the Margaree Salmon
Museum in North East Margaree (open until October 15); the Glenira
Distillery, a hospitality centre at the only single malt whisky
distillery in North America, located at Glenora Falls (near Mabou);
and the Usige Ban Falls near Big Baddeck. Always worth a visit is the
Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck, and the Nova Scotia Highland
Village at Iona with its spectacular view of the Bras d'Or Lakes.
In Richmond County visit Battery Park, a picnic and camping park on
the northside of the St. Peters Canal; it is one of the more scenic
and historic provincial parks in Nova Scotia. In the park you will
find the ruins of Fort Toulouse, a French fort inhabited during the
Louisbourg years, and a Lime Kiln from the same era. As well, a short
hike will bring you to the site of the former Fort Granville, an
English fort from the late 1700's. Fort Granville also offers a
magnificent panorama of St. Peter's Canal, the Village of St. Peters,
St. Peters Inlet, and Isle Madame. It is worth the stop. Also don't
forget to visit the Canal - many people are unaware that it is the
only operating canal east of Montreal.
The incomparable Fortress of Louisbourg will be open with full
service until the end of September, and limited service during the
month of October. It is best to call ahead (733-2280).
During the month of September, most of the smaller museums on the
Island close until next spring. In Sydney, though, heritage buffs can
spend a half-day or more in the Historic North End which boasts as
many buildings from the 1700's as Boston. The Old Sydney Society
(539-1572) operates four heritage sites as museums, two of them
year-round: the Jost House and the Cape Breton Centre for Heritage
and Science (Lyceum). The Miners' Museum in Glace Bay is also open
year-round. It offers displays as well as tours in an underground
mine.
We've just scratched the surface of what there is to see and do in
Cape Breton this fall. For more information on travelling Cape Breton
Island, contact the Cape Breton Tourist Association at 539-9876 or
1-800-565-9646. Nova Scotia Tourism & Culture in co-operation with
tourism operators across the province has put together Summer Value
Package Catalogues full of travel specials. For more information call
Check-Inns Nova Scotia at 1-800-565-0000 (in Canada) or
1-800-341-6096 in U.S. If you are in the area drop by the Nova Scotia
Travel Information Centre in Port Hastings or the Cape Breton Tourist
Association on Keltic Drive in Sydney River.
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BEACHES
Nova Scotia's chain of beaches are a cornerstone of Canada's Ocean
Playground.
Ceilidh Trail:
Port Hood - supervised swimming.
Inverness - supervised swimming.
Fleur-de-Lis Trail:
Lennox Passage - sandy beach, lighthouse, in provincial park.
Pondville - grey sandy beach baked by gentle dunes, large lagoon and
salt marsh, in provincial park.
Point Michaud - 3 km beach backed by marram-covered dunes and
cranberry bog, in provincial park.
Marconi Trail:
Kennington Cove - supervised swimming, in Fortress of Louisbourg
National Historic Site.
Sydney and Area:
Dominion - supervised swimming, sandy beach, in provincial park.
Indian, North Sydney - supervised swimming.
Cabot Trail:
Cabot Landing - long sandy beach at reputed landing site of John
Cabot, in provincial park.
Cheticamp - sandy beach on Cheticamp Island at Plage St. Pierre
Campground.
Ingonish - supervised swimming, in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
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EXPERIENCE BED AND BREAKFAST AND UNIQUE COUNTRY INNS
One of the special pleasures of travelling on Cape Breton Island is
indulging in the Bed and Breakfast experience. The experience goes
something like this: You wake up in the friendly confines of a
comfortable bedroom in a family home tucked away in a peaceful Cape
Breton community. You join your congenial hosts for a hearty
breakfast and continue your Cape Breton sojourn (with helpful
directions from your hosts) after a restful night and pleasant
morning.
This is an experience shared by many fans of B&Bs and Country Inns
who confirm they are an excellent way to get to know an area you are
visiting. It is not surprising that Cape Bretoners, who are world
renowned for their hospitality and down to earth charm, excel at the
art of operating Bed and Breakfast establishments.
What makes Cape Breton's B&B's so popular? Aside from the reasonable
prices charged, there is that personal touch. The good, old fashioned
hospitality for which Cape Breton is famous is perhaps best
exemplified in the B&B program.
B&B program participants take a united approach and homeowners
displaying the official "Cape Breton Bed and Breakfast" sign have
made a commitment to offer clean, comfortable accommodation with a
common rate schedule. All reservations are arranged directly with the
individual operators. A list of operators is provided in the Bed and
Breakfast Directory brochure available by calling 1-800-565-9464.
Another wonderful way to experience all that Cape Breton has to offer
is to stay at a Country Inn. Country Inns are usually larger than
B&Bs and most prod evening meals. In fact, Country Inns are noted
for their food and some of the finest food served in Cape Breton is
served at Country Inns. Several are listed in "Where to eat in
Canada".
Many Country Inn settings are stunning and many of the buildings
themselves are of some historic significance. Even the beautiful
names chosen for Country Inns contribute to their special ambiance
and the entire Country Inn experience.
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BOARDSAILING/WINDSURFING/SEA KAYAKING
Boardsailing, or windsurfing, is the fastest growing aquatic summer
sport in Nova Scotia. Water and wind conditions in the province are
excellent for this thrilling recreational activity.
Ceilidh Trail:
Inverness - Inverness County Board Sailing Centre, rentals, lessons,
(902) 258-2653, 455-7574.
Sydney and Area:
New Waterford - Island Windsurfing, rentals, lessons, (902) 862-2456.
Cabot Trail:
Ingonish - Cape Breton Windsurfing.
SEA KAYAKING
Sea or coastal kayaking is a challenging version of traditional
canoeing. Nova Scotia's coastal geography lends itself to this
growing and exciting activity. Rentals and outfitters include:
Bras d'Or Lakes Area:
West Bay - Kayak Cape Breton, (902) 535-3060.
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BOAT TOURS AND CHARTERS
There are many opportunities to take to the high seas for a
sightseeing tour, nature observation, deep-sea fishing or just a
cruise. Following are some boat tours and charters available.
Ceilidh Trail:
Creignish - Floyd MacDonald, saltwater fishing, (902) 625-1942.
Craigmore - Ronald MacMaster, saltwater fishing, (902) 625-0219.
Craigmore - Edward MacDonald, saltwater fishing, wreck diving,
(902) 625-2063.
Fleur-de-Lis Trail:
West Bay - Ross Point Recreation Ltd., fishing and touring charters,
(902) 345-2726.
Dundee - Sail Cape Breton, yacht and boat charters, cruise and dine,
(902) 345-2649, 535-2512.
Louisbourg - Aqua Bus Harbour Tours, sightseeing tours, wreck diving,
(902) 733-2628 (summer), 564-5662 (winter).
Sydney and Area:
Big Bras d'Or - Mountain View by the Sea, tours of Bird Islands,
(902) 674-2384.
Cabot Trail:
Baddeck - Amoeba Sailing Tours, sailing tours, (902) 295-2481.
Baddeck - Marvin Harvey, fishing, charters, (902) 295-3318.
Margaree Harbour - Margaree Harbour Boat Tours, marine and wild-life
sightings, (902) 235-2848 / 2653.
Cheticamp - Tom Larade, deep-sea fishing, charters, (902) 224-3606.
Cheticamp - Whale Cruises (Cheticamp) Ltd., whale- and bird-watching,
(902) 224-3376.
Pleasant Bay - Pleasant Bay Boat Tours, whales and seabirds, charters,
(902) 224-2547.
Bay St. Lawrence - Whale Works Enterprises Ltd., whale watching, (902)
383-2981, 852-4878.
Dingwall - Aspy Bay Boat Tours, coastal tours, seabirds, whales,
shipwrecks, St. Paul's Island, (902) 383-2847.
Ingonish Beach - Maurice Whitty, scenic boat rides, charters,
(902) 285-2320.
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CAPE BRETON CRAFTS: THE JOINING OF HEART AND HAND
As you explore the highways, trails and less-travelled roads of Cape
Breton Island, you will be impressed by the selection of fine crafts
to be found. There are items to intrigue, charm, and delight.
Cape Breton craftspeople have long been renowned for the strong
tradition of heritage crafts, and there are now excellent
examples in the contemporary idiom. You will find work ranging from
hand-tied fishing flies to handcrafted model boats to
scarves hand-woven of the finest silk.
Textiles have long been a mainstay of the island. In early days they
were items of necessity produced for their function, but even then
with an eye to beauty. Hand-spun, natural dyed hand-woven fabric for
clothing and coverlets received new life as quilts and hooked mats
long before the tern recycle was fashionable. Scottish and Acadian
textile traditions survive to this day, and fine examples of weaving
and hooked mats can be found. Quilts are celebrated still, and range
from traditional patterns to contemporary works of art.
Native crafts are found in the Mik'maq communities of Eskasoni and
Wycocomagh. Basketry, beadwork, quiltwork, leather crafts, soapstone
carving and wooden flowers are fine examples.
There are dolls and toys, wood sculptures and furniture, handcrafted
musical instruments and a wide range of pottery. Jewellery, stained
glass, leather purses and reproduction fire buckets, hand and machine
knitting ranging from rugged outdoor garments to high-fashion
sweaters, it's all to be found here. You will also find miniatures,
"country" and Victorian crafts, as well as rugs: woven wool or
hooked, and if they don't suit your fancy, try printed floor cloths!
A delightful form of local expression can be found in Folk Art of the
Island. Although carved wood sculptures are most prominent, there are
also examples of decorated objects, quilts, hooked mats and primative
or native paintings. The Scarecrows of Cape Lemoine are not to be
missed!
There are many shops specializing in crafts, but you will especially
enjoy a visit with craftspeople in their studios. Don't overlook
local festivals and celebrations and Quilts of the Island touring
exhibition as well as provincial and county exhibitions.
Whether you select crafts as gifts for stay-at-home friends or
momemtos of your visit, you can choose from a selection to suit your
taste and pocketbook from inexpensive souvenirs to works by award
winning craftspeople who exhibit nationally and internationally and
whose work may be found in public, private and corporate collections.
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CYCLING
Nova Scotia is one of North America's most popular bicycle touring
destinations. Bicycle tours of Nova Scotia outlines 20 popular
routes. Several routes are suitable for hiking. The Cabot Trail is a
challenging circuit, as are the other scenic travelways. Many side
roads are excellent routes as they are less travelled.
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DIVING
Clean, clear water and several thousand kilometres of historic
coastline make diving in Nova Scotia an exciting and rewarding
experience for novice and seasoned divers. Information on local dive
sites, facilities and clubs is available from the Nova Scotia
Underwater Council, P.O. Box 34, Armdale, N.S., B3L 4J7. The council
publishes Passport to Diving, a handy reference to dive sites and
offshore wrecks by region. The booklet lists diving clubs, dive
shops, air stations and dive sites.
Diving Clubs/Charters
Ceilidh Trail:
Judique - Wreck Diving, (902) 625-2063.
Fleur-de-Lis Trail:
West Arichat - Vollmer's Island Paradise, (902) 226-1507.
Louisbourg - Aqua Bus Wreck Diving, (902) 733-2628 (summer), 564-5662
(winter).
Louisbourg - Ruan's Diving Service, (902) 733-2683, 539-7100.
Sydney and Area:
Point Edward - Seaquatic Ventures, (902) 564-5662 / 6013.
Sydney - Nova Dive Masters.
Sydney - Octopi Dive Club, (902) 564-3660.
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FISHING
Sport fishing in Nova Scotia, both freshwater and saltwater, is a
major tourist draw for the serious angler. Consult the separately
published Fishing and Hunting Guide to Nova Scotia, as well as the
Fishing Guide to Nova Scotia map.
For those with an interest in fishing as a recreational
pursuit, Nova Scotia has much to offer. Both the federal and
provincial governments as well as some fishing organizations operate
fish hatcheries which are open to the public. Drop by and learn about
the rearing of various fish species; there's even an aquaculture
demonstration centre. There are also many stocked fish ponds around
the Province, known as u-fish or u-catch ponds, where you can drop a
line and try your luck.
FISH HATCHERIES:
Fleur-de-Lis Trail:
St. Peters - Salmonid Propogation Association, 5 km west of St.
Peters, privately-owned fish hatchery, salmon smolts, trout and
Arctic char fingerlings, guided tours may be arranged in advance,
(902) 535-2014.
Cabot Trail:
Margaree Valley- federal fish hatchery.
Northeast Margaree- Margaree Salmon Museum, operated by Margaree
Anglers Association, displays on fishing, trout and salmon aquaria.
STOCKED FISH PONDS:
Sydney and Area:
Edwardsville - (near Westmount) Paddy's Pond, (902) 564-6652.
Cabot Trail:
Margaree Forks - Old Miner Trout Farm, on Doyles Road, (902) 248-2555.
FISHING OUTFITTERS:
Ceilidh Trail:
West Lake Ainslie - West Lake Ainslie Cottages and Camp Ltd.,
(902) 258-2654 / 2949.
Fleur-de-Lis Trail:
Dundee - The Points Lodge, (902) 835-7326.
Bras d'Or Lakes Area:
Boisedale - Bras d'Or Lake Outfitters, (902) 871-2549.
Cabot Trail:
Northeast Margaree - Normaway Inn, (902) 248-2987 (summer), 564-5433
(winter).
Margaree Valley - Big Intervale Salmon Camp, (902) 248-2275.
Cheticamp - Cheticamp Outfitters, (902) 224-3701 / 2776 / 2254.
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HIKING
Hiking is an enjoyable pastime for all ages and all levels of
fitness. Young and old, the serious wilderness backpacker and the
recreational walker can all find a trail in Nova Scotia to suit their
interests. Many trails are located in national and provincial parks,
while others traverse Crown and privately-owned land. Following are
some of the more popular hiking trails in Cape Breton.
National Parks:
Cape Breton Highlands - 28 trails are available. Guide brochures are
published by the Canadian Parks Service and by Les Amis du Plein Air
for the park. Contact the Cape Breton Highlands National Park in
Ingonish at: (902) 285-2535 (summer) or (902) 285-2691 (winter) or in
Cheticamp at (902) 224-2306 (year round).
Additional Hiking Trails:
Many areas in Cape Breton offer hiking trails, many of which are
located in provincial parks or on Crown land. These include:
Ceilidh Trail:
Mabou Mines - A 9.6 km trail leads from the mouth of Mabou Harbour to
an abandoned mine.
McDonald Glen - A 9.6 km hike from Northeast Mabou along the Cape
Mabou Road to the shoreline; at McDonald Glen, there
is a side branch (6.4 km) that offers a view of the
Margaree Valley.
McKinnon Brook - A 16 km hike between McDonald Glen and Sight Point;
the first 3.5 km beyond Sight Point is a level
coastal trail; two branches traverse highlands and
river valleys- Sight Point (7.5 km) and MacIsaac Glen
(3.5 km).
Black Brook - An 11.2 km trail from Cape Mabou Road to Port Ban;
Northern Highlands Trail (6.4 km return) is also nearby.
Upper Margaree - An 8 km return hike from Upper Margaree
to Matheson Glen Brook Falls.
Broad Cove - A 4.8 km coastal trail from Broad Cove Chapel to Marsh
Point.
Fleur-de-Lis Trail:
Petit-de-Grat - A 5.2 km coastal trail overlooking the Bay of Rocks.
Fourchu Head - A 3.2 km (return) coastal hike passing site of 1967
shipwreck and an old graveyard.
Gabarus - An 11.2 km coastal trail from Gabarus to Gull Cove.
Ben Eoin - A 1.5 km trail in provincial park to a lookoff over East
Bay.
Bras d'Or Lake Area:
Whycocomagh - A 1.8 km loop in provincial park to the top of Salt
Mountain, overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake.
Marble Mountian - A 3.2 km (return) hike up Marble Mountian with view
of West Bay.
Marconi Trail:
Main-a-Dieu - An 8 km (return) coastal hike from village, around
points with views of Scaterie Islands.
Cabot Trail:
Uisge Ban Falls - A 3.2 km (return) hike to spectacular waterfall.
Portree - A 12.8 km (return) route from Portree to Big Intervale along
the banks of the Northeast Margaree River.
Margaree Centre - A 9.6 km (return) trail along Gallant River.
Cheticamp Island - A 12.8 km (return) route along the west side of
Cheticamp Harbour to a lighthouse.
Red River - A 4.8 km (return) trail from Red River along the coast.
Meat Cove - A 16 km loop from Meat Cove to Lowland Cove and Cape St.
Lawrence.
Bay St. Lawrence - A 14.4 km (return) hike across the northern tip of
Cape Breton to Money Point.
Cabot Landing - A 6.4 km (return) jaunt along the beach from the
provincial park to the mouth of the North Pond Aspy
Bay.
Sugar Loaf - A 2.4 km (return) hike up to Sugar Loaf Mountian with
beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Cape Smokey - A 5 km (return) trail in provincial park with
spectacular views.
North River - A 16 km (return) trail up to the valley of the North
River to a 30 m waterfall.
Cape Dauphin - A 6.4 km (return) coastal trail leads to Fairy Hole of
Mi'qmaq legend.
Seal Island - A 9.6 km (return) trail leads from the Seal Island
Bridge along the Great Bras d'Or to Big Harbour.
There are many other hiking trail on the Island besides the ones
listed here. Some areas have produced county or regional guides, such
as Cape Breton County. Inquire at local tourist bureaus to get a
complete listing of hiking trails in any particular area. A handy
reference guide is the publication Hiking Trails of Nova Scotia.
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EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES
Nova Scotia has a history and tradition of breeding and raising fine
horses - for work, pleasure, sport and show.
Every weekend from May through October there are horse shows,
competitive trail rides, equestrian clinics, horse and pony pulls,
plowing matches, open barns and events throughout the Province. You
can comfirm dates and find out about other equestrian events through
Check Inns. Spectators are always welcome.
For the slightly more adventurous, operators throughout Nova Scotia
offer some rare opportunities to get in touch with nature and relive
a part of history through trails, hay rides and sleigh rides through
some of the most beautiful, unspoiled trails and woods roads in North
America.
And if you have your own horse, the opportunities for travel and
adventure are almost unlimited. Some trails are open ti horses, as
are many abandoned rail lines. And most areas have logging roads
which can be riden or driven with permission. Local information is
available from most tourist bureaus.
Equestrian activities in Cape Breton include:
Cabot Trail:
Margaree Valley - Normaway Inn, horseback riding, 1-800-565-9463.
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LAKES AND RIVERS
Nova Scotia's inland waters are major tourism and recreational
resources. The Province's rivers and lakes provide such pursuits as
canoeing, fishing, river rafting snd swimming as well as providing
scenic vistas and waterfalls.
SWIMMING:
Freshwater swimming is a delight in Nova Scotia. Summer temperatures
warm inland lakes for a pleasant dip. The following lakes offer
supervised swimming, a service of municipalities, the Canadian Parks
Service or the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service.
Cabot Trail:
Freshwater Lake in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
WATERFALLS:
The sight of water cascading over rock always makes a good
photograph. Many of Nova Scotia's waterfalls are associated with a
hike, while some are more readily accessible in parks. Some of the
easily accessible falls are:
Cabot Trail:
Cape Breton Highlands National Park - several waterfalls including
Mary Ann Falls (turn at Broad Cove), Beulach Ban Falls (near Big
Intervale) and MacIntosh Brook Falls (east of Pleasant Bay).
Bras d'Or Lake Area:
Melford- River Denys Mountain Falls, off Highway 105.
Several waterfalls are located in conjunction with hiking
trails, including North River Falls and Uisge Ban Falls off the Cabot
Trail and Piper Glen Falls off the Ceilidh Trail. Consult the hiking
section for more details.
SCENIC RIVERS:
Many rivers allow pleasant sightseeing through their valleys. Some of
the more scenic include:
Cabot Trail:
Margaree River, Inverness County - The Cabot Trail passes by the west
side of the riverfrom Northeast Margaree to Margaree Harbour. From
Belle Cote a paved highway follows the east side of the river. Both
highways lead to salmon pools.
Middle River - From Yankee Lime at Wagmatcook Indian Reserve on
Trans Canada 105 to Lower Middle River on Cabot trail. There are
several scenic fishing pools.
CANOEING:
With thousands of lakes and rivers, Nova Scotia provides many
canoeing opportunities. White-water paddlers should plan to challenge
our rivers before the end of June. Many rivers are accessible by
road; some however, provide the opportunity for wilderness canoeing.
Nova Scotia's many lakes, particularly those in the southern or
eastern part of the province, allow the canoeist to plan either short
day-trips or journeys of a week or more from April to November. For
more information get a copy of Canoe Routes of Nova Scotia, a guide
to 70 areas throughout the province. The Canoe Cape Breton booklet
lists the following routes along with maps and notes:
Ceilidh Trail:
Southwest Margaree River.
Fleur-de-Lis Trail:
River Inhabitants, Grand Lake (Isle Madame), Loch Lomond, Grand
River, Gabarus and Belfry Lakes, Salmon River, Mira River
Cabot Trail:
Baddeck River, Middle River, Margaree River, Northeast Margaree
River, Indian Brook.
Several municiple recreation departments have printed brochures on
local canoe routes. Contact local tourist bureaus for more
information.
Canoe outfitters and rental outlets include:
Cabot Trail:
Northeast Margaree - The Lakes Cottages and Campgrounds,
(902) 248-2360, rentals.
Margaree Harbour - Margaree River Canoe Rentals, (902) 235-2658.
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SAILING AND BOATING
Blue skies reflect in crystal-clear waters; the stillness is broken
only by the cry of the gull, the movement of the sails and the gentle
lapping of waters against the hull. This is Nova Scotia, Shangri-la
to those who power and sail to her coast, and whose harbours, met by
green rolling hills, provide a place of refuge to Atlantic sailors.
Yachting folk make their homes here by the sea, and they invite you
to join the sailing life that the is traditional to Nova Scotians.
The Nova Scotia Outdoor guide lists marine suppliers and nautical
chart dealers.
YACHT CLUBS AND MARINAS:
Those yacht clubs that welcome visiting yachtsmen include:
Fleur-de-Lis Trail:
D'Escousse - Lennox Passage Yacht Club, marina, launching and mooring
facilities.
Dundee - Dundee Resort Marina, marina.
St. Peters - Lion's Club Marina, marina, launching, and mooring
facilities.
Sydney Area:
Westmount - Dobson Yacht Club, marina, mooring and launching
facilities.
Sydney - Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club, marina, mooring and launching
facilities.
North Sydney - Northern Yacht Club, marina, mooring available.
Cabot Trail:
Baddeck - Baddeck Marine and Sports, marina facilities, guest moorings
available.
Baddeck - Bras d'Or Yacht Club, marina, mooring, launching facilities.