Sail the Bras d'Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Overview

Set sail with Captain Kerr to experience the unique environment and cultural heritage of the Bras d’Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Canada’s largest inland sea.

Please note that we continue to abide by the Nova Scotia Health and Safety Policy developed in response to the  Covid-19 pandemic. We will be open for the 2022 season beginning on June 15th and are accepting reservations from the Atlantic Provinces as anticipated to be dictated by the Nova Scotia Health Authority. We will meet or exceed all Nova Scotia Health and Safety requirements.

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Your captain, Gordon Kerr, a local biologist and engineer, invites you to join him aboard his 25 foot, traditional sloop, Cu Na Mara to explore the Bras d’Or Lake’s unique ecosystem and connect to the area’s Mi’kmaq culture. He’ll show you the ropes of sailing and give you a chance to try it yourself.

During the tour, you’ll sail past Chapel Island National Historic Site. Located in the community of Potlotek, Chapel Island has been an important gathering place, a location for government and a site of spiritual significance to the Mi’kmaq for many centuries. It was also the location of one of the first contacts between the native North American people and the Europeans. It continues to be a sacred site and summer gathering place for the Mi’kmaq and serves its ancient role as a political meeting place by hosting The Grand Council of the Mi’kmaq twice a year. Your captain will share some of the cultural history and legends of the Mi’kmaq.

Following the sailing tour, you’re welcome to enjoy a free one-hour kayak rental, to explore more of the coastline.

Experience Includes:

• Guided sailing tour of the Bras d’Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with a local biologist, Gordon Kerr
• Brief sailing instruction with the opportunity to try it yourself
• Picnic lunch (full day tour only). Option to purchase gourmet lunch from Bras d’Or Lake Inn
• Swimming and Snorkeling (snorkel sets provided)
• Ecological insights on some scientific sampling being done in the Bras d’Or Lake, with an opportunity to take part
• Free kayak rental (double or single)

Experience is offered 7 days a week, June 15 – October 15.

Experience Length and Pricing:

• Half Day (approximately 3 hours): $100 per person, offered at 10:00am and 2:00pm
• Full Day (approximately 6 hours): $150 per person, offered at 10:00am