Skip to main content

St. Peter's Canal National Historic Site


160 Toulouse Street

902-535-2118 (canal service)


Overview

Visit St. Peters Canal, where the Atlantic Ocean joins the sparkling Bras d’Or Lake. Enjoy beautiful water views and outdoor experiences. Stop by Canal Landing to get your feet wet with stand up paddle board and kayak rentals, or try your hand at fishing from the banks of the canal. Boaters can enjoy the unique experience of crossing this striking 800-metre tidal lock canal, the oldest in North America. Keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife and bald eagles as you meander connecting coastal trails or relax with a picnic at the water’s edge.

Explore this gateway to the village of St. Peter’s, whose history can be traced back to a traditional Mi’kmaq portage route and a fortified 17th-century trading post built by French merchant, Nicolas Denys. Learn about the canal’s  remarkable 15-year construction and evolution as a contemporary waterway, opening up Cape Breton Island development from the Atlantic Ocean to the Bras d’Or Lake. You can even charge your hybrid or electric vehicle at one of our free charging stations while you explore this unique part of Canada’s coastal history.

Outdoor exhibits describe the lock’s unique double gates, each with 4 swinging doors that form a diamond shape when closed. The gates, designed to compensate for the tidal differences between the ocean and the lake, are the only ones of their kind in North America.

Other Experiences You'll Love

Picnic and Paddle at St. Peters Canal

Regions: Cape Breton’s South Coast, Bras d’Or Lake

Community: St Peter’s & Area

Discover the tranquil beauty of St. Peters Canal National Historic Site, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bras D’or Lake. Paddle thi...

Calendar Icon May 1, 2024
Dollar Icon Various

45.654440 -60.869370

Nearby Things To Do

Farmer's Pantry

Regions: Cape Breton’s South Coast, Bras d’Or Lake

Community: St Peter’s & Area

Organic & Fair Trade Coffee Shop located at 10042 Grenville Street, St. Peter’s, Nova Scotia. ...


45.65 -60.87

Seal Cove Restaurant & Lounge

Region: Cape Breton’s South Coast

Community: Isle Madame

We work hard every day, to offer you and your family fresh local ingredients prepared with love. Enjoy a large menu with all-day breakfast, ...


45.607015 -61.073813

Diddle's Confectioneries & Gifts

Regions: Cape Breton’s South Coast, Bras d’Or Lake

Community: St Peter’s & Area

We are a Confectionery and Gift Shop, located in the Heart of St. Peter’s offering high-quality products at a competitive price. The ...


45.6559 -60.87672

MacIsaac Kiltmakers

Regions: Bras d’Or Lake, Cape Breton’s South Coast

Community: St Peter’s & Area

Rosemary and Mac operate MacIsaac Kiltmakers as a family business and are enjoying tremendous success and growth because of their commitment...


45.655380 -60.877865

Darlene’s Paintings by the Sea

Regions: Bras d’Or Lake, Cape Breton’s South Coast

Community: St Peter’s & Area

Acrylic and Watercolour paintings and other decorative painted items for sale. Visit by appointments only. ...


45.655506 -60.874645

Locals Know Blogs