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

Isle Madame Public Market

Region: Sydney and Area / Marconi Trail

Community: Isle Madame

The Isle Madame Public Market will take place at the Lenoir Landing on the Arichat Waterfront. If you would like to become a vendor, send us...


45.51713 -61.01211

Cape Breton Sailing Charters

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 118 Reviews

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

Community: St Peter’s & Area

Join Captain Greg for a hands-on sailing experience on Cape Breton’s Bras d’Or Lake and Ocean Coast We offer a hands-on experie...


45.6584 -60.8669

Isle Madame Boat Club & Marina

Region: Cape Breton’s South Coast

Community: Isle Madame

IMBC is a non-profit boat club and marina owned and operated by its members. Guest berths are available for boats less than 45 feet in lengt...


45.505449 -61.010671

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

Locals Know Blogs