The Canso Causeway and Bras d’ Or Lakes

Entering the Canso Canal

The Canso Canal separates the mainland of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island.  Prior to building the canal, the tidal current ran through this strait at six to seven knots.  This project not only eliminated the current but created one of the deepest ports on the east coast of North America.  Ten million tons of rocks were required to complete this project.  The rock was quarried from nearby Porcupine Mountain, the scars remain conspicuous today. 

Porcupine Mountain

The canal and lock were completed in 1955.  As we entered the canal, a Schnauzer was there to greet Miss Hali.  The lock chamber is 820’ long and 80’ wide, roughly the same size as those on the St. Lawrence Seaway.  The lift is approximately four feet. 

Entering the Lock

A Friend for Hali

Closing the Gates Behind Us

The Gates Open Ahead and the Bridge Swings to Allow Us to Exit

 

 Departing the Canso Canal we turned into the pretty Lennox Passage,  a very scenic waterway leading to St. Peters Bay.

Burnt Island Bridge, Halfway Point of Lennox Passage

 

Beautiful Lennox Passage

A Typical Cape Breton Lighthouse

St. Peters Bay leads to the St. Peters Canal, gateway to Bras d’ Or Lake.  This canal and lock system opened in 1869, prior to that time, small craft were pulled over the narrow strip of land by a team of oxen.  St. Peters is one of the few “tidal locks” in North America.  A tidal lock differs from a conventional lock in that it has four gates at each end.  All four gates are angled so that when closed they form a diamond-shape.  The angle must face into the side with the higher water.  It was interesting to see this “tidal lock” system work.  The high tide was behind us so it was there that the four gates were closed.  The downstream gates (ahead of us) required only two of its gates to close.

Entering the Lock

Three Boats in the Lock

The First Set of Gates Close Behind Us

The Second Set of Gates Close Behind Us

The Four Gates Form a Diamond Shape When Closed

Once through the lock and canal we entered the lake and turned into  St. Peters Marina for the night. 

St. Peters Canal

St. Peters Marina

We wound our way into the main lake to explore  its many arms and anchorages.  Once the boats were anchored, we explored further by dinghy.  We tried Darlene’s paddle board and even took a spin on Bruce’s Sea-Doo.    

Beautiful Scenery

                           

Lights Mark the Shoals

Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bear

Darlene on her Paddle Board

Peter and Lyn

Rafted Together

 

Harry Was a Natural

Leslie Held Her Own

Stormy Skies

The winds picked up again so we have returned to St. Peters Marina to await a good weather window for our crossing to the Nova Scotia mainland.