The Cruising Guide to the Nova Scotia Coast

Updates from 2008 through 2011 are applied to the April 2008 edition, check the copyright date on page 2. A new edition is dated February 2012

General Remarks

I would like to thank all who contributed their time and effort to updating this guide. I am in the process of rewriting a new edition for the 2012 sailing season, which will include all the annual updates since the 2008 edition. In the fall of 2010 Loran C was discontinued on the East coast of Canada and the US. The Catamaran service (ferry) between Portland and Yarmouth was cancelled for the 2010 season and not replaced. A conventional ferry may be introduced in 2013.

I have been delighted with the quality of the many fine updates I have received over the last four years which will result in a much improved guide. Please keep the information coming.

Alphabetical table of contents for Harbours

During a CCA cruise in 2007 Bill and Pamela Kellet aboard Jura, my publisher; Sandy Weld, and I discussed the possibility of having a table, which summarized the major features of harbours in this guide. Pam put her money where her mouth was and has produced such a table in two forms, one "Alpha" and the other sequential as if one was sailing from the USA and heading North East. This is obviously a work in progress that I will update. See the Alpha version as a PDF.

Charts, Publications and Navigational Aids (pages 7-9)

2011 - Truman Casner. I found the 2011 Garmin BlueCharts (displayed on my Garmin GPS740 chartplotter mounted at the helm of Astral) to be very accurate and up-to-date. My 2010 Nobletec BSB/NDI Max Pro electronic charts displayed on my laptop located at the navigation station down below were helpful in planning courses and setting waypoints for my autopilot but I found the Garmin display in the cockpit far more helpful in navigating the many inside passages that make the Eastern Shore such a great cruising area. I also had paper charts dating back to my first cruise to this area in the 1980s. In a few cases they provided a little more detail than the electronic charts but could not be relied upon for current locations of government marks.

As a general observation, I think the Guide has too many comments about the difficulties of navigating through these inside passages, all based upon entries from CCA members who were brave enough to cruise these waters before the advent of GPS chartplotters located at the helmsman's position. ( I emphasize the location of the chartplotter display at the helm because it is far better for the helmsman to be able to judge for himself what course adjustments are necessary rather than have a navigator call out compass courses and bearings from down below.) I agree that we should emphasize the importance of having paper charts on board and available to the helmsman as one cruises this shore but we should also recognize the value and convenience of up-to-date electronic charts.(Ed. I will reflect some of Truman's thoughts in the next guide).

In referring to other Cruising Guides for Nova Scotia, you might consider including Peter Loveridge's "A Cruising Guide to Nova Scotia", Second Edition, (over 350 pages) now available only on CD from the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club (902-875-4757) for $65 approximately. He has cruised most of the area in a small sailboat, writes well and provides good insights into what is happening in Nova Scotia as well as helpful detail about most cruising locations. (Ed, I strongly recommend this useful and entertaining guide)

Customs (page 16)

2011 - Truman Casner. The Marblehead-Halifax race officials now encourage U.S. sailors participating in their race to get a CANPASS. I did not find the paperwork burdensome. In addition, before I left the U.S. I followed a recommendation of the RNSYS and faxed a letter to the Halifax Office of the Canadian Border Services Agency (902-426-3339) my boat's name, official number and CANPASS number together with a list of the name, DOB, passport # and residence address of each crew member on board. All of this seemed to speed up the clearing-in process when we arrived in Halifax and was appreciated by the Canadian authorities.(Ed, A CANPASS is now strongly recommended to ease your entry to Canadian Waters.)

Diesel fuel

Mark Van Baalen in Ariane. First, a general statement about the difficulty of purchasing marine diesel fuel in Nova Scotia. The fishermen rely on supplies of dyed diesel fuel, which is available at many harbors. Visiting yachtsmen, however, are not allowed to purchase this fuel, except perhaps in an emergency. Instead, one needs to purchase clear or undyed fuel, which is not widely available. The answer to this conundrum is to open a "small commercial" account with Irving Oil, at their St. John headquarters. Telephone 866-465-7228. Armed with an account number, one calls the dispatcher in Halifax, who arranges for an Irving truck to meet the boat at a designated harbor at an agreed upon time to deliver undyed fuel. Same day service is sometimes possible, but it is better to call a day ahead. This method works just fine. (Ed. Diesel fuel is now widely available on the South Shore and the Bras d'Ors, not in remote areas such as the Eastern Shore)

Seal Cove (new) Grand Manan, New Brunswick 44°45.7N. 66°44.9W Charts: 4340, 4124

2010 - John Franklin in Al Shaheen
Directions: Preferably approach Seal Cove from the south, as the passage down the east coast of Grand Manan is rock-strewn and treacherous. From the south or west make for Southwest Head and identify red and white bell buoy "XAD", southeast of the head. Proceed northwards between low Wood Island to starboard and the eastern shore of Grand Manan to port. Stay in mid-channel to avoid the old weirs and the newer and extensive fish pens close in to the mainland shore. Note that these do not show up well on radar. There is considerable new harbour construction work (2010) in progress and a new breakwater not shown on the chart, just to the northeast of the entrance to the old harbours. Seal Cove has two existing harbours, of which the northern one dries and is not used. Enter between the old breakwater to port and the new breakwater to starboard and turn immediately to port to enter the southern basin. The entrance is only 50 m wide but plenty deep.

Anchorages and berths: The harbour is heavily populated with fishing boats many of which act as supply vessels to the nearby fish farms. Berth alongside the harbour wall, or secure to a fishing vessel. Out of season (after 30 June), you may berth alongside one of the lobster cars moored in the harbour, where, in 2010, we found 4.0m at LWS. There is no possibility for anchoring and no moorings. The harbour is exceptionally well sheltered from all directions There appears to be no presence of a Harbour Master and no charge for berthing. Take the dinghy ashore at the public landing and secure to a float there.

Remarks: See also Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast p375. Seal Cove is a Port of Entry for Canada although there is no Customs or Immigration presence there. As the only Public telephone was vandalized and there is no US cell phone signal, Fundy Coast Guard Radio were very helpful in "patching us through" to Canadian Customs by VHF.

Facilities: There is no fuel or water at the harbour. Irving may deliver fuel to the dock. There is a small convenience store, Frosty's, in the village as well as a fisherman's store. No WiFi in the village but free WiFi is available from the Library at Grand Harbour, 10 km away. Good restaurant (McLaughlin's 506-662-8760) at the old inner harbour where there are some restored historic smokehouses. One taxi on the island - at Grand Harbour. Daily sea trips to Grand Machias Island on Day's catch (506-662-8552).

Tiverton, Petit Passsage 32

2011 - Ermest Hamilton in Gloosecap reports that the Canadian Government has recently built a small vessel harbour in Tiverton adjacent to and North of the ferry landing. The photo taken in late August looking North from the ferry wharf. Note Boars Head Light in the background just to the right of my mizzen mast. This makes Tiverton a viable place to stop for the night (which it really was not in the past).

Westport - page 35

2009 - Mark Van Baalen in Ariane We noted an active fish farm in the harbour, while most of the larger fishing boats were tied up, some of which appeared not to have moved recently. There are several large yellow "marshmallow"-mooring mooring floats in the anchoring area between the fish farm and the piers. You need a very long pennant to thread through the big steel ring in the top of the float and then cleat down. There was no fee, and nobody seemed to pay any attention to us. No other cruising boats were in the harbour.

Meteghan page 38

2010 - Marina Manager Daniel Rogeshaw's home # 902-645-3520

Yarmouth - page 39

2011 - Laurie Curson in Wiwaxy and Ernest Hamilton in Gloosecap 11. Both report major improvements to The Killam Wharf. Curson noted "We have just spent two great days in Yarmouth enjoying the hospitality of Killam Wharf and it's outgoing and helpful marina manager Paul Pothier and thought that you might be interested in some changes here of interest to cruisers.

1. The Killam Wharf is installing fuel tanks and we are told they will be in service within sometime in June 2011.

2. The closest grocery to Killams has closed but an easy 15 minute walk south on Main Street brings you to The Red and White Grocery which is well stocked for reprovisioning. Of course, Superstore and Sobeys can be reached by taxi."

(Ed, This is great news as the wharf was really only for small boats in the past; a picture of Gloosecap alongside illustrates the improvement).

2009 - C. Westropp in Wind Free. Ferry service to Yarmouth from Maine is at a cross roads as the Nova Scotia Government has stopped subsidizing the Cat. Unless a new operator can be found there will be no Ferry service to Yarmouth this summer.

2010 - John Franklin The ferry services from Portland to Yarmouth have now ceased (2010). WiFi service is available from the Killam wharf Marina and the signal is available at the moorings.

WEST HEAD (NEW)

43º27.53'N, 65º39'W Chart: # 2442
2011 - Ernest Hamilton in Gloosecap 11

DIRECTIONS: The approach from the east and west is initially the same as is described for Clark's Harbour. From the east, make the red bell at Hospital Reef but instead of bearing to the south-west into the channel for Clark's Harbour, carry- on in a slightly north of east direction into the mouth of Barrington Passage picking up the green lighted buoy at Apple Rock and the nun right off of West Head. From the west the Apple Rock buoy can be laid directly from the bell south of Outer Island. The harbour entrance is immediately to the east of the nun and it is a pass between a concrete sea-wall to the west and a break-water to the east.

ANCHORAGE AND BERTHS: There is no anchorage within the confines of the man-made harbour. Once through the entrance, there is a maze of wharves as the harbour has obviously evolved and been expanded over time. I tend to keep to the west side and work my way up opposite the Coast Guard dock. Note that the harbour shoals up quickly and at low water one cannot carry more than 5' south of the Coast Guard Dock. As is typical of this area, one ties to whatever fishing boat looks most hospitable.

REMARKS: If supplies and civilization are not required, the harbour at West Head has much to recommend it. It is a base for both the Canadian Coast Guard and a large fishing fleet. With its break-waters and sea-walls it is completely sheltered in all wind directions and affords, according to the Harbour Master, the deepest draft of any harbour in the Cape Sable area (20'+ at the outer wharves at low water). It is also very easy to make in fog.

With visibility, a huge white building (a former fish plant?) and a more modern beige one containing the Coast Guard base and Harbour Master's offices are very obvious on the high ground at the head of the harbour. In fact, on a clear day, the former can be seen from the whistle off of Cape Sable.

There is activity here besides the fishing and Coast Guard boat movements: small boats land here laden with Irish moss collected on the shores of Barrington Passage, fishing boats are hauled and repaired at a central launching ramp and there is a modest take-out near the office building that serves ice-cream. The town of Clark's Harbour is a little over a mile away.

Stoddart Cove - page 44

2010 - John Franklin The information in the guide is still valid. Some development is taking place ashore but still at the construction stage. No restriction to walking ashore where there are lovely sand beaches.

2009 - We found the protection good here in strong east winds veering south, so even thought the harbour doesn't look like much, it served us well. We anchored in 22 feet at high tide. Bottom type is unknown as the anchor came up clean. The Stoddart Island light has been decommissioned, but the structure is still there. There is a new house that has been built on Stoddart Island, that otherwise appears uninhabited. The only navigational mark for the cove now is the yellow and black buoy "NF" at the entrance. This buoy appears to be yellow and red, but this may be on account of red reflective tape pasted over the black portion of the buoy. Note: in the County museum in Yarmouth we looked at an old French map of the coast, on which Stoddart Island was shown as Love Island.

Barrington Passage - (new) Chart: # 4241 position 43° 31N 65° 36.6W

2010 - Bill Cook in Resolution reported there is a nice cove on the East side of Barrington-Cape Sable Island causeway; it is well sheltered but has limited swinging room among the moorings. Resolution anchored just outside the cove, which spot is protected in winds from SW to N. (Ed. There is a place to secure tenders at the head of the cove and a shop and pub at the mainland end of the causeway at Barrington Passage)

Negro Island Harbour - page 50

2010 - Sandy Weld in Windigo: Anchorages and Berths - "1) Proceed north up Negro Harbour, presumably via the well marked 'East Entrance', to pass to the east of Big Island. Pass to the west of the small island just to the northeast of Big Island and to the north of the visible reef extending north to another small island to the north of Big Island."

2009 - Peter Worrell onboard Patience. We found new buoyage but easy of entrance on a midnight clear. Good holding, but we did find that the bar between the islands had been breached such that the tide would flow through on a super high or storm tide. Did not bother us. Beautiful clear water, huge sheep ashore. (Ed. Beware of the power cable that splits this anchorage)

Shelburne - page 51

2010 - Sandy Weld in Windigo. Fish pens were located between Northeast Bluff and Red Bank on McNutts Island with lighted green buoys to the east of it. There are fish pens further up the harbor, which are shown on the chart, but do not have lighted buoys identifying it. They do show up nicely on radar. Free WiFi is available from SHYC and at the moorings.

2009 - We spent only one night here and did not go ashore. However, we received a visit in the morning by a police boat, and were boarded for a courtesy inspection. The RCMP officer told us that the government is stepping up surveillance and enforcement along the coast due to drug traffic. He took pains to explain who he was, what he was doing, and asked for our assistance in reporting anything out of the ordinary. Later in our cruise we saw this same officer, who gave us a friendly wave. We did not visit the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club on this cruise, but they are still active, tel. 902-875-4757, http://www.shelburneharbouryachtclub.com/.

Port Mouton - page 58

2009 - We visited this harbour twice on our cruise, on account of its convenient location and attractive nature. There is a large and active fish farm off Spectacle Island. Anchoring off the sand beach is pleasant and popular. The beach is divided into two anchoring areas by Carter Island. East of Carter Island, the bottom is mud. West of Carter Island the bottom is sand. This beach is popular with locals, who find lag deposits of sand dollars in the swash zone. Chart 4240 shows a bell buoy off Mouton Head, which was gone as of August 2008. However, the RW whistle 3 miles northeast appears to be a substitute.

Lunenburg - page 64

2011 - Ed, It is the intention of the Canadian Coast guard to remove the foghorn when they "solarize" the light on Battery Point. This initiative has met with some resistance from traditional folks, but I am not sure it will really be missed!

2010 - A Provincial body, The Waterfront Development Corporation, which leases the piers and buildings to various enterprises, and these enterprises, are in a state of constant flux. The WDC is trying to re-invigorate the waterfront after the fishing fleets left the town. (Ed. The Yacht Shop/North Sails will have floating new floating docks at Zwicker's wharf and below the Yacht Shop. At present they are applying to sell diesel fuel and hope to have the facility in place for 2011 but there is no guarantee that this will happen.)

2009 - There are numerous rental moorings at C$15 per night, payable at the Yacht Shop on Montague St. just beyond the Foodland Market. This is a small supermarket. A larger one lies at the west end of town, within walking distance (15-20 minutes). However, a taxi to that market, which is also adjacent to the liquor store and laundromat, costs only C$5. Heavy maintenance for the boat is available at the Lunenburg Foundry, several locations in town, tel. 902-634-8827. http://www.lunenburgfoundry.com/. In town, the Dockside Restaurant has four rooms on the second floor, with harbour view, from C$75 per night, a pretty good deal. Finally, one of the architectural features of Lunenburg is known as the Lunenburg Bump, sort of a dormer on houses of a certain vintage.

Prince's Inlet page 71

2010 - John Franklin There is a sheltered anchorage with good mud holding in Echo Bay 0.5 mile NW of the Lunenburg YC. Al Shaheen rode out Hurricane Earl at anchor here. (Ed. Make sure that you get a good set here as the holding is like the curates egg "good in parts")

Indian Harbour page 78

2010 - 44N degrees instead of 46.

Peggy's Cove - page 80

2009 - Jean Duquesne in Vagrant. Although nice to read, the description of the entrance of Glide in 1953 is somewhat outdated. Yes indeed it is narrow, but quite frankly there is no need, with modern instrumentation, to have been scouting the place from ashore as a prerequisite to enter. Coming from the east, rounding Peggy's Cove head close to the shore (leaving Halibut Rock to port) and then gently following the shore on your right hand side (with a good eye around and on the depth sounder) will naturally lead you to discover the entrance: turn right and stay well in the middle.

But pay attention while inside: a few fishing vessels seem to be tied up here permanently (probably part of the tourist attraction) and they have managed to get some ropes ashore crossing the whole basin altogether. A sharp turn is required to tie up to the main wharf, in very good condition, or alongside a fishing boat. (Ed. Thank you, Jean for this, depending on the fishing season it can get quite busy. Frankly the cove and lighthouse are over run by tourists in the summer and it is not a place I would bother to visit by boat)

Little Harbour - not in the guide - position 44°42.5'N x 62°50.5'W

Entering Clam Bay between Long Island and Porter Island, you have to locate the red buoy 'S6' off the ledge extending on the north west of Porter Island. From there, steer NE towards green buoy 'YS9': there is not much water in this stretch, but staying well in the middle we never recorded less than 2,5 m. At the green 'YS9' buoy, turn left towards the harbour, there are a few wharves to tie to, but no real anchorage since the place is so narrow that you would probable block the passage. No services but a very friendly local fishing community. See picture.

Leary Cove page 83

The anchorage is open to the Southeast.

Prospect Harbour page 84

2010 - John Franklin: Add "Stay close to the red marker as there is a submerged rock just beyond it to port". "Do not be tempted to use the western entrance as there are low level power lines crossing it."

Sambro Harbour page 89

2010 - John Franklin There is a small boat marina inside the Government Wharf with at least 6.5 m. FACILITIES: On the main road outside town there is a combined cafe, small grocery store and liquor store. Also, a metro Bus service to Halifax. A wooden shack on the harbourside sells fresh fish daily.

Halifax Harbour page 93

2010 - Note that the Armdale Yacht Club uses VHF Channel 68.

Sable Island page 99

2011 - Gerry Forbes of the Sable Island Weather Station has changed his telephone # (902) 482-8600. The new Director of Marine Services is Michael Voigt (902) 426-9022. michael.voigt@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Their postal addresses when writing for permission to land on the Island have not changed from the 2008 guide.

Jeddore page 101

2011 - Truman Casner in Astral. There is a new resort and marina (the "Sea Rover Resort") at the head of the harbor just before the highway bridge referred to in Bob Stewart's comments. The resort monitors channel 71. The property was previously a military research center and now includes a small boat yard, a hotel, restaurant, heated pool and exercise facility together with about six floating docks suitable for boats up to about 40 feet. I think the owners are overly optimistic about how many transient cruisers they will attract but we had an average dinner in pleasant surroundings.and a quiet night on the dock. Showers, fuel, water and public internet access are also available

At the northern end of the western arm near the Salmon River bridge is a new full service marina with a restaurant and a small hotel. The Sea Rover Marina is in position 44 46.6N 63 02.3W. they can be contacted at info@searovermarine.com

Owl's Head Harbour - page 102

2010 - John Franklin reports that the information in the Guide is still valid in 2010. Note that this is a very easy harbour to enter in dense fog.

2008 - Dr. Rod Fraser in Hardtack. In a strong Easterly wind he anchored in the lee of Cable Island between an aquaculture facility and the shore and spent a comfortable night.

Popes Harbour - page 106

2011 - Sandy Dumaresq in Amasek In 2006, the Shelter Cove Wilderness Sanctuary was formally protected through acquisition by the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. The Trust describes the 145 preserved acres as follows: "This stunning property offers deeply indented bays and inlets, twin white-sand beaches, and forests which provide unparalleled wilderness recreation and opportunities for scientific research and study."

When we entered Popes Harbour in early August, there was a very strong northeast wind blowing directly into Shelter Cove. As a result, we went further up into Popes Harbour. Harbour Island did not appear to offer a good anchorage either, so we left Mink Island to starboard, and we anchored in the narrows to the south of the point marked "Ruins". This provided us with much better protection; however, the scenery is not nearly as pretty as in Shelter Cove. One could probably go further up the harbour by carefully watching the soundings.

Spry Harbour - page 110

2008 - Peter Worrell. Onboard Patience. We found a good anchorage in the fog which after it lifted; we realized we could have fit the entire CCA fleet in there! Big enough anchorage so that with a SE wind we experienced a bit of chop. When we departed in the morning we took the inside passage to the east with no issues.

Mushaboom Harbour page 111

2010 - Sandy Weld notes: MacPhee Passage is between Salisbury Island and Hardings Is. on chart 4235. "In The Gates …….just north of Gibbs and Roach Islands" "Roach Island should be changed to East Gibbs Is."

Malagash Cove is easy to enter, either between Monahan Is and Malagash Is, or to the north of Monahan Island. Using this northern route be mindful of the 2 two plus meter rocks to the north of Monahan Island, shown on chart 4235, but not on the chartlet on page xxx from the old chart 4361. When passing to the west of Monahan Island we carried 17 ft between the two island and then anchored in 15 ft to the SE of the visible rock at the harbors mouth. A couple of modern homes are situated on the southern shore, otherwise it is a remote beautiful harbor, with good protection, except from a strong NE'er, and good holding.

Sheet Harbour - page 113

2010 - The bar that extends from Church Pt is now marked by a red buoy as shown on chart 4235. The large "new" wharf across the river from Ward Pt (marked Priv on the chart) is an operating pulp mill and is also used by supply ships for the gas wells off Sable Is.

Within the northwest arm, on the north side, there is a "new" wharf/fish plant (the first on the right when entering). It is owned by South Koreans who have a fishing vessel that goes out every other day to haul "barrels" catching blind eels off Sable Island. They process lobster and other fish in season. They are hoping to have diesel available in 2011. Water can be had at the fish plant.

Within the Northeast Arm there is a small "marina" with floating docks for local boats, just before the road bridge. The marina is attached to a two sided private wharf, the short side has 12 ft alongside at low water. Along the face of the wharf is a rusting hulk. At the down stream end of the marina is a sunken ship, marked by a lighted green buoy. The ship has three feet over it at low tide. There are no services here.

Only one grocery store exists in 2010, on the Northwest Arm's side of town, about a10 minute walk from the fish plant.

2008 - Jim Hawkins. We tied to the downstream end of the wharf in the east channel with 12 feet at low tide. It is in need of repair, but frankly any wharf that still has serviceable ladders is a good wharf as far as we are concerned and this one does, plus a concrete deck. No services are located here. This is a private wharf and we asked around for the owner to seek permission. One man who came down to see our boat called the owner and we got permission over the phone. Later he came to the boat to tend the small docks (see below), which he also owns. He was very nice.

The sunken ship is marked with a lighted green buoy. It has three feet over it at low tide. Small floats mark the ends of the wreck. A small floating dock with small finger piers lay behind it next to the wharf with a few local boats tied on. The floating dock and the end of the wreck lay just to port of us. Unbelievably, there is another rusting hulk tied to the face of the dock. It was towed here from Dartmouth two months ago we were told. It is owned by the heritage group that reconditioned the Caledonia. In fact this ship was the one that towed the Caledonia from England. They are intending to re-hab this one too and make it into a cruise ship! We later learned that the Caledonia is in receivership. So who knows?! The wharf owner and two others bought the wharf in '97 from the government. They rented it out to fishermen as the fishery was dying, then to oceanographers searching for oil and gas, now to the heritage group. The Native Americans have a like-new dock on the town side of the west channel. It has a crane and a small fish plant and cold storage unit for the native fishermen and others. It has water, electric, and ice in season, and diesel on the wharf (!). It is a long wharf and sits adjacent to a town park. Several local boats were tied to it. All we talked to conformed to the local reputation of being very friendly. They said sailboats tie up there all summer long. A strong west wind could pin a boat to the dock. We motored down to it to get water. One of the fishermen got the key from the native owned convenience store across the street from the wharf and got out their hose with town water for us.

Jim Hawkins. Horsehead Harbor: No aquaculture present, four moorings, but room for a couple of boats to anchor between the moorings and the spit.

Beaver Harbour - page 115

2010 - Sandy Weld, There is a good anchorage to the north of Macleod Island when selecting ones anchorage under the appropriate shore. The holding is good. There is a red and green buoy on the northwest side of Macleod Island.

2008 - Jim Hawkins. Horsehead Harbor: No aquaculture present, four moorings, but room for a couple of boats to anchor between the moorings and the spit.

Necum Teuch (Felker Cove) - page 117

2009 - Mike Mulroney on board Maggie B. Mike nearly had his keel separated from his hull when he hit a rock where the 13ft sounding is shown on the chartlet as you enter the cove from the South East. He managed to save his boat by going alongside a local wharf. Later he took his chart plotter aboard a fishing boat and confirmed the position of the rock, which almost dries at low water. (Ed. The caveat on page 117 obviously still applies)

Marie Joseph Harbour page 120

2010 - John Franklin, Having visited twice in the last 4 years, I would say that the details in the Guide are still valid, except that the note ** relating to the passage between Round Island and Turners Island being obstructed by aquaculture nets should be removed as this passage was found to be clear in 2010. The shallow area 1/2 mile to the north of Round Island is, however, partially obstructed. Smith Cove, to the east of Hawbolt Cove is almost entirely filled with aquaculture nets and buoys. There is a very good anchorage, with protection from NE through to SW, in the little cove SE of Round Island between Dogfish Head and Goose Island. Anchor on a mud bottom in 4.5 to 5.4m.

Liscomb page 122

2011 - Truman Casner. In the first line under the subheading "Little Liscomb Harbour" on page 122, the word "west" should be "east". You do not go anywhere near VM3 when approaching from the west.We spent the night on the dock at Liscombe Lodge (they spell "Liscomb" with an "e" at the end because that was the original spelling of the town). The resort is struggling with too few visitors. Chester, the very congenial dockmaster, said that the place would have been closed long ago if it was not owned by the Province. (Please don't quote him.) The moorings were not put out this year but they have added a WIFI relay antenna at the dock so there is a strong signal for public internet access in the harbour. (ED, the lodge was almost empty when I was there but the province is spending millions to update the lodge. The dock is small (45ft) but modern and sturdy, we rafted two deep there)

Geogan page 125

2011 - Sandy Dumaresq. The passage past Coot Head and Rae Island is clearly marked by a series of small red and green buoys marked with the letters VN and a number. We found that VN2 (red) which was shown on the GPS chart was not in place. We managed to anchor in shallow water with a very strong southeast wind. It was difficult finding sufficient depth. The next morning with the southeast wind still howling, the anchor dragged. We quickly motored out of that benighted place. Still no facilities. A small camp is the only habitation inside the harbour. We saw some seals.

Country Harbour page 129

2010 - Sandy Weld, There are no longer any stores in Issacs Village. A convienenc store is located in Goldboro. There is a "new" wharf in Goldboro that used to be used for transportation to and from the gas rigs offshore. There is now an Interpretation Center on the wharf, which has 15 ft along it's outer face and a small floating dinghy dock on it's north side.

There is one green buoy in front of the church in Isaacs Hr. Village, not two. One can anchor here of off the "new" wharf in Goldboro, with good holding.

Remarks: On the eastern shore, just south of Issacs Hr. one sees an industrial complex. It is the terminus for the 6 gas platforms off Sable Island where the gas is processed before being shipped elsewhere. A vast reserve if gas was discovered under the seabed off Sable Island in the 1990s. In 1999 the first wells were opened and the gas is transported to this site via a 225 km pipeline.

Directions: change 3rd line Issacs Hr MoA to red flashing buoy (TT2) . There are no longer any stores in Issacs Village. A convienenc store is located in Goldboro. There is a "new" wharf in Goldboro that used to be used for transportation to and from the gas rigs offshore. There is now an Interpretation Center on the wharf, which has 15 ft along it's outer face and a small floating dinghy dock on it's north side.

There is one green buoy in front of the church in Isaacs Hr. Village, not two. One can anchor here or off the "new" wharf in Goldboro, with good holding.

Remarks: On the eastern shore, just south of Issacs Hr. one sees an industrial complex. It is the terminus for the 6 gas platforms off Sable Island where the gas is processed before being shipped elsewhere. A vast reserve if gas was discovered under the seabed off Sable Island in the 1990s. In 1999 the first wells were opened and the gas is transported to this site via a 225 km pipeline.

Directions: change 3rd line Issacs Hr MoA to red flashing buoy (TT2)

2010 - Jim Evans Looked at Drum Head, Harbour Island Cove but did not anchor there but could see the wreck on the chart.

2010 - Frank Bloomer, Drum Head Harbour. We put into this small harbour and left immediately. The breakwater is in poor condition, with timbers in the water which apparently had become partially detached from the breakwater but left in place. There were only a few small, open, shallow draft fishing boats in the harbour.

Whitehead Harbour - page 133

2010 - Sandy Weld, Canadian chart #4233 corrected through 2004 show the entrance into as described in the guide, with "(rep)" rock to the southeast of the ledge off the southeast corner of Yankee Island. However my Canadian electronic chart, new in 2010, shows this "(rep)" rock as in fact existing, plus another rock, in line with the "(rep)" rock and the original ledge and the two very small islands to the southeast of these. To one looking at just the current electronic chart one would conclude it is not safe to enter Yankee Cove.

In mid August a dozen black balls and 10 white ones were located spread out in the middle of Yankee Cove.

The excellent anchorage behind Prices Island IS filled with aquaculture, so is the entrance to the Northwest and Northeast Arms, although one can get between the field of buoys and Doughboy Ledge, but the Northeast Arm is filled with mussel buoys as is t he upper ¾ of Northwest Arm.

2008 - Peter Worrell in Patience. We found great protection from any breeze and had no difficulty getting up into the Northeast Arm where we found great holding and beautiful surroundings. Many abandoned mussel cultivation strings were evident, but they were no problem to navigation as the floats were large (navy blue). Local fishermen said that they might try to re-organize them again in the following year. Marshall Cove has a good gov't wharf where there looked to be six to eight feet of water on the inside, and good protection, but other than that it looked a bit dreary.

Louse Harbour page 138

2010 - Sandy Weld, Depending on the state of the tide when you enter, there are far more than 5 ledges that you should leave to port on entering. Basically one wants to head for the small island with trees, leaving it to starboard. As for proceeding though the narrows to the tight anchorage called perhaps Inner Louse Hr., one wants to stay ¼ of the distance off the western shore, or somewhat over ½ way off the eastern shore in the narrowest part of the narrows, where one should carry 13 ft at MLW. Otherwise it is well over that depth in the approach. Windigo circled the inner anchorage "looking" for the reported rock with the depth sounder, without success. That isn't to say there isn't a rock there.

Andrews Passage page 140

2010 - Sandy Weld, One can safely transit this passage with just chart 4233, just remember that red buoys are to be left to starboard when heading north. On chart #4233 looks like one would leave the red nun PN10 to port when going north. Both the Canadian electronic chart and chart #4281 (which is larger scale than #4233) shows this is possible, by staying well over on the eastern side. They also show the buoy is placed to be left close aboard on the starboard side when going north.

Portage Cove page 140

2010 - Sandy Weld, The depths on chartlet on page 141 are in feet. I entered using chart 4233, which don't show any depths, and found 40 to 50 feet all the way in. Where the anchor is located on the chartlet (page 141) I found 35 ft and the large plow wouldn't hold. Where the "5.5" is shown I found 45 feet and not enough swinging room, so didn't anchor. No wonder people in the past snuck into the narrow passage to tie with lines ashore. In my opinion chart 4281 doesn't show the depths in these two areas accurately either.

Glasgow Harbour page 140

2010 - Sandy Weld, I anchored here twice and found no kelp either time and by tucking up in the northern part one can get protection from easterlies. It is a good alternative to finding dockage/anchorage in Canso Hr.

2010 - Jim Evans, I couldn't find any satisfactory shelter in a strong SW'ly - if the water's deep enough you're a long way from shore, and close too shore it's very shallow. I tried up in the northern arm but it was all too shallow. I carried on to Canso.

Canso - page 142

2010 - Jim Evans Entering Canso from the north via the main entrance. The marina is very helpful and good value. Cautions about the buoyage here definitely still apply - I had to get towed off the rocks on the way out because I wasn't paying attention, but the fishermen couldn't have been more helpful, didn't want to take a cent and even found me a diver for twenty bucks!

2010 - John Franklin, WiFi is available from Canso Marina and from Parks Canada - the operators of the Grassy Island Interpretive Centre. There is a museum in the the Whitman House, close by the Post Office

2008 - Jim Hawkins. Canso Marina is small as noted. It has a number of finger docks ranging from 30 to 40 feet long. A 55 foot sailboat tied up at the 40 foot dock far in. A Tartan 41 tied next to us. The turning room is small for a larger boat. A couple of fishing boats and a number of small power boats seem to reside here. There is electric and water at the dock. There are good showers. The marina also doubles as an RV park. The breakwater side of the outermost finger dock is shoal and cannot be used by any deep draft boat. There is no sign to this effect and the marina manager, Mike, opines that the mud bottom is merely about 3-4 feet of silt which "should not really be a problem!" Other-wise, he has been quite helpful and friendly. He is a diver. Docking fee is a flat $22.60 all inclusive. Ice, fuel, a convenience store, and a pizza joint with beer are located in town less than a ½ mile. An easy one hour walk is a motel with a restaurant. And a nice hiking trail starts just 5 minutes away. Our friends on Jubilee told us that some of the electric connections here were wired backward with polarity problems and that at least one of the thirty amp outlets did not work at all. We had no problem with the 15 amp outlet we used.

George Island across from Canso - page 143

2010 - Sandy Weld, Entered cove formed by Georges Is, Grassy Is and Piccatiqui about 2 hrs before low tide. Lowest reading I got on entering was 9' and that should be two feet above MLW. Photo is of our track in and out. We anchored in 14 ft with good holding. (see below)

Queensport (New) Chart #4335 45º 20'N, 61º 16'W

2010 - Sandy Weld, Queensport is located on the southern shore of Chedabucto Bay. It's an interesting looking harbor, with protection from winds from northeast through south to the west in an area one would not normally be traveling by.

On the north side of the eastern end of the harbor is a stone breakwater with a concert decked pier extending from the breakwaters outer end at 90 degrees to form a well protected basin for up to four lobster boats to tie too, with 10 to 15 feet alongside. Between the breakwater and the shore to the south there is 15 - 20 feet of water, with the bottom reportedly being mud - good holding. (see below)

Guysborough Hr. page 144

2010 - Sandy Weld, The soundings on the chartlet in the guide should be fathoms not feet. There is now a very good large scale section of most of Guysborough Hr. on chart 4335 and the chartlet is no longer needed in the guide.

As one can image when looking at a chart, the current in the entrance can be significant. When we entered, about two hrs after high, the current was at least two knots against us. Just south of Peart Pt is a "beacon", a 38 foot tall red and white tower/pole which is a good guide to the entrance. With the tide going out, or because the depths aren't exactly located, rounding close to the inner red buoy placed our track very close to the real shallow area, but we were never in less than 21 feet of water. It took a long time to see the green buoy off Elisa Pt because of our perspective on rounding the point at the end of Hadley Beach. And again we never had less than 21 feet. It then got much deeper.

We passed close to the marina, two floats with finger piers facing each other. Boats could possibly tie to the floats. A couple of fishing boats, small motor boats and one small sail boat were tied up. They appear to have fuel. There is a range leading one into Mussel Cove, but the upper range is obscured by tree branches. The bearings in and out are - 240º, 60º (M). (see below) Interesting our path in matches exactly the chart! An hour before high tide I saw nothing less than 13 feet and over 40 feet once inside. Depending on size of ones boat, there isn't all that much swinging room. What perhaps was previously described in the guide as a gold course next to Mussel Cove looked inactive and we saw nothing that looked like a "club dock". To the north of Priest Is one can anchor in 22 feet with good holding and good protection from any wind direction.

Strait of Canso - page 145

2010 - Sandy Weld, The Canso Causeway: The causeway, stretching in a gentle 'S' curve for a distance of over one mile, connects the mainland to Cape Breton. The causeway was constructed in the mid 1950s using 10 million tons of rock blasted from the face of Cape Porcupine which was dumped to the depths of 180 feet to span the strait. Prior to the causeway a 3- 4 knot current flowed through straits

Canso Canal:
The physical dimensions of the lock are 715 feet in length, 75 feet in beam with a limiting draft of 28 feet and overhead clearance of 150 feet. The lock is to the east of the road's swing bridge. Small craft are to contact the canal staff prior to their arrival on channel 16. Since the lock is designed for ocean-going ships, which use the strait as a "back door" to Prince Edward Island and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the side walls of the lock are substantial in construction and height. There are no onshore line handlers for yachts. Often the lock attendant will suggest a yacht lie drifting within the lock, depending on the wind conditions and amount of rise or fall is expected. (It being a tidal lock there isn't much change if traffic is frequent.) Otherwise there are iron ladders built into the side of the lock that one can loop a line through to hold ones boat in place, in this case one would want fenders to keep their boat off the concrete wall.

In strong westerlies, approaching from the west can be disconcerting with a following sea.

On the east side of the causeway are several industrial complexes; a gypsum plant on Point Tupper and an oil storage facility along with several inactive facilities, this being a deep water, ice free port.

2008 - Jim Evans in Nellie Lamb. Canso Lock operates 24 hours - call Lockmaster Canso on Ch 16. The lock walls are high so if it's windy it may be easier to simply hold the boat under power in the middle rather than tying up. Wind and sea tend to funnel into the Strait from the west, making it a rough and tumble into the canal although the last few yards are sheltered. Be prepared for a rough ride going west exiting the canal if the wind's westerly. Havre Boucher is a useful bolthole if it's rough.

Port Hawkesbury page 145

2010 - Strait Superport, which manages marine traffic in Strait of Canso, owns the large wharf in Port Hawkesbury where yachts are not permitted to tie. Adjacent to that wharf is the Port Hawkesbury YC ( phone # 902-625-1918) with its own floating docks with docking space for visiting yachts; $1.15 per foot per night in 2010. The shore side facilities were new in 2009-2010 with laundry, showers, internet access, wifi, bar and outside barbecue grills. The docks have 30 amp electricity, water and fuel is available.

Lennox Passage page 146

2010 - Lennox Passage swing bridge. Time of operation is basically same as the lock in the St Peter Canal. Phone number for the bridge is (902-345-2681). One can call on VHF chan.16, their working frequency is chan.68.

Since this bridge is the only way onto and off Isle Madame and the bridge is not new, the bridge probably will not be opened if the air temperature gets above 28 degrees (C) for fear the metal will expand too much so the bridge will not close.

I'd rewrite the second para. of Directions to change times of operations as indicated above and to eliminate the derogatory comment about "how slow it is" It is slow, and that should be pointed out. It should also be pointed out that, like other bascule bridges, they don't open to be vertical, and that there can be significant current flowing through the bridge opening and probably not parallel to the opening.

Haddock Hr: page 146

2010 - Directions "About three miles east of Lennox Passage Bridge" should be three miles west. I anchored in about 2 fathom mud and rocks, in the lee of the gravel beach, with a breeze to keep the mosquitoes away. Very quiet and scenic, good shelter from south, north and east but wide open to W. This proved a good stopover along the Lennox Passage, not far off route.

Petit de Grat - page 148

2008 - Jim Hawkins. There is a new wharf in Petit de Grat that sits atop the breakwater. It has electric, no water. Water would be available at the marine center we were told. Depth is deep all around the wharf except for a spot on the outside toward the shore where a sign warns to stop due to rocks. Most of the old docks remain, in fair repair, and a new floating wharf is in place far in. However, it was completely filled with local pleasure craft that appear to stay there all summer. A convenience store across the bridge has ice and a good bakery. The marine center had one sailboat already on the hard and we were told that there are several others that usually haul there. The Samson Boat Yard runs the place and we hold it as a back-up in the unlikely event we cannot make Mahone Bay and have to turn tail and scurry back to Petit de Grat.

Arichat page 149

2010 - John Franklin, Note that there is now a sailmaker, Ed Rideout, 902-226-2185

D'Escousse - page 150

2008 - Jim Hawkins. D'Escousse has a brand new clubhouse with great showers and laundry facilities. On the west side of the wharf a number of 25 foot finger piers are installed. They are all assigned to club members, but if empty can be used with permission of the club manager. The moorings are all private and used by the members when the wind goes into the NE and a sea rolls into the harbor so they have to be kept clear in case the wind changes and cannot be used by visitors. They said a visitor would go out to anchor if a NE comes up.

St. Peters Canal - page 152

2010 - Contact lockmaster on Chan 16, or their working frequency, which is Chan 10

2008 - Peter Worrell in Patience. St. Peter's Canal - was curious from the point of view that it was unreasonably difficult to get a straight answer as to the height of the power lines crossing the inlet, as there have been some new wires added. We knew that in PATIENCE we were fine, but friends cruising with us needed about 80 feet. After questioning everyone we could find including the canal workers, we may have gotten the full story which was "the power company doesn't want us to tell people exactly how high they are because they are afraid people with tall rigs will come too close. We know that they will clear 100 feet". Okay.

St. Peter's Inlet - page 153

2010 - Sandy Weld notes the small buoys that are prevalent in the Bras d'Or Lakes: red - 31" to the top lifting ring, 16" diameter, Green: 20" high and another 9" for the lifting ring and 16" diameter. They are the standard Canadian C.G. buoys that you will find in other parts of the coast.

Lion's Club Marina page 153

2010 - Sandy Weld, Depths along face of fuel dock are 10 feet, depths at the outer end of the finger floats are greater. Contact: Gerry@stpetersmarina.ca, chan 68 or (902-623-0220). Wifi and internet access in the club house. The MacDonald's restaurant mentioned in the guide is NOT a MacDonald's chain fast food outfit.

2010 - John Franklin, The restaurant is now the Bras d'Or Inn. The Marina now has sewage pump-out facility, a good laundry and WiFi and the village has pharmacies, supermarket, Post office, hardware store, Tim Horton's.

2009 - H. Anderson, Jr. aboard Annie B. There is a full service at the Lion's Club marina. Be certain to obtain their clear garbage bags for segregation of garbage.

Corbetts Cove

2010 - Second paragraph should be amended to read " This is a great favorite for pretty scenery with no habitation along the shore. Proceed well into the head of the cove to find depths 25ft for anchoring. McNabs Cove

2010 - Provides comfortable anchorages, and is easily entered between a red and green buoy at the entrance into the cove, stay mid-channel. When proceeding up the northern bight favor the western side to avoid the rock outcrop that makes out to mid-channel from the eastern shore. One can carry 8 feet though here to anchor at the head of the bight. The best protection from southerly winds is between the western most and smallest island on the southern side of McNabs Cove and the mainland in 15 ft.

Cape George Harbour

2010 - On entering favor the sandbar side to carry 15 feet. Anchorage may be found behind the sandbar in 10 feet or in the small creek extending northward. A shoal extends southward from the inner point to this creek, but one can carry 10 feet part way up George Creek.

Indian Islands page 157

2011 - Truman Casner. The channel through these islands to Eskasoni is now marked with buoys to keep you off the sandbars. We anchored for the night in the west-northwest location referred to in the Guide but did not like the traffic noise from the busy roadway that abuts the anchorage. Next time we will anchor between Big Island and McPhee Island.

Ballams Point page 159

2011 - Truman Casner. I suggest that you add the following sentences at the end of the paragraph entitled "Anchorage": "Stay close to the docks when maneuvering to go along side. The channel is very narrow."

Crammond Islands page 161

2011 - Travor Robertson. General: Crammond Islands are in the SW part of West Bay of Bras d'Or Lake. The anchorage is pretty, well protected, have excellent holding and generally empty. Highly recommended.

DIRECTIONS: The approach from the north has a least depth of 3m. Shallow spits extend from the points on either side of the channel: see sketch chart. These spits appear to be sand and mud so grounding is unlikely to be serious.The southern approach has a wide bar with least depth of 1.8m. There may be a deeper channel across the bar but it is not obvious and a vessel with draft of 1.8m or greater should use the north channel or send a dinghy ahead to sound.

ANCHORAGE: Anchor where convenient in 9 to 15m, mud, good holding and protected from winds.

(ED. Sandy Weld also surveyed the Islands, with very similar result!)

2010 - Sandy Weld, Delete previous comments. One can enter between these islands either from the north, with depths of 20 feet in the narrows, or from the south, over a sand bar with depths of 6 to 8 feet. The southern entrance is via the prevailing 'lee-shore', so wind conditions and ones boat's draft can be a determining factor. The northern entrance requires a zig then a zag. A reef extends to the NE from the northern end of the western island, so one wants to proceed along the western shore of the eastern island, then at the narrowest point between the two islands shallows extend out from both islands where one wants to precede dead center between both islands. Once inside the "basin" the depths range from 30 - 50 ft.

CHRISTMAS ISLAND (New) GREAT BRAS D'OR 45°58'.7N, 060°44'.7W Chart: 4278

2010 - DIRECTIONS: This anchorage is approx 2.4 miles north of the Barra Strait Bridge, on the eastern shore. Approach from a position % mile north of the Christmas Island lagoon on a SE course and enter the bay.

ANCHORAGES AND BERTHS: Anchor off the camp site ashore in about 4m on a mud bottom. This gives good protection from NE through to South. Note that the bottom appears to get shallow well out but then deepens again as on approaches the shore.

REMARKS: Every August the Christmas Island Community holds a Gaelic Festival with most events (Ceilidhs etc) held in the Christmas Island Fire Hall. To reach the Fire Hall from the anchorage, land at the Camp Site and walk up the narrow lane to the paved road just across the railway track. Turn right and the Fire Hall is 10 minutes walk along the road.

FACILITIES: None

Little Harbour and Pellier Harbour page 163

2011 - Sandy Weld's Soundings

Big Harbour and McCraes Cove page 163

McKinnons Harbour page 164

2011 -Truman Casner. Caution! The new entrance is shown on both my Garmin and Nobeltec electronic charts but the depth in the channel is now no more than five feet and the area just inside the entrance has silted in to even shallower depths. My electronic charts indicated four feet. We had depth readings of zero on Astral's fathometer which is one foot above the bottom of the keel that draws four feet. The eel grass probably accounted for those readings and we never hit bottom but I would not recommend this harbor to anyone with a boat drawing more than four feet. Even then I would recommend being escorted by a salvage vessel and going in and out only on high tide if you can determine when that is. There are no tide tables to help you out.

Orangedale page 167

2011 - Truman Casner. I recommend a visit to the train station before the curator of the museum and former Canadian Railway operator, Martin Boston, retires. We spent a fascinating afternoon being escorted by him through the station and related facilities listening to his accounts of the good old days of elegant travel by railway.

Otter Harbour page 176

2011 - Travor Robertson Otter Harbour is the northern-most all weather harbour in Great Bras d'Or and a pleasant, quiet spot to wait on weather and tide to exit through Big Bras d'Or.

DIRECTIONS From the south, the easiest approach is to pass east of Otter Island. This is deep and free from dangers except for a 4m shoal between Otter Island and the mainland which will not bother most yachts. There is a navigable channel west of Otter Island but it is narrow and rock-strewn. From the north there are no off-lying dangers on any sensible course. There is no passage through the narrow channel that between the bay NW of Harbour Point and Otter Harbour.

ANCHORAGE In the middle of Otter Harbour there is a small islet with a white hut and crib-work platform that once housed a light and just north of it is a smaller platform on a small shoal. It is easier to leave the islet and hut to port when entering Otter Harbour as a rocky shoal extends SW from them but with care the islet can be passed on either side. If leaving it to starboard, first swing to starboard to avoid a shoal off the mainland SE entrance point then back to port to avoid the shoal off the islet (see sketch chart).

Anchor where convenient in 4 to 8m, mud and boulders, good holding but sometimes noisy due to the chain rumbling on boulders

Neil Harbour and New Haven - page 177

2008 - Dr. Rod Fraser in Hardtack. There is a new and enlarged "L' shaped breakwater that protects the harbour from any conditions. Inside the breakwater there is a new wharf. Hardtack lay alongside the North face, as the South face was full of fishing boats. Rod suggests that before 15 July the wharf will be very busy with the open lobster season and an alongside berth may be difficult. There was no water or diesel available on the wharf.

He found New Haven very busy with a smelly, noisy fish plant and with the improvements at Neil Hbr he would not recommend it.

Louisbourg page 178

2011 - S.Dumaresq in Amasek.
(DIRECTIONS in the 2008 guide seem to be quite accurate and well written)

ANCHORAGE AND BERTHS:
On entering the Northern Arm (site of the modern town), on the western shore, one encounters the large fish plant wharf just behind Gerratt Head. The National Sea plant is now closed and fenced off. Going to the northeast on this shore, next is the L-shaped government wharf with a Coast Guard Station and a rescue craft. Just northeast of the government wharf, are three smaller wharves. The first two are working wharves with a small, busy fish plant. The third wharf, called the Guy Hiltz Pier is meant to be used by pleasure craft. There is 7 foot depth toward the shore end of this wharf and 14 feet at the tip of the wharf. The other wharves to the north are small fishplant wharves. The public, recreational wharf is at the end of the Louisbourg Waterfront Promenade - a pleasant little boardwalk. In 2011, the power outlets on this wharf were not usable. However, there was a promise of repairs and newly restored power in 2012.

Anchorage is strictly forbidden under the restored fortification in the Southwest Arm. There are ancient wrecks and archeological exploration is sometimes undertaken here. Yachtsmen are asked to respect the Canadian heritage resting in this area. There is a large anchorage in Northeast Arm. One can then dinghy in to the public wharf in order to access shore amenities.

REMARKS:
The great French Fortress of Louisbourg which overlooks the Harbour is recognized as the largest historical reconstruction in North America. Captured twice by the British - once in 1745 and the last time in 1758, only one-quarter of the complete fortress and garrison town has been restored by the Canadian Government to its appearance in 1744. The imposing fortress is a truly impressive sight upon entering the Harbour.

The Lighthouse Trail is a picturesque historic trail which begins at the Louisbourg Lighthouse and continues on to Big Lorraine. The Louisbourg Playhouse is a 220 seat theatre in the round which features music and comedy every night in season. It is located just off the waterfront between the Guy Hiltz wharf and the government wharf. This harbour is ideal for those returning from Newfoundland who wish to exchange crews via Sydney, but who do not wish to be slowed down on their passage west by the allure of the Bras d'Or Lakes. It is also a welcome safe port if one is required to turn in due to weather while sailing to Saint Pierre et Miquelon.

FACILITIES:
The modern town offers most of the amenities, including a small grocery store and Laundromat, a liquor store, a full service bank (the Royal Bank), a number of Bed and Breakfast establishments, and the Louisbourg Ship Supply & Service Company. Showers are available at the Louisbourg Motorhome RV Park which is located at the head of the Guy Hiltz public wharf. Louisbourg is very proud of its lobster and crab fleet and processing plants. The local restaurants all specialize in seafood. The Fortress itself provides a variety of food during the daytime, as the site is closed in the evening. Hotel de la Marin and Grandchamps Restaurant provides authentic 18th century lower class meals (no knives and forks). L'Epee Royale Restaurant offers fine dining from the same era. In addition, there is the King's Bakery and Destouches Coffee Shop.

St. Ann's Harbour - page 181

2009 - Jim Evans in Nellie Lamb. The entrance is well marked and straightforward, although there is a strong current and one should not attempt to pass the cable ferry. I stayed at the government wharf. A fisherman was happy to let me tie alongside inside the wharf, which was just as well as the outside was thronged with locals hauling in mackerel. If you head across the harbour to the west side of the bay, look out for the shoal, which extends a long way into the bay with a very small buoy marking its extremity. Fortunately it's mud bottom (at least where I went aground...) Ice and basic supplies are available at the campsite: turn right out of the harbour and look for the sign (Englishtown Ridge Campground) about a quarter of a mile along the road.

Ingonish - page 182

2010 - Sandy Weld, A small cove, situated almost directly below the ski trails, will provide good protection from west - southeast winds in 20 - 30 feet of water, with good holding. A bulkheaded wharf, which lies beside the road (Cabot Trail) in this cove, has 7 feet alongside.

2009 - H.Anderson Jr. in Annie B The fish plant and pier hard to starboard from entrance in direction of the Keltic Lodge has been torn down, and new owner plans to build a house. Enough of bulkhead left to make fast for the night. If plan to walk to the Lodge, the road to right which looks like a shortcut is not passable, and beach too rocky

2009 - Jim Evans in Nellie Lamb. The buoys are surprisingly far up into the bay, almost up under the cliffs it seems, but once you spot the fairway buoy all is revealed and it is very straightforward and not really narrow. I tied to the remains of what is shown as a fish plant wharf in the cove on the northeast side but the plant has gone and the land was being cleared, presumably for a new home. The folks at the big new house with a large new sailboat at the dock across the cove were making a racket all the time I was there, so there are probably better spots. It's a tidy walk up to the shops: bakery straight ahead, gas station to the right and grocery and liquor store to the left up the hill. Unless you're a keen walker it's a long way to the beaches, Keltic Lodge etc.

Dingwall - page 184

2009 - H. Anderson Jr.in Maggie B. Hamilton Carter's large, steel ketch was visible at his dock, first one on the port hand. Annie B. lay at fish plant pier. Above and visible to the right is a neat and clean and quite recent convenience type store that has a limited menu and limited supplies. It's reported that the Markland Inn no longer serves meals; last year it was serving only to its guests, although intervention by Hamilton Carter opened the door for us.

Cape St. Lawrence/Cape North - page 184

2010 - There is a significant current that runs between/around Cape North and Cape St. Lawrence, perhaps up to 2 knots.

If the south or southwest winds are strong enough in area of Cape North or Cape St. Lawrence and you do not want to enter MacDougall Pond, there is a good protection in Wreck Cove (47º 00'N, 060º 30'W) in 20 feet with a sandy bottom.

2009 - Jim Evans in Nellie Lamb. I passed round the capes a mile or two off at night and couldn't see either light - I don't know whether they were out or I just didn't spot them. The only lights visible were streetlights at Bay St. Lawrence and a few house lights. The wind was fresh southerly and there were strong squalls coming down off the Highlands all the way round to Dingwall; it might have been wise to stand further out!

Cheticamp - page 188

2010 - Sandy Weld, I was confused with which dock was which when I entered. The fish plant is obvious and immediately to port upon enter the harbor, near there are floating docks that can be used for yachts if not filled with fishing boats. Further in is a small wharf and floating dock with a "lighthouse" painted like an Acadian flag - red, white and blue stripes with a gold start painted on it. The dock and lighthouse are part of the waterfront boardwalk in the middle of town. Further in the harbor is a "T" shaped wharf that can be used, but may be filled with fishing boats. This wharf is opposite the large church. Further along the shore from this "T" shaped wharf is a "modern" shopping center with a large grocery store, bank, lundromat, etc. Adjacent to the Acadian flag painted lighthouse is a seafood restaurant, which has wifi in its bar. The post office and bank are across the street from the Welcome Center along the boardwalk.

2009 - H. Anderson Jr. in Annie B. Docked at a small marina - name not visible from the water but above and to the right is a café with blue trim and excellent food. Was not charged for docking. Diesel obtainable at the large Harbour Authority marina - filled with commercial fishing vessels at the end of the snow-crab season - which is first pier complex on entering the harbour. Phone for service 902.224.3009 harbour.athority@ns.aliantzinc.ca for service from office at head of piers

Mabou page 190

2010 - Jim Evans, Mabou entrance is now well buoyed with three pairs of buoys into the entrance from the red-and-white fairway buoy (see above - this is the first pair); there was shallow water on the inside of the turn to port at the second pair of buoys in September 2010. The channel up to the bridge is clearly staked but watch for weed to port on the last part and close to the dock.

The staked channel is close to the south side at the bridge; the weed is clearly seen. Dockage (no facilities except shore access) was $20 so we anchored out for a lovely peaceful night. We left at half ebb into a fresh sou'westerly and it was pretty bumpy, a minimum of about eight feet in the troughs.

Port Hood - page 192

2010 - Martine Sauve reported that a cardinal buoy VM had replaced the red buoy VM6. Previous contributors have queried the depth of the dredged channel through the old causeway. Here in her own words what happened when they tried it. "Because we have an aluminum boat with a retractable keel (going from a draft of 7.5ft to 2.5ft), we tried leaving through the gap of the causeway at the North of the anchorage. There was not as you said a "pair of tiny white buoys" but two sets of yellow ones. Boats were passing through so we tried it!! Don't... we hit a rock or remains of something while straight between the west set of yellow buoys. For the kind of boat we have, not a problem but with a standard boat, ouch! In a fraction of a second, the water level went from 20 to 2 feet so..."

2009 - H.Anderson Jr. in Annie B. Docked alongside the bulkhead at the inner former fishing harbour cul-de-sac, which is occupied mostly by pleasure-work vessels belonging to members of the summer colony and the ferry from the mainland bringing daytime tourists. In the old days the islands were, similar to Labrador, sites of summer fishing camps whose catch was picked up by coastal steamers. When refrigerator trucks entered the picture, this mode of livelihood changed. As reported by others, in southerly breezes - as mild as under 10 knots - the swell enters even the cul-de-sac. Locals reported that the breakwater has been pierced enabling transit to the north out of Port Hood. We sighted three pairs of yellow buoys leading thereto, but without figures for depth did not attempt this.

Ballantynes Cove page 195

Ballantynes Cove

2010 - Sandy Weld, The Harbour Authority personnel spotted us approaching and made room for us along one of the floating docks. They can be contacted on VHF Chan 68. The fee in 2010 was $18.00 for boats over 50 ft. If the floating docks are full, and the tuna fleet isn't in, there is ample bulkhead space around the rest of the harbor. It is 2 km to Cape George Lighthouse by road, or 9 km by trail. The fish and chips take-out mentioned in the guide was basically closed; it may open for the tuna fleet. Diesel is now available at the dock.

Bayfield Wharf - page 195

2008- Jim Evans in Nellie Lamb. CAUTION a sand bar extends a long way south of Pomquet Island and it is important to identify the buoys and wharf before a close approach. The church spire in Bayfield village may prove a useful leading mark.

Anchorages and Berths
Pomquet Road is reported to offer good shelter in winds from south through north-west in two to three fathom, sand.

Merigomish - page 196

2010 - Martine Sauve did not feel that a Bahamian moor was necessary when anchoring east of Savage Point. She noted that it shallows from 12ft to zero very quickly so stay in at least 20ft of water.

2008 - Jim Evans in Nellie Lamb

Directions
The entrance to Merigomish Harbour is possible even in strong northerly winds, as the shoals on the eastern side of the entrance break the waves for the turn in the channel.

From the fairway buoy FlR SA2; a course of 169°T will bring you past FlR SA6 and within sight of the channel buoys past the narrows at Savage Point. Betty Point can be shaved very close; the water is deep right up to the point. The current flows strongly through here at half flood and ebb, but is nothing that will cause problems to a boat with a good auxiliary.

Local boats usually follow the narrow and unmarked channel up to Blackhall Gut, a perfectly protected hurricane hole, but even they sometimes find themselves on the mud. The channel is accurately shown on the chart - I have negotiated it several times by pre-plotting and following the GPS.

There is excellent anchorage in behind Colquhoun Point outside the harbour in westerly conditions - I have ridden out a 25 knot S-Westerly in comfort here - in 2-3 fathom sand bottom. In fine weather you can anchor in close enough to swim ashore to the lovely sand beach - but watch for the tide. It might go out while you're having fun and leave you aground. I know.

2008 - David Hartman anchored in the lee of Roy Island in a light SW'ly and found it comfortable.

Pictou - page 197

2010 - Diesel fuel is now available at the marina.

2008 - Jim Evans in Nellie Lamb.

Directions
The channel is marked for quite large vessels and is easy to enter at any state of tide, day or night.

Anchorage and Berths
The town marina is well equipped and right in the town (look for the masts of the Hector - see photo above), but the floats near the entrance tend to be exposed in a southeasterly. The Pictou Marina at Campbell Point, home to the Pictou Yacht Club, has a travelift of sorts, gas and diesel and repair facilities, but is a longish hike from town. The Yacht Club bar is open to visitors and they are a very friendly crowd - club night is Friday. There is a reasonable anchorage just off the Yacht Club in westerly conditions - right on top of the start line, so make sure it's not race night! (David Hartman rode out 40 knots SW'ly here with no problems for 24 hours.) There is a narrow channel east of Lighthouse Beach that is sometimes used as an anchorage by local boats.

Brudenell River page 203

2010 - The moorings off the camp ground are no more.

Ile d'entrée page 204

2010 - In 2010 there were new floating docks.

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