Bras d'Or Lake (photo) is actually a large, multi-armed estuary in central Cape Breton Island that has two natural connections to the Atlantic Ocean at its northeastern extent. Though several rivers and numerous creeks drain into the "lake," it is subject to tidal flow and thus has brackish water. A man-made canal, used to facilitate shipping, also connects Bras d'Or Lake to the ocean at its southeastern end.
Almost 1100 square kilometers in size, the estuary is bordered by glacial drumlins in its northwestern region. The variable salinity of its water greatly augments the diversity of its wetlands and resident wildlife and its varied ecosystem has received designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Preserve.
While our exposure to Bras d"Or Lake was strictly from adjacent roadways, knowing that this vast estuary is being protected for the welfare of our planet and the benefit of future generations was rewarding enough.
