Relax in Lake Ainslie, Nova Scotia
Off the Beaten Track on Cape Breton Island
Lake Ainslie is one of those off-the-beaten-track destinations but one that's well worth the side trip if you're looking for natural beauty and tranquility.
If you want to experience the laid-back atmosphere of a lakeside retreat, Lake Ainslie in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia offers you the opportunity. Because it’s a little off the beaten track, the lake’s not on everyone’s must-see list, which makes for a more relaxing and personal experience of the stunning scenery and east-coast hospitality of this rural area. Nestled in the very green, rolling hills of the Highlands, Lake Ainslie makes a serene stopover on your trip across the island.
Surroundings
Wherever you go in this region, you’ll be in the shadow of the mountains, as the Cape Breton Highlands begin at Lake Ainslie. Visit in the summer and you’ll be immersed in a veritable sea of green; visit in the autumn and you’ll be enfolded by the blazing colors of fall. It’s captivating.
Spare an occasional look to the skies. Lake Ainslie and environs are a bird-watcher’s delight. The area is home to North America’s largest population of Bald Eagles, and it’s not uncommon to see these majestic raptors riding the air. Keep an eye out for Great Herons, too. They’ve been known to land on and around the lake.
The lake itself is enormous and is a leisure-seeker’s paradise, perfect for boating, canoeing and swimming. Its green shores and perfect sunsets make it the ideal relaxation spot where you can enjoy a picnic by the gently rippling waters or a romantic campfire on a moonlit shore.
Leisurely Pastimes
Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy the fifty-three kilometre trip around the lake. The terrain is not terribly challenging, which makes for a relaxing day’s ride. Runners will appreciate the lakeside route for their morning jog, and may wish to take part in the annual Lake Ainslie Marathon that happens each September.
If a lazy day on the water appeals to you, there’s fish aplenty to be found in the lake, and any number of boats to take you there. Salmon especially abound, as the lake is on the migratory path of the Margaree river system. Lake Ainslie is the largest fresh water lake in Nova Scotia—large enough that you can enjoy the solitude of being on the water.
When you’re ready to spend a day exploring, you can nip along to The MacDonald House Museum in East Lake Ainslie. You’ll find yourself transported back to the 1930s at this restored farmhouse overlooking the lake. If you want a little more excitement, the barn on the property is the local venue for ceilidhs and barn dances. You can clap, sing and dance the evening away to traditional fiddle tunes.
In the Area
Lake Ainslie is the perfect jumping off point for exploring this rural region. It’s just a short drive to Inverness where you can visit the Miner’s Museum, and take in some harness racing. Glenville is nearby as well, and is home to the Glenora Distillery where you can learn the fine art of making whiskey. If it’s the unforgettable flavour of ‘down east’ cooking you’re looking for, Vy’s Restaurant in Whycocomagh is a good bet and a good deal for your dollar.
The Day’s End
When you’re looking for a place to put your head, there’s a choice of cabins, bed-and-breakfasts and campsites located along the shores of the lake, any of which will offer you beautiful vistas and that down east charm and hospitality. It can be a little cooler at night beside the Lake, especially if you’re camping, but the view makes up for it, and the sunset is stunning—a water-color fantasia. You’ll sleep to the sounds of water lapping on the shore and wake to the loon’s call echoing across a mist-shrouded lake. Paradise.
