Welcome! A letter from our Board of Directors
Dear Guest,
Welcome to the Ben Eoin Yacht Club and Marina on thestunning Bras d’Or Lake! Our marina is truly a sight to be hold. And did you know that “Ben Eoin” means “John’s Mountain” in Gaelic? It’s named after a farmer who livedin the area back in the 1850s or even earlier!
With 72 berths, our facility accommodates both local and visiting boats and is proud to welcome all to enjoy the marina’s many amenities including a cozy but modern clubhouse with 24/7 access to laundry facilities, washrooms and showers for members and guests.Conveniently located across the highway is one of Cape Breton Islands’ signature golf courses, The Lakes Golf and Resort, a paradise for golf enthusiasts with an 18-hole course and comfortable accommodations. And if you’re looking for some city fun, the vibrant city of Sydney is a 30-minute drive away and hosts a regional airport.
Our friendly Board of Directors and dedicated volunteers invite you to relax in our cozy clubhouse or bask in the sun on our deck overlooking the awe-inspiring Bras d’Or Lake. With Wi-Fi available throughout the clubhouse and on the docks, you can stay connected while enjoying the soothing sounds of the water.
If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Yacht Club and Marina Manager or any of our dock attendants. We’re alwayshere to help make your stay as enjoyable as possible!
Sincerely,
Ben Eoin Yacht Club and Marina Board of Directors
Getting Here
Use Bras d’Or Lake Marine Charts No. 4277, 4278, 4279
Extending from the northeastern end of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Canso while connected by the deepest causeway in the world, is Cape Breton Island. For those exploring or transiting through Eastern Canada, it’s an itinerary must! The island’s coastline reveals a rugged but approachable terrain, from towering highland cliffs to pristine beaches bathed in the warm waters of its western shores.
At the heart of Cape Breton Island, you will find the Bras d’Or Lake, Canada’s inland sea. The lake, a UNESCO designated biosphere, boast over 1000 km (600 miles) of pristine coastline with hundreds of coves, inlets, harbours and hidden anchorages. The surrounding mountains are said to be as high as the lakes are deep, its brackish waters a swimmers delight and its swirling winds and quiet coves a sailor’s dream.
The southern entrance to the Bras d’Or is the St. Peter’s Canal. The channel is deep and well buoyed.The lock dimensions are 91m (300ft.) by 14m (47 ft.) with a depth of 4.9m (16 ft.) over the sills. The direction of buoy age through the Lake is from north to south, therefore departing the Canal heading for Baddeck, leave the red buoys to port. As you enter the Lake from St. Peters you must pass below the 24.3m (80 ft.) overhead high voltage cables at Beaver Narrows.
The Great Bras d’Or Channel is the northern inlet to the Lake – 20 nm long, minimum controlling depth of 10m (32 ft.), tidal current up to 7 knots spanned by the Seal Island Bridge with a vertical clearance of 36m (119 ft.). The Bras d’Or has less salinity than the surrounding ocean, tidal range averages 15 – 23cm (6 – 9 inches), and water temperatures can reach 18° – 21° C (65° – 70° F) during the summer months.
Located on the south side of East Bay in Cape Breton County, Ben Eoin Yacht Club and Marina is a perfect destination while boating on the spectacular Bras d’Or Lake.
Cape Breton
Island
Our charming community situated on the shores of Cape Breton Islands Bras d’Or Lake is a sought-after destination for boating, fishing, and water sports enthusiasts of all ages and water-related interests.
The community of Ben Eoin’s history dates back to the early 1800’s when Scottish settlers arrived inthe area. Today, visitors can explore the Ben Eoin Beach and Provincial Park, which feature interpretive displays and guided tours, to learn more about the region’s past.
Ben Eoin Yacht Club and Marina, a Trans Canada Trail Water Route Destination Area on the Bras d’Or Lakes, is a staging area for launching or arriving by non-motorized watercraft and is open to all.
The Junior Sailing Program caters to new and returning sailors aged 5-16, aiming to in still a love, appreciation, and respect for sailing and water, while keeping learning fun in a secure setting.Participants in the program learn to work as a team, develop leadership abilities, and gain increased self-confidence, and a membership is not required to participate.
Be sure to join us for our annual East Bay Regatta, the last weekend of July!
Ben Eoin is a lively marine destination with something to offer everyone, from leisurely lake activities to rich history and outdoor pursuits. Relax at our beautiful facility or take in any of our events before boating the world-class Bras d’Or Lakes.
Welcome to Ben Eoin!
Ben Eoin Itinerary
Day 1 – Golf at Ben Eoin
The Lakes Golf Club at Ben Eoin offers dramatic elevation changes and spectacular views of the beautiful Bras d’OrLake. Designed by world class, award- winning designer and architect Graham Cooke, each hole offers distinct character and stunning views. Cooke boasts that TheLakes Golf Course offers diversity through both its design and physical setting with rock outcrops, long mystical views, crashing streams, grassy meadows and charming golf holes all combined to make golf at the Lakes exciting and rewarding.
Day 2 – Exploring Close By
If you’re seeking a hike that’s both challenging and rewarding, make your way to the Coxheath Mountain trail,just 15 minutes away from the marina. The trail commences with a steep climb up the mountain face, but you’ll find resting spots along the way and a waterfall about halfway up. At the top, you can choose between two options: take theWestern Loop or continue on the main trail. This 9.4km (5.8miles) route promises a physical workout that’s worth it forthe breathtaking views. Other recommended hikes: BenEoin Provincial Picnic park, 3.2km (1.9 miles), 2 minutesaway and East Bay Hills Trailhead, 4.3km (2.6 miles), 3minutes away
Day 3 – Venturing Further A Field
Located across the Bras d’Ors Lakes, 20 minutes away is the Eskasoni First Nation, the largest Mi’kmaq community in the world. Deeply rooted within Eskasoni is the Mi’kmaqculture. home to the largest Mi’kmaq speaking communitywith close ties to traditional culture and beliefs. TheEskasoni community strives to be culturally rich andrespectful of its ecosystem based on concepts of sharedresponsibility. Eskasoni First Nation offers a unique multi-cultural tour of Mi’kmaq and Gaelic culture. The tour includes two different and distinct cultures reflecting the parallels and common threads linking the cultures in history and in present day.
