Beaches

Northern Cape Breton’s Top of the Island region is home to the string of beaches that make up the “Aspy Cresent”.  This miles-long sweep of sand, interrupted occasionally by harbor entrances, warm, shallow channels and rugged cliffs, fits perfectly the phrase “deserted beaches”.  Here, away from the crowds of the more heavily promoted beaches within the national park, surf lovers find long stretches of sand inhabited only by shorebirds and the occasional local.  The most prominent of these beaches, accessed by auto through Cabot’s Landing Provincial Picnic Park, features outhouses, picnic tables, and a monument to John Cabot, who landed here in 1497 and claimed the land for England.

All the beaches of the Aspy Crescent enjoy the  “Protected” status, endowed by the province of Nova Scotia. This means that although they’re available for public enjoyment, no camping, fires or motor vehicles are allowed.  In this way the enjoyment of walking a truly natural beach environment is available to all.

We invite you to include a number of explorations of our beaches under your list of planned outdoor activities.

Take a peek in the Gallery for some shots of typical beaches.