Nova Scotia – East Lake Ainslie
East Lake Ainslie, on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, is just one of the “off the beaten track” destinations in this beautiful province. Loch Ainslie is Nova Scotia’s largest natural freshwater lake. The lake is twelve miles long and three miles wide with people residing on the east and west sides. The Cape Breton Highlands begin at Lake Ainslie. The lake is named after George Robert Ainslie, the last governor of Cape Breton.
East Lake Ainslie is a charming Inverness County community offering a lakeside retreat experience in a peaceful setting. Anyone can enjoy boating, swimming, and canoeing on Lake Ainslie, as well as picnics on the lake. At Trout Brook, visitors can find a picnic area and pristine white sand beach. Fishing is excellent on this beautiful Nova Scotia lake.
Since the lake is on the flyway of the Margaree River system, there is an abundance of salmon. Every spring, trout and gaspereau travel from the sea to the lake. The immense size of the lake means that there is room for everyone to relax on its shores. The community is home to an open wooded campground and a tent and trailer park. However, it is always easy to find solitude at Lake Ainslie.
Enthusiastic cyclists always enjoy the 53-kilometer ride around the lake. Runners love the lakeside morning jog. The annual Lake Ainslie Marathon takes place in September.
The Loch Ainslie Historical Society celebrates the history of the community whose first settlers came from the Western Isles of Scotland. These original groups were farmers who came to the region during 1820. The first to arrive were the Robertson and MacKinnon families.
The Robertsons settled in the Trout Brook region and the MacKinnon family farmed in the Kirkwood area. Agriculture continued to be productive in the village for years. However, in the 1870s, agriculture was not as widespread on the island.
The MacDonald House Museum, a restored farm, transports visitors back to the 1930s. The property’s barn regularly comes alive with music. Tourists can listen to traditional violin tunes and experience a lively ceilidh (a Celtic “time”) or barn dance.
Museum properties include a house from the 1850s, a school from the 1920s, and a shed with farm equipment from earlier times. Additionally, the MacDonald Museum has a collection of 1,500 historical items including antique furniture and books from the 1880-1940 period. The museum also houses local family stories and documents. Every summer, the MacDonald Family Museum has a Children’s Day focused on helping children appreciate the rich history of their community. The museum is open from mid-June to early September.
In addition, Lake Ainslie is close to other points of interest. A short drive to Inverness will take you to the Miners’ Museum. Visitors to Inverness can also enjoy toboggan racing. In Glenville, tourists will learn the fine art of making whiskey at the Glenora Distillery. Visitors to the region can always find comfortable and affordable accommodations in Atlantic Canada cabins and hotels.