2024 CVBS Participant Membership
Initial Crew Registration Form
Final Crew Registration Form
General Plan
Safety Plan
May Invite
Bras d’Or Lake / Pitu’paq Big Canoe Brigade August 11-19
Come paddle with us this summer and enjoy Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island and maritime hospitality at its best. The Brigade will be based at campgrounds in the St. Peters and Baddeck areas (four days at
each campground), with paddling on the Bras d’Or Lake in the daytime and music and cultural celebrations in the evening.
Surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with islands, the Bras d’Or Lake / Pitu’paq is an inland
saltwater sea that is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Subtle tides, sheltered coves, secluded beaches, and a diversity of marine and bird life make the Bras d’Or Lake ideal
for paddling. Known for the world-renowned Cabot Trail, dramatic coastal views, highland scenery, hiking trails, Celtic culture and a lively music scene, Cape Breton has much to offer.
All brigade participants are expected to peruse the above General Plan, and Safety Plan.
2023 Mid Winter Notice
1.Waterways to be used for the brigade
The Atlantic/Pitupaq Brigade will take place on the Bras D’Or lake UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and outside the lake on Atlantic ocean connections. The lake is tidal but also has various freshwater rivers and stream inflows.
2.Target dates/ number of days for the brigade
The Brigade will be held August 11 – 19 th .
Day 1 will be a participant arrival and captains meeting to discuss the brigade events and review safety plans.
Days 2,3,4 will include paddles along three different routes from the National Historic St. Peters Lock area. Participants will remain camped in one location for all 3 days. On the first paddle day participants will spend the morning learning or reviewing Big Canoe rescue, followed by an afternoon paddle.
Days 5, will be a travel and setup day to a new location on the lake (the Whycocomagh Provincial Campground). Participants will remain camped in one location for 4 days.
Days 6,7,8 will follow a similar format and include paddles along three different routes from Whycocomagh near the Historic town of Baddeck.
Day 9 will be a cleanup, pack-up end of brigade day with an optional weather and tide dependent paddle to Glooscap caves along Point Aconi near the ocean port of Sydney
3.Historical significance
Historically the lands and waters of Cape Breton are unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq peoples who lived and travelled along the land and paddled the waters. The Mi’kmaq peoples were known as expert bark boat builders of both small canoes and larger ocean-going canoes.
In the 1630s French merchants built a fur trading post where present-day St. Peters Lock is located as it was on a Mi’kmaq portage route between the lake and ocean. Soon both France and Britain established forts and settlement as control of the area exchanged hands between the European countries.
The waters of the lake were and continue to be used for both commercial and recreational purposes.
Located along the lake, the town of Baddeck is at the beginning and end of Cape Breton Islands world famous Cabot trail. It has a history stretching back to early Mi’kmaq, French and British Settlement as well as being the one-time home of the inventor Alexander Graham Bell. Sydney is the largest city on Cape Breton and a nearby ferry terminal for those traveling to Newfoundland.
4.Target participants
Participants of all ages are invited to paddle in the brigade. First nations, Scouts/Guides, Educators in Nova Scotia, CKNS and CVBS members have/will be informed about the Brigade opportunity.
Contact for further info: Brian Smith <bksmith660@gmail.com>
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