BALLANTYNES COVE, NS.

BALLANTYNES COVE, NS.

Ballantynes, my beloved cove. Where we found comfort and shelter from the storms. One of our must stop destination on our many voyages by sea to Cape Breton Island. It is located on the North-Western end of St George's Bay, a deep sea inlet on the edge of a steep mountain slope.

St George's Bay can be in my books, an "unpredictable" large body of water, because of its location, where the Northumberland Strait and the Gulf of St.Lawrence merge. It was not uncommon for us to sail there and remain securely docked for days at the time, waiting for the storming seas to settle. The  marina offers slips to the pleasure boaters,  but it is mostly a commercial fishing dock. It only offers the basic services, but most needed, fuel, water, showers and laundry. Sorry, no ice or provisions.

Ballantynes Cove is a trading point for merchants looking for its renowned Atlantic Bluefin tuna and is the host of the Tuna Interpretive Centre. The area is said to have the world largest concentration of Atlantic tuna. In our travels there, we never encountered any of the large fin fish,  but had the privilege to sail with multiple pods of pilot whales for hours on end. 

The locals there are more than accommodating to sailors in need of provisions when forced to "ditch" there. Right by the beach, you can find a cosy picnic table, and for your convenience a fire pit filled with dry wood. Last but not least, my favourite, the "Fish and Ships" canteen, where a delectable fried haddock is served.