Setting sail on a summer of celebration at St. Peters Canal National Historic Site
News release
May 16, 2019 St. Peter’s, Nova Scotia Parks Canada Agency
Whether you’re looking for adventure, fun science activities for the whole family, a chance to explore history, or a break from the everyday, Parks Canada has 450 000 km² of protected areas with countless unique experiences to suit your needs.
St. Peters Canal National Historic Site is marking its 150th anniversary in 2019 and Parks Canada is celebrating all season long with the communities of St. Peter’s and Potlotek. Events this year will help create memorable experiences for visitors and community members as we mark this special year.
Located in every province and territory, Parks Canada’s 171 national historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history.
Built on an isthmus, the 800-metre St. Peters Canal National Historic Site joins the Atlantic Ocean to the sparkling Bras d’Or Lake, meandering along Battery Provincial Park, which is popular for boating, fishing, and picnicking. Those travelling by water can pick up a commemorative boating certificate for passing through the lock during the 150th anniversary.
Locals and visitors to Cape Breton Island are invited to the season launch event on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peters Canal National Historic Site. Join us for a tour of the canal and learn more about the history of the national historic site by taking part in a fascinating history talk. We’ll be unveiling the special commemorative boating certificate, and make sure you get a piece of cake! Throughout this anniversary year everyone can join in on the celebrations and immerse themselves in local festivals and events that take place in St. Peter’s and surrounding communities, including:
May 18: Season Launch Event, St. Peters Canal National Historic Site
July 2 – 9: Seaside Lobsterfest
June 30 – July 7: KitchenFest
July 25 – 29: St. Anne’s Mission (Potlotek)
July 29 – August 4: Nicolas Denys Days
August 4: Swim the Canal
August 10: 150th Anniversary Celebrations, St. Peters Canal National Historic Site
September 12 – 15: St. Peter’s Pirate Days
October 11– 19: Celtic Colours International Festival
For more information about these events and St. Peters Canal National Historic Site, visit pc.gc.ca/spc150.
Parks Canada is proud to collaborate with many partners to make the 150th anniversary celebrations a success including St. Peter’s Economic Development Organization, St. Peter’s Village Commission, Village on the Canal Association, St. Peter’s Marina, St. Peter’s Community Club – Nicolas Denys Museum, and the communities of St. Peter’s and Potlotek.
Parks Canada places belong to all Canadians. That is why the Government of Canada is pleased to continue to offer free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for youth aged 17 and under. By encouraging young people to discover nature and connect with history, we can help to inspire the next generation of stewards for these protected places.
In celebration of diversity, Parks Canada continues to offer free admission to new Canadian citizens for one year through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Canoo mobile app. Visiting Parks Canada’s national heritage places is a great way for Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment and heritage.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is pleased that Parks Canada’s places such as St. Peters Canal National Historic Site form important cornerstones for Canada’s local, regional, and national tourism industry. This year marks a very special year for St. Peters Canal as this national treasure celebrates 150 years of history. I encourage everyone to visit during this anniversary year and spend some time in beautiful Richmond County.”
Rodger Cuzner,
Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
“The St. Peter’s Canal plays an important role in growing the economy and increasing tourism in Richmond County. We’re proud to partner with Parks Canada and surrounding communities to celebrate this special anniversary all summer long.”
Brian Marchand,
Warden for Richmond County
“The site of St. Peter’s Canal is a significant part of the Unama’ki’s history as our ancestors used this site as a portage route for many years. We’re pleased to be a part of this year’s anniversary as we celebrate the history and contributions of Indigenous Peoples at St. Peter’s Canal.”
Chief Wilbert Marshall,
Potlotek
Quick facts
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St. Peter’s Canal is the pride of the village of St. Peter’s, whose history can be traced back to a traditional Mi’kmaw portage route and a 17th-century trading post and haulover road built by French merchant, Nicolas Denys. With a steadily increasing volume of shipping, a canal replaced the haulover road in 1869. Its remarkable 15-year construction and evolution as a contemporary waterway opened Cape Breton Island up to development.
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Designated a national historic site in 1929, St. Peters Canal National Historic Site welcomes approximately 12,000 people per year. Thousands of vehicles cross the bridge each month and it swings open for more than a thousand boats each year.
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St. Peters Canal National Historic Site reflects the rich and varied heritage of our nation and provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse heritage.
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Working together with more than 300 Indigenous communities across Canada, Parks Canada and Indigenous Peoples are partners in conserving, restoring, and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.
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The latest Parks Canada app update makes trip planning for Parks Canada locations across the country even easier for first time visitors. Visitors can now find Learn-to Camp content in the app and can obtain information on proper camping equipment, tips, and recipes. Visitors can even plan their entire trip itinerary and create a camping checklist.
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Enter Parks Canada’s Discover Canada contest for a chance to win an amazing trip to Canada’s North- Yukon! In collaboration with our proud partners: MEC, CIBC Air Canada, and Air North.
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The possession and consumption of cannabis is now legal and is strictly regulated in Canada. For more information about cannabis in Canada, please visit: Canada.ca/cannabis.
Associated links
Contacts
Coady Slaunwhite
Communications Officer, Parks Canada
902-217-0861
coady.slaunwhite@canada.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca