St. Peter's sits on a narrow isthmus between the Bras d'Or Lake and the Atlantic. The St. Peter's Canal, built between 1854 and 1869, lifts boats through a single lock between the two — the only operating canal east of the Welland. It's one of the most quietly impressive engineering sites in Nova Scotia.
The village makes a good base for exploring the Fleur-de-lis Trail along the southern coast, with several restaurants and inns and the Nicolas Denys Museum on the canal banks.
Local businesses
Bras d'Or Lake Boat Tours
Cruise the UNESCO Biosphere lake
★★★★★ (500)
Battery Provincial Park Campground
Camp at Battery Provincial Park in Saint Peter's with 53 sites, hiking trails, a saltwater beach, and views overlooking St. Peter's Bay near the canal.
★★★★★ (379)
Bras d’Or Lakes Inn
Stay at this Canada Select 4.5-star inn in St. Peter's with comfortable rooms, locally-sourced dining, and live entertainment five nights weekly in summer.
★★★★★ (297)
Louie’s Cosy Corner
Enjoy casual dining at Louie's Cosy Corner in Saint Peter's, featuring fresh seafood, homemade burgers, Chinese food, and pizza.
★★★★★ (256)
MacBouch Restaurant and Lounge
Dine at MacBouch Restaurant and Lounge in St. Peter's, a historic tavern serving budget-friendly food in a charming 1920s building with local character.
★★★★★ (225)
St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site
Explore Canada's oldest tidal lock canal where the Atlantic Ocean meets Bras d'Or Lake in Saint Peter's, Cape Breton—kayak, fish, or watch for bald eagles.
★★★★★ (197)
St. Peter’s Co-op (Foodland)
Shop fresh groceries, quality meats, and homemade baked goods at St. Peter's Co-op Foodland in Cape Breton's Strait Area.
★★★★★ (171)
Farmer’s Pantry
Visit Farmer's Pantry, an organic and fair trade coffee shop in St. Peter's, Cape Breton for ethically sourced specialty coffee.
★★★★★ (146)
St. Peter’s Marina
Dock your boat at St. Peter's Marina near Bras d'Or Lakes with gas, diesel, moorings, and full amenities including Wi-Fi and shower facilities.
★★★★★ (78)
Glad Tidings Confectioneries & Gifts
Browse handpicked confections and gifts at Glad Tidings in Saint Peter's, Cape Breton's heart-of-town shop offering quality products at competitive prices.
★★★★★ (72)
Joyce’s Motel
Stay at Joyce's Motel on the Bras D'Or Lakes in Saint Peter's with motel rooms, cabins, and cottages steps from the shore, plus pool and fire pit.
★★★★★ (56)
Cape Breton Sailing Charters
Join Captain Greg for hands-on sailing lessons or relaxing tours on Bras d'Or Lake and Cape Breton's Atlantic coast, with groups up to 6 people.
★★★★★ (54)
Pepperell Place Inn
Stay at this historic 1903 inn in St. Peter's with 8 updated rooms and suites, plus an on-site chocolate shop. Pet-friendly and year-round.
★★★★★ (50)
MacIsaac Kiltmakers
Shop handmade kilts and highland wear at MacIsaac Kiltmakers in Saint Peter's, Cape Breton, crafted from premium worsted wool with kilt rentals available.
★★★★★ (13)
Nicolas Denys Museum
Tour the Nicolas Denys Museum in Saint Peter's, a French-styled building overlooking the canal with local historical materials from 1650.
★★★★★ (9)
Wallace MacAskill Museum
Tour the birthplace of legendary marine photographer Wallace R. MacAskill in Saint Peter's, featuring over 100 historic photographs and vintage cameras.
★★★★★ (6)
Tesla Destination Charger - St. Peter's Canal
Tesla destination charger near the historic St. Peter's Canal.
Canal Landing
Explore Mi'kmaw culture and rent kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards at Canal Landing on the historic St. Peter's Canal in Southeast Cape Breton.
