Overview

The Nova Scotia Highland Village Society and the Maskells Harbour Group have come together to purchase and preserve the last unprotected parcel of land in Maskells Harbour. The 5-acre red beach property is the crown jewel of the harbour, with its sandy beach, natural habitat, and stunning vistas. It is the last parcel needed to protect all the land surrounding the harbour. With your help it will be permanently protected while remaining open to the public.

Maskells is one of the most prominent harbours in Nova Scotia, located 8 km from Baddeck and 4 km from Iona. For more than 200 years, it has been a vital destination and stopover for ships and sailboats, thanks to its stunning natural beauty and strategic location. In the late 1800s, it was a hub for fishing schooners traveling to and from the Grand Banks, and today it remains a popular spot for sailors en route to Newfoundland and Labrador. In 1919, the Cruising Club of America was conceived here while cruising on the Elsie with Gilbert H. Grosvenor, William Nutting, and F.W.(Casey) Baldwin. For residents, it has become the most beloved harbour and boating destination in the Bras d'Or Lake.

While we have raised more than half of the funds required, we need your help to raise another $150,000 to complete the acquisition. Your donation will be tax deductible with tax receipts issued by the Highland Village. The protected property will be integrated and contiguous with the preservation of the remainder of the harbour.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to permanently preserve and prevent the loss of the beach in this beloved place in Nova Scotia. It is arguably the most popular boating destination in the Bras d’Or Lake, and within all of Nova Scotia. This can be a great legacy of preservation for our children, grandchildren and generations to come. Please support us.