Cape Breton County Lake Quality
Nova Scotia, 33 lakes, measured by NSECC with no A–F grades
There are 33 monitored lakes in Cape Breton County. The mix is varied enough that the county-level average tells you the broad strokes, not the choose-this-cabin specifics. No lake in Cape Breton County carries an A–F letter, and none can: the scale is scored against EPA reference conditions, which stop at the US border. The 33 monitored lakes below carry whatever clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a readings NSECC has published.
Most of the county's monitored lakes are shallow, under 50 feet, which means wind keeps the water column mixed all summer and sediment-bound phosphorus releases back into the surface layer whenever the bottom is disturbed.
Where to stay near Cape Breton County
Top-rated places to stay near Cape Breton County
Prices for Sep 11–13, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Cape Breton County?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Cape Breton County — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Quick Answers for Cape Breton County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Blacketts Lake — or check the official Nova Scotia fishing regulations.
All Lakes in Cape Breton County
33 lakes · 0 graded, 33 not rated0 graded lakes · 33 not rated, hidden
| # | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Phosphorus | Algae | Trophic | Max Depth | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRBlacketts LakeCape Breton | NR | 15.1 ft | 3.5 µg/L | 2.4 µg/L | No recent samples | 98.4 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRCanoe LakeCape Breton | NR | 11.2 ft | 6 µg/L | 2.1 µg/L | No recent samples | 49.2 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRKilkenny LakeCape Breton | NR | 4.9 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 16.4 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRPower LakeCape Breton | NR | 9.8 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 9.8 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRMacdonald LakeCape Breton | NR | 16.4 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 19.7 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRKehoe LakeCape Breton | NR | 4.9 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 6.6 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRGrand LakeCape Breton | NR | 9.5 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 13.1 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRAmaguadees PondCape Breton | NR | 7.4 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 23 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRBelle LakeCape Breton | NR | 6.6 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 6.6 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRCochran LakeCape Breton | NR | 0.3 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 1.6 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRLoon LakeCape Breton | NR | 6.6 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 6.6 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRBrown'S LakeCape Breton | NR | 6.6 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 6.6 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRInglis LakeCape Breton | NR | 6.6 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 6.6 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRCranberry LakeCape Breton | NR | 0.3 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 3.3 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRFront LakeCape Breton | NR | 13.1 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 13.1 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRJoes LakeCape Breton | NR | 10.5 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 13.1 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRGillies LakeCape Breton | NR | 9.8 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 75.5 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRMcadams LakeCape Breton | NR | 17.4 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 32.8 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRForester LakeCape Breton | NR | 18 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 55.8 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRScotch LakeCape Breton | NR | 13.1 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 16.4 ft | Not recorded | |
| NROtter LakeCape Breton | NR | No recent samples | 2 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | 9.8 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRLevers LakeCape Breton | NR | 16.2 ft | 0.5 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | 29.5 ft | Not recorded | |
| NREnon LakeCape Breton | NR | 18.7 ft | 6.5 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | 32.8 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRGammell LakeCape Breton | NR | 5.9 ft | 6.5 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | 6.6 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRMcinnis LakeCape Breton | NR | 6.2 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 32.8 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRMacneils LakeCape Breton | NR | 4.6 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 13.1 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRMcdougall LakeCape Breton | NR | 8.5 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 39.4 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRCatalone LakeCape Breton | NR | 9.5 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 32.8 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRDumaresq LakeCape Breton | NR | 7.2 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 13.1 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRMorrison LakeCape Breton | NR | 2.6 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 13.1 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRGillis LakeCape Breton | NR | 6.2 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 16.4 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRLong LakeCape Breton | NR | 19 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 88.6 ft | Not recorded | |
| NRHardy LakeCape Breton | NR | 10.5 ft | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | 60 ft | Not recorded |
NR = no A–F letter. The scale is scored against EPA reference conditions for a lake’s ecoregion, and those stop at the US border, so no amount of sampling produces a letter here. The measurements are published as the authority reports them, not a failing grade. How grading works.
Lake Match
Which lake suits how you actually use one?
Six questions — swimming, fishing, quiet, cabins, drive time — and a shortlist of graded lakes that fit, with the water quality behind each one.
Other Counties in Nova Scotia
Browse every Nova Scotia lake, or the full directory of lakes across all United States (49 states), Canada (Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador), and 38 other country hubs..
Source: Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change. See data sources.