Nova Scotia’s Lochaber Lake, located near the Northumberland Shore region, proudly showcases its Scottish heritage through its name, derived from the Loch Abar region of the Scottish Highlands. This ribbon lake, formed by glacial scouring, is less than half a mile wide, several miles long, and reaches a depth of 172 feet at its center. It is a popular destination for rowing regattas, hosting events each summer. The largest community around Lochaber has recently completed a new community center, which serves as the headquarters for the StFX and Antigonish Rowing Clubs. A club boathouse is planned, and the lake has already hosted its first international championship rowing competition, with lessons available for beginners.
The southwestern shore of Lochaber Lake is dotted with seasonal and year-round cottages, many owned by commuters from the nearby City of Antigonish. Cottagers enjoy boating, water sports, and fishing on the 759-acre lake, which boasts undeveloped, heavily wooded shorelines. Historically, brook trout were stocked in the lake, and current reports indicate the presence of lake trout, rainbow smelt, and other cold-water species. Ice fishing is also popular in winter. Although public boat launching facilities need to be well-documented, cottage owners frequently engage in kayaking, canoeing, power boating, and swimming.
Despite increasing housing density, the water quality of Lochaber Lake remains good, thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Lochaber Lake community organization. This group monitors water quality and educates property owners on environmentally friendly lakeshore practices. The area is also known for its strawberry farming, with an annual Strawberry Festival celebrating the local harvest. U-Pick farms and roadside stands selling strawberries, blueberries, and vegetables are common. Old logging roads, now open to the public, provide ample space for nature observation, bicycling, and cross-country skiing in winter. There are ongoing discussions about developing a formal trail system, with several local informal trails leading to scenic waterfalls and natural attractions.
The Town of Antigonish, less than 15 miles north along the ‘Sunshine Coast,’ offers beaches with the ‘warmest water north of the Carolinas’ and various cultural and recreational activities. Known for its strong Scottish heritage, Antigonish hosts the Highland Games, drawing visitors for over 150 years. In addition, St. Francis Xavier University, which offers a variety of artistic and cultural events like the Antigonish International Film Festival, Antigonight-Art After Dark Festival, and Antigonish Summer Theatre, is located in the town. Lodging options in Antigonish include hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, and numerous dining establishments.
The steep shorelines along the longest margins of Lochaber Lake limit farming and construction near the water, with only the north and south ends offering low wetlands where the North River St. Marys flows in and out. Scottish families, familiar with steep slopes from their homeland, settled here after 1810, contributing to the area’s vibrant history and religious rivalries between Scottish Presbyterians and Irish Catholics. Over time, these settlers established productive farms and timber businesses. In recent years, Lochaber Lake has seen a rise in cottage communities, especially along the southwestern shore.
Situated about 140 miles northeast of Halifax along Highway 7, Lochaber Lake offers a range of short-term rental cottages, allowing visitors to enjoy scenic views, lake breezes, and local trails. Altharea’sot directly on the lake, the area’s campgrounds provide additional accommodation options. Visitors can indulge in strawberries, sample local jams and preserves, and experience the relaxed country lake lifestyle.
