The Lennox Passage Yacht Club is located on D'Escousse Harbour on the northern side of the island. D'Escousse was mentioned recently in an issue of Canadian Yachting Magazine, and described as "the friendliest port in the Maritimes". The club leases a well maintained government wharf and owns a club house with all the amenities, including a large deck that overlooks the scenic harbour.
On the other side of the island, lies Arichat Harbour, the fourth deepest harbour in the world, and the Arichat Boat Club. The club's wharf and new clubhouse lie on the south side of Arichat harbour, in picturesque Cape Auget. From the Arichat Boat Club a visitor can gaze over at the town of Arichat, the light house on Jerseyman's Island, or out at passing ocean freighters in the Strait of Canso.
At either of these clubs, as well as anywhere else on the island, visitors will be warmly greeted and treated as returning friends. Many people who have visited the island, come back year after year, and quite a number have moved here.
With the beauty of the coastline and the islands close proximity to sailing paradises like the Bras d'Or Lakes, Isle Madame would be a perfect home port or at least a favorite destination of any sailor in the world.
Some recent research turned up twelve reported wreckage sights, including; a warship, a freighter, small and large fishing boats, a schooner, and even a small airplane. Probably our most famous wreck, is that of the tanker, the Arrow. The Arrow struck a rock and sunk off Jerseyman's Island in the early 1970's.
There is a diving resort in Janvrin's Island, as well as a number of locations where tanks can be filled or boats can be chartered.
We have mentioned only twelve sites, but when talking to local divers, it is obvious that there are numerous more. However, these divers realize that part of the enjoyment of diving is the exploration aspect and they don't want to ruin the adventure for visitors. However, many islanders, whether divers or not, have spent much of their lives on the sea, and can give guidance to would-be treasure hunters or divers just out for enjoyment.
Hiker's will enjoy the many trails along the shores and into the interior wooded areas.
Although, there is no official bike trails or paths, off road or mountain bikers can use the same trails as the hikers, these trails cover most of the island, and connect all the island's communities.
Because of the relatively small amount of automobile traffic, the island population numbering only 4500 and the friendliness of island drivers, street bikers can safely tour the island on the main roads.
No matter what your means of transportation, or which route you take, we recommend that all tourists bring a camera, because around each turn you'll find a new beautiful sight that you'll want to capture.
For bird watchers, there is a large variety of species that live on or regularly visit the island. Probably the most notable inhabitant is the American Bald Eagle. But there are also; blue jays, grosbeaks, humming birds, along with various types of sparrows, chickadees and woodpeckers, and many, many more.
Because we are an island, the fisheries have always played a large role in our way of life. For many years, islanders made their living in the fisheries. And today, many species can still be fished both in the ocean, and in the fresh water interior lakes. If you do not wish to fish, but still want to enjoy the luscious seafood, many types of fish can be purchased at various locations on the island. We also have a wide variety of other sea life including some small sharks, porpoises and seals.
The wooded areas of the island are home to numerous animals, including deer, fox, coyote, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels and partridge.
We also have a variety of plant
life, including many tree species, both hard and softwood, and a multitude
of different berries.
