Port of Iona · Pitu’paq / Bras d’Or Lake · Unama’ki / Cape Breton Island
Discovery Centre reopens in June 2027
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Port of Iona, 2583 St. Columba Road, Iona, NS
Admission by donation · Open June to October
Contact usVisit · Port of Iona
Discovery Centre
Built for Curiosity. Start here, then look at the Lake differently.
Start your discovery of Pitu’paq / the Bras d’Or Lake inside the Discovery Centre. Look closer at marine life in the touch tank, watch underwater footage and explore how science helps us understand the connections between the Lake, its people and nature. Then step outside to observe the Port and shoreline, without needing to enter the water.
What you can discover
Underwater footage
Real footage of life beneath the Bras d’Or, filmed in the Lake.
Science & place
Discover how the Lake works, what makes it distinctive, what is changing, and why that matters to the people and communities around it.
Shoreline connection
Connect indoor discovery with a walk to observe the Port and shoreline, where a Living Shore is being developed.
Hands-on discovery
A large touch tank, interpretive displays and hands-on activities. Species vary with the season and may include crabs, lobster and sea stars.
An underwater window
You don’t have to dive to see what lives beneath the surface. Underwater films bring the hidden world of Pitu’paq up close for everyone.
Explore the underwater gallery →Our BlueROV2
Our BlueROV2 helps us look beneath the surface, gather underwater images and observations, support learning and stewardship projects, and share parts of the Lake most visitors would otherwise never see. Public demonstrations may be offered during scheduled events and programs.
As work continues on the shore and in the water, the Discovery Centre can also help visitors see what is being observed, studied and learned around Iona.
Young People Helping Shape Discovery
Young people take part in visitor interpretation, programming, science communication, shoreline activities, media, events and stewardship, mostly during the operating season. The Youth Advisory Council has helped shape programming, including Youth Day.
Before you go
Designed for curious visitors of all ages, including families and school groups.
Allow approximately 30–45 minutes. Admission is by donation. The Centre is step-free and wheelchair accessible and open seasonally, June to October.
Hours, admission, accessibility and group bookings: see Plan Your Visit.
Plan Your Visit
Questions people ask
What can we see and touch?
A large touch tank, interpretive displays and underwater imagery. Touch-tank species vary with the season and may include crabs, lobster and sea stars.
Can we see the BlueROV2 in action?
Public demonstrations may be offered at scheduled events or programs. Check What’s Happening for announcements.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The Centre is designed for curious visitors of all ages, including families and school groups.