East Bay Hills (Nova Scotia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East Bay Hills |
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 Location in Nova Scotia
Location in Canada
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Sgurra Bhreac |
| Elevation | 222 m (728 ft) |
| Prominence | 212 m (696 ft) |
| Isolation | 14.92 km (9.27 mi) |
| Parent peak | Blueberry Barren |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 48 km (30 mi) NE -SW |
| Width | 7.5 km (4.7 mi) NW - SE |
| Naming | |
| Etymology | from the East Bay of the Bras d'Or Lake they border along their northern edge |
| Geography | |
| Location | Cape Breton County, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Range coordinates | 45°49′50″N 60°36′35″W / 45.83056°N 60.60972°W |
| Parent range | Cape Breton Highlands, Appalachian Mountains |
| Topo map | NTS O11/F16 |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Precambrian |
| Mountain type | Fault-block mountains |
| Climbing | |
| Access | road/hike |
The East Bay Hills refer to a 'fault ridge' of ancient rock on the south side of the East Bay of the Bras d'Or Lake, located on Cape Breton Island, Canada, and are an extension of the Appalachian mountain chain. The East Bay Hills lie in Cape Breton County.
The East Bay Hills rise to little more than 180 metres (590 ft), forming low ridges in an otherwise lowland landscape. These hill are largely uninhabited (by humans), and include the highest elevation point on Cape Breton Island south of the Bras d'Or Lake at Sgurra Bhreac with a commanding view of the Mira area and Atlantic Ocean to the south.
Contents
Fresh water
The East Bay Hills have relatively flat plateau-like crests which are poorly drained. Most streams are located on the margins and are aligned northeast, reflecting the glacial direction. The hills contains several lakes and a few scattered raised bogs.
Soils
Heavily podzolized Thom soils with a thick iron humate B horizon cover most of the hills. They are associated with Arichat soils (poorly drained, mottled, sandy loams), found where the relief is gently undulating or depressional. There are also small areas of peat.
Plants
These hills are somewhat lower than the North Bras d'Or Hills and shade-tolerant hardwoods, although present, are not dominant. The East Bay Hills support instead mixed stands of Red Maple, White Birch, Yellow Birch, American Beech, Balsam Fir, and White Spruce.
Animals
There are few moose in this area. Deer are found on side slopes in winter yards. There are a large number of eagle nests in stream ravines.
Tourism
The hills offer views north over Bras d'Or Lake, for example, where Highway 4 climbs above shore level near Irish Cove and Middle Cape.
Cultural environment
Small-scale farming is practised in some areas of the East Bay Hills. Fishing the waters of the Bras d'Or Lake and sporadic forestry have been economic activities in the past. Much of this area is now cottage country, and tourism plays a significant role in the local economy. In the early 1900s the mineral springs at Glengarry in Irish Cove were well known for their perceived healing properties, which drew local people as well as distant travellers.
