Indian Beach

About Indian Beach

A long, fairly flat strip of beach in a small park on Purves Street, looking out at the ferries running between North Sydney and Port aux Basques. Local collectors credit the constant churn of the ferry wakes for keeping glass coming ashore and polishing it well.

Sea glass at Indian Beach

Mostly small to medium pieces, from sand-grain size up to about a nickel, and very well finished. Collectors say it holds more glass than most Cape Breton beaches, with the occasional red among the commoner colours.

Visiting Indian Beach

Getting there

From the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 105) follow signs for the ferry, take Exit 21 towards Sydney Mines and turn onto Purves Street; the car park is on the right just past Rollie's Wharf restaurant (Moosebait).

Parking

Car park on Purves Street (445 Purves Street).

Toilets

The park has restrooms, a playground and picnic tables (Cape Breton tourism listing).

Safety

Check the tide times before you go and head out on a falling tide, so you're never cut off. Keep away from the bottom of cliffs, wear sturdy shoes on rocks, and only take sea glass and other man-made rubbish: pebbles, sand and shells should stay on the beach.