One of the most remarkable cruising grounds on the east coast of North America is Atlantic Canada. To get there follow the Down East Circle Route and then spend some time exploring the Canadian Maritimes. The Down East Circle Route is a 2,400 nautical mile, clockwise loop route that begins with the Erie Barge Canal in New York State. It continues into Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and Seaway and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. From the gulf, one has many cruising options: southern Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island and coastal New Brunswick, the wonderful Bras d’Or Lakes on Cape Breton Island and mainland Nova Scotia.