Documents & Contact infoAbout Lake AinslieLake Ainslie is the largest natural freshwater lake in Nova Scotia and stretches in a triangular shape out towards the north. The Lake is approximately 20 kilometres long and 3 to 5 kilometres in width in various places. The Southwest Margaree River starts at the northeast corner of the Lake, in Scotsville, and empties into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Lake Ainslie is located on the Western side of Cape Breton Island, and is a rural area, with small communities settled around the Lake. more... See more text