Bras d'Or dominates the centre of Cape Breton Island - a lake surrounded by ocean. It got its name from the Portuguese sailors who came to Canada's Atlantic shores 500 years ago. It means Arm of Gold. Narrow fingers of land seem to split the lake in two, so the local people call it "the lakes". The people who live by its shores swear there's magic in it. There's an ancient Mi'Kmaq legend that tells of a god named Glooscap. Seeking refuge from stormy seas, he found a quiet channel leading inland from the ocean. The natives called it Glooscap's Door. Beyond the door, a vast and tranquil lake, shelter from the storm. Glooscap made his home in a cave on its banks. He's still here, the spirit of Bras d'Or Lake. For 5000 years Glooscap and his lake have offered safety and solace to the mortals that live along its shore.