Gabarus Lake is located in Cape Breton County, Nova Scotia, within the Gabarus Wilderness Area. It sits at approximately 45°49′N 60°11′W and is paired with the adjacent Belfry Lake, which lies nearby within the same protected wilderness area. The two lakes together form a recognized day-trip paddling route listed in Canoe Kayak Routes of Nova Scotia (Route 24 in the Cape Breton region).

The lake is described as more protected compared to the open ocean coastline that also borders the wilderness area, making it a more sheltered paddling environment. Belfry Lake shares this relatively protected character. Paddlers who wish to extend their time on the water can also explore the open ocean sections of the wilderness area, though the Nova Scotia government explicitly cautions that conditions on the open ocean can change quickly and that special care must be taken there.

Gabarus Lake supports an active sport fishery, with striped bass and sea trout among the target species. The surrounding wilderness area provides a backdrop of bogs, lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, coastal barrens, and drumlin terrain. The coastal zone supports harbour seals and grey seals, which breed in the area, with adults, immatures, and pups visible along the shore in June and July. Red foxes den in nearby sand dunes, and snowshoe hares and mice are also present. The area is noted for seabird and shorebird viewing opportunities as well.

The wilderness area contains evidence of former settlements, including the site of Gull Cove, which in the late 1800s was home to more than 3,000 people and included three schools, four churches, four stores, and five lobster canneries. Remnants of stone walls and building foundations remain visible. A 4 km trail follows the northern shore of the wilderness area between Gabarus and the former Gull Cove community, and some areas including Gull Cove are suitable for camping.

As the lake and surrounding area fall within the Gabarus Wilderness Area, paddlers should be aware of the protected status of the land and waters. No specific launch facilities or amenities are described for the lake itself.