Pubnico
West Pubnico, Middle West Pubnico and Lower West Pubnico together make up one of the oldest Acadian settlements in Nova Scotia, settled in 1653. There are two fascinating sites in the region which provide visitors with true Acadian experiences: le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse and the Musée acadien et archives. (Nova Scotia’s Historic Acadian Village and the Acadian Museum and Archives, respectively.) At the Village, hear the tale of Nova Scotia’s Acadian heritage pre-dating 1920 and the persevering Acadian spirit and learn of old fishing methods and innovative farming systems. At the Musée, stroll the gardens to learn about the traditional ingredients for herbal remedies and meals the helped the original residents become accustom their new surroundings. Also, witness an early printing press in work, see a genuine aboiteau, and observe traditional quilters.
Barrington Woolen Mill Museum
Established as a community enterprise in 1882, Barrington Woolen Mill remained in operation until 1962. The mill, driven by water turbines, washed, picked, carded, spun, dyed and wove wool. Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, the mill thrived on the fishermen's need for warm and durable clothing. The outbreak of WWII, in the mid-1900s, renewed the demand for the mill's quality woolen garments. Today, when visiting the Barrington Woolen Mill Museum, expect to witness demonstrations of handspinning, dyeing, processing and weeving wool. Open June 1-September 30: Monday-Saturday 9:30pm-5:30pm and Sunday 1:00pm-5:30pm. Admission charged.
Shelburne
Share in Shelburne's rich history as you pass 18th century homes and revitalised commercial buildings along Dock Street, witness historic re-enactments on the waterfront and enjoy visits to interesting museums. Learn of the 3000 United Empire Loyalists, who arrived by ships from New York and settled the town in 1783, and Shelburne's impressive shipbuilding heritage. This charming seaside town will leave you with a lasting impression.
Population: 2,132
Industries: Fishing, Lumbering, Manufacturing
The Dory Shop Museum
While passing through Shelburne, perhaps stop to visit The Dory Shop Museum. Since the late 19th century, Shelburne dories have been known for their exceptional strength and preferred by not only local fishermen, but also those in Newfoundland and Gloucester. Dories are still built to order in Shelburne and therefore this craft can be viewed several days week. Telling the complete tale of Shelburne's dory making history, The Dory Museum is open 9:30am-5:30pm daily from June 1-September 30. Admission charged.
Liverpool
Nova Scotia's "Port of Privateers", Liverpool is the privateering capital of North America. Explore this historic town and discover its art galleries, museums, gift shops and waterfront trails along the Mersey River. While history buffs may wish to relive the past at the Queen's County Museum, fans of country music might prefer to visit The Hank Snow County Music Centre.
Population: 3,295
Industries: Tourism, Pulp mill
Fort Point Lighthouse
Built in 1855 to guide mariners through the Mersey River, Fort Point Lighthouse is the site of a former privateer's fort used to defend the town and trading routes throughout the 18th century. Fort Point Lighthouse, a Provincial Heritage Property, is open to visitors between May 15 and October 20 and features various interpretive panels, models and audiovisual presentations. A part of Fort Park Lighthouse Park, there are also picnic facilities on site and a boardwalk nearby.
Hank Snow Country Music Centre
Renowned country music musician Hank Snow was born just outside the town of Liverpool, NS in 1914. To celebrate his success, Liverpool's historic CN Railway Station has been converted into the Hank Snow Country Music Centre and houses such memorabilia as Hank's 1947 convertible Cadillac. The Hank Snow Country Music Centre is also home to Nova's Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame and a Railroad Room that features displays detailing the early days of railroads. Open May 15-October 15. Admission charged.
Perkins House Museum
Visit the home where Simeon Perkins, a famous diarist, once entertained governors, privateers, captains and preachers during the late 1700s. In his journals, Perkins, a merchant, shipbuilder, judge and MLA, vividly described everyday life in a colonial town from 1760 until his death in 1812. Open June 1-October 15, Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm and Sunday 1:00pm-5:30pm. Admission charged.
Rossignol Cultural Centre
The Rossignol Cultural Centre, a relatively new attraction, is one of the most popular attractions along Nova Scotia's Lighthouse Route. A centre of museums and galleries, favorites include the Apothecary Museum, Wildlife Museum, Museum of the Outhouse, the English Room, Wildlife Art Gallery and Folk Art Gallery. In addition to these displays, the Rossignol Cultural Centre is also home to the Library of Art and Wildlife and an outdoor Cultural Village featuring Indian tipis, log cabins, a British blockhouse and an Acadian cottage. Open May 15-October 15: Monday-Saturday from 10:00am-5:30pm, and Sunday (July & August only) from 12:00pm-5:30pm. Admission charged. (Admission to the Rossignol Cultural Centre also include admission to the nearby Sherman Hines Museum of Photography.)
Queens County Museum
Just next door to Perkins House, Queens County Museum tells tales of the county's economy and cultural life since its settlement in 1759. Permanent displays within the museum detail Mi'kmaq heritage, the days of privateering, WWI, WWII and the forestry and shipbuilding industries. Open June 1-October 15, Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm and Sunday 1:00pm-5:30pm. Admission charged.
Ovens Natural Park
Created by thousands of years of the ocean's crashing waves, the Ovens' sea caves are a spectacular sight. Follow the dramatic seacliff nature trail at Ovens Natural Park to discover several such sea caves, two of which can be entered. This site is also popular due to a major gold discovery here in 1861. Visitors today enjoy visiting the small gold rush museum and panning for gold on the gravel beach. Guided walks of the Ovens Natural Park are available at a small cost and boat tours to the sea caves are also offered at an additional cost. The park is open mid-May through early October, daily 8am-9pm.
Lunenburg
Home of the famed Bluenose Schooner, Lunenburg is one of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful and historic towns and is filled with colorful, preserved homes and commercial buildings that overlook the active harbour. Discover quaint waterfront boutiques, a working marine blacksmith and dory shop and Knaut Rhuland House as your explore Old Town. In addition, no visit to Lunenburg would be complete without stopping by the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, a former fish processing plant that showcases the region’s rich heritage. Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Population: 2,568
Industries: Small businesses, High-tech industries, Trade plants
Community Links:
http://www.town.lunenburg.ns.ca/
http://www.lunenburgns.com/
Mahone Bay
Once a major shipbuilding center, today Mahone Bay’s many historic waterfront buildings are home to a variety of art galleries, craft shops, cafés and restaurants. Visit Amos Pewter and observe the art of casting, spinning and finishing pewter. This small picturesque village is also home to one of Canada’s most photographed scenes: At the head of the narrow inlet which the town is set around, see towering spires of three adjacent churches. A truly charming Maritime community.
Population: 991
Community Link: http://www.mahonebay.com/
Amos Pewter Economuseum
While travelling along Nova Scotia's southern coastline be sure to stop at the Amos Pewter Economuseum for a free guided tour, live demonstration and a little bit of shopping! Set on the shores of Mahone Bay, many Amos Pewter designs are inspired by the beautiful, seaside surroundings. Amos Pewter products are a fine tribute to this traditional form of craftmanship.
Oak Island
Although it is not open to the public, the secret of Oak Island has puzzled adventurers and explorers since 1795 and is considered one of the world’s greatest archeological mysteries. A Money Pit, water-filled tunnels and elaborate traps. What is buried, who buried it and why it was buried remains a mystery even today.
Ross Farm Museum
A living agricultural museum, Ross Farm is the former home of Capt. William Ross and his wife Mary. When visiting Ross Farm you will learn what farming was like in the early 1800s as you allow costumed interpreters to bring this 23-hectare settlement to life. View barrelmaking, black-smithing, spinng and cooking demostrations, visit the heirloom gardens and see numerous species of heritage animals including oxen, berkshire pigs, poultry and southdown sheep. Visitors may also enjoy a nature hike through the woodlands or along the lake's shore. Summer hours: May 1-October 31, 9:30am-5:30pm daily. Off-season hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30am-4:30pm. Admission charged.
Peggy's Cove
Set on Indian Harbour, Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is renowned for its resilience against all types of weather. The large granite rocks on which this famous lighthouse sits have been smoothed by years and years of washing from the Atlantic Ocean’s mighty waves. Within the lighthouse, the only one in North America to contain a post office, see a unique stamp collection and outside view magnificent scenes in all directions. In the surrounding fishing village, visit various shops for interesting crafts and souvenirs or a local restaurant for a nice meal. Also, not far from Peggy’s Cove, find the Swissair Memorial dedicated to the 229 passengers and crew who lost their lives on Swissair Flight 111 off the coast of Peggy’s Cove on September 2, 1998.
Population: 50
Industries: Tourism, Fishing
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