Keep the camera flashing
Escape to Southern Nova Scotia and discover a truly unique experience. From the longest golf season in Nova Scotia, to the numerous seaside festivities and the beauty of surrounding woodland, beaches and walking trails, Yarmouth & Acadian Shores is one of the best kept secrets of Nova Scotia. Take your time and visit some of the local attractions.
Contact: Angela Collier Civic Address: 341 Main St., Yarmouth, NS Phone: 902.749.2248 Open: Open year-round; May 19 - Oct 12, open daily 10am-5pm (- 8pm Jul 3 - Aug 28); Oct-May, open Fri-Sun, noon-5pm. Admission: Admission charged.
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Western Branch continues to bring the art of the world to Nova Scotia and the art of Nova Scotia to the world. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is the only provincial art gallery in Canada to have a satellite branch. Its establishment helps to make art more accessible across the province and bring the visual arts and Nova Scotians together.
Contact: Denise Nickerson Civic Address: End of highway 304 in Cape Forchu Phone: 902-742-4522 Open: Museum open May 26–Oct 10; grounds open year-round. Admission: Admission by donation.
This stunning lighthouse sits atop a 17 acre park. Facilities include: museum, tea room, 2 gift shops, walking trails and look-off points. This is Nova Scotia’s 2nd most photographed lighthouse and is the Beacon to Canada. Many events take place throughout the summer.
Contact: Christine Pothier Civic Address: Route #3, Ste-Anne-du-Ruisseau Open: Open year-round; bilingual guided tours from mid-May to September 1. Admission: Free-will offering.
Église Ste-Anne Church is the oldest Acadian parish on mainland Nova Scotia. A municipally registered heritage property, the architecture and decor of Église Ste-Anne Church speaks eloquently of local faith and artisanship. In 1999, a painting of the annunciation was found in the church rectory’s attic, and is believed to have entered the collection of the church through its founder Father Sigogne in 1799.
Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse
Contact: Roger d’Entremont Civic Address: Hwy 103, Exit 31 to Rte 335, south 10 km (6 mi), left on School St, right on Old Church Rd. Lower West Pubnico. Phone: 902-762-2530; Toll Free:1-888-381-8999 Open: Open Jun 2–Oct 10, daily 9am–5pm. Admission: Admission charged.
An historic village featuring the colourful culture of the Acadians, in the oldest Acadian region still inhabited by descendants of its founder; pre-1920s work and lifestyle; houses, fish sheds, and blacksmith shop from the 1800s; old Acadian cemetery; lighthouse dating to late 1800s. Panoramic view of beautiful Pubnico Harbour. Bilingual guides.
Contact: Bernice d'Entremont Civic Address: #898 Highway 335, West Pubnico Phone: 902.762.3380 Open: Open Jun 3–Sep 15, Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 12:30–4:30pm. Archives/research centre open year-round on Thur or by appointment. Admission: Admission $3, F(12). Research fee $5.
A unique experience in an authentic Acadian community founded in 1653. Discover Acadian history and culture through collections of artifacts and an Acadian homestead built c. 1864. Features include: an aboiteau (300 year-old Acadian drainage system), heritage garden, research and genealogy centre; maps and original land grants for the area from the late 1700s. Programs, demonstrations and events throughout summer.
Civic Address: 1713 Route #1, Church Point Phone: 902-769-2832 Open: mid-May to mid-October Admission: Free-will offering.
The largest wooden church in North America—the steeple reaches 185 feet (56.4 m) above the ground. It was built over a period of two years, from 1903 to 1905. Since the year 2000 this breathtaking structure is also a registered museum. It houses two exhibit rooms displaying various artifacts, mostly liturgical vestments and objects from years long past. These exhibits are the only ones of their kind in Nova Scotia.
Contact: Loren Fevens Civic Address: 112 Water St, Yarmouth Phone: 902-742-3457 Open: May 19–Oct 24 (STC), 10am–6pm daily. Admission: Admission adult $3, youth/senior $2.50, family $7.50, F(5).
The W. L. Sweeney Fisheries Museum was created by his son and daughters to tell the story of the men and women of Laurence Sweeney Fisheries Limited, of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Step across the threshold and back in time. Explore the Sweeney marine heritage through unique exhibits: a simulation of a traditional fishing wharf, complete with fishing, processing and ship repair sheds, wharf decks and even a coastal freighter. Nothing is roped off in this interactive museum - come in for a unique and authentic experience, hands-on!
Th’yarc (the Yarmouth Arts Regional Centre) is the largest multi-function performance centre in southwestern Nova Scotia. Th’yarc presents both professional and amateur artists, including dramas, comedies and musicals. The centre consists of a 343 soft seat theatre with fly tower, an art gallery, an artist studio, an etching studio and a costume studio. It operates year round with a staff of three and approximately 300 volunteers.
Contact: Nadine Gates Civic Address: 22 Collins St., Yarmouth Phone: 902-742-5539 Open: Open year round, hours vary by season. Admission: Adults $3; $5 for Museum + Pelton-Fuller House; family, senior, student & child rates.
Award-winning general history museum with an emphasis on Yarmouth's seafaring history. Collections of china, glass, costumes, furnishings, toys, tools, musical instruments, ship portraits and models, etc. Period rooms. Archives and genealogical research centre. Next door is the Pelton-Fuller House, summer home of the "Fuller Brush Man".
The 65,000 sq foot Mariner’s Centre is host to a variety of activities including concerts, trade shows, conferences, large catered events or ice related activities. Southwestern Nova Scotia’s multi-entertainment center features two ice surfaces, full service kitchen for catered events up to 1000, Mariner’s room bar and lounge, boardroom and concert facilities for up to 3000 people. This center is also home to the Yarmouth Jr. A Mariner’s hockey team.
Contact: Nicole Boudreau Civic Address: 23 Lighthouse Road, Unit 1 - Université Sainte-Anne campus, Church Point Phone:902-769-1234 Open: Year-round.
The Rendez-vous de la Baie Cultural and Interpretive Centre, located on the campus of Université Ste-Anne in Church Point, is a vibrant hub of activity where residents, students and visitors meet. The Centre houses an artist run gallery, the only year-round visitor information centre in the region, a souvenir boutique, a theatre/cinema and an internet café where live music and other events are regularly held. The new Acadian Interpretive Centre introduces visitors to the culture of Acadians in Clare through their history, language, music and much more (Admission varies).
This site commemorates the location where a group of Acadians, fleeing the Expulsion, arrived in 1755. It is also the site of the first Acadian cemetery of Saint Mary's Bay, used as a burial ground until 1786. The Little Chapel, with its statue of the Immaculate Conception, dates back to 1892. It is the second chapel built on this site and as a reminder of the sacredness of these grounds.
Argyle Township Court House & Archives
Contact: Peter M. Crowell Civic Address: 8168 Hwy 3, Tusket Phone: 902-648-2493 Open: Jun 1–Oct 30, Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm; also weekends 9am–5pm in July & Aug.
The oldest standing courthouse in Canada (a National Historic Site), built in 1805 and restored in 1982. Includes cell-block, jail-keepers’ quarters, furnished courtroom, grand jury room and judges’ chambers. Guided tours.
Civic Address: Various sites throughout Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Open: Year round
Visit 25 historic and cultural sites that tell the Acadian story in Yarmouth & Acadian Shores. This is a self-directed tour that requires a vehicle. Pick up a tour brochure at a visitor information centre or local accommodation.
Contact: Albert Geddry Civic Address: 728 Maza Rd, Bangor Phone: 1-877-462-5273 Open: Jul 1–Aug 31, Tue–Sun 10:30am–4:30pm; saw demonstrations 3pm or by appointment.
Restored 19th-century water-powered turbine lumber sawmill on the Meteghan River; interpretive centre. One of the last functioning mills of this kind in North America. A major industry in this region's past and a reminder of the time when hundreds of such mills were seen along the many rivers of western Nova Scotia. Guided tours.
Collins Heritage Conservation District
Civic Address: Collins Street area, Town of Yarmouth
The Collins Heritage Conservation District delivers a strong reminder of the Yarmouth’s prosperous past and prominence during the "Age of Sail" as a major center of shipping. The majority of residences within the district (31 in total) were built for ship owners and other merchants between 1875 and 1900. Several homes were also built for Master Mariners who were prominent locally, and are associated with the town’s shipping history.
Contact: Jean Louis Robichaud Civic Address: 9650 Rte 1, Saulnierville Phone: 902.769.2113 Open: Open May 15–Oct 15.
Sacred Heart Church sits atop a hill and its steeple can be seen from both ends of the village. It has splendid panoramic view of St. Mary's Bay. This beautifully kept historic wooden church was built c. 1880. Bilingual guides in Jul & Aug.
Firefighters' Museum of Nova Scotia
Contact: David Darby Civic Address: 451 Main St., Yarmouth Phone: 902-742-5525 Open: Open year-round: Jun 1–Oct 15, Mon–Sat 9am–5pm (in Jul & Aug 9am–9pm, plus Sun 10am–5pm); O/S Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm, Sat 1–4pm.
Rare collection of firefighting equipment and memorabilia, including one of Canada's oldest steam pumpers, an 1863 Amoskeag; examples of almost every type of fire engine ever used in Nova Scotia; many smaller items e.g. antique toy fire engines.
Visit the first shop of a proud Maritime institution: Frenchy’s. Frenchy’s is a used clothing outlet that sells new and name brand clothing at very low prices. The first Frenchy’s store opened in this location in 1972, and there are now several hundred Frenchy’s to be found throughout the Maritimes.
Contact: Nadine Gates Civic Address: 90 Water St., Yarmouth Phone: 902-742-5539 Open: Open May 15–Oct 14, daily 9am–5pm. Interpretive guides on duty.
During Yarmouth's golden age of sail Killam Brothers Shipping Office prospered, playing a major role in Yarmouth's financial growth. Visit a mid-1800s shipping office, largely unchanged since the Killam Brothers ran their fleet of sailing vessels from this office in the 1800s. One of our unique displays is the original half model of the 1861 ship Research, complemented by the story telling of its "Voyage of Many Rudders".
Contact: Nadine Gates Civic Address: 20 Collins St., Yarmouth Phone: 902-742-5539 Open: May 15–Oct 14, Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm.
Welcome to the summer home of the Fuller-Brush man! This Victorian home (c. 1895) features period-furnished rooms, costumes and memorabilia of the “Fuller Brush Man” and his company. This is the only “sea-captain” home in Yarmouth open to the public.
Civic Address: Route #1, Saint Alphonse Open: July-August, bilingual tour guides available.
Saint Alphonse church (1921) is a special place of worship due to the simplicity of its construction and work of local craftsmen who built the wooden altar and grotto. The altar walls are adorned with murals of one of the area’s very talented artists, Pius LeBlanc, and depicts scenes from the New Testament.
Église Saint Bernard Church
Civic Address: Rte 1, St. Bernard Phone: 902-837-5687 Open: Open Jun 1–Sep 30.
This church, built over a span of 32 years (1910-1942) is a testament to the determination and coordinated efforts of farmers, lumberjacks and fishermen. The three foot thick granite block walls gives it a unique style. Musique Saint-Bernard concerts are presented throughout the summer.
Université Sainte-Anne
Contact: Murielle Comeau Péloquin Civic Address: Route #1, Church Point Phone:902-769-2114 Open: Open year-round.
Imagine studying French while being totally immersed in the language and culture! The Université Sainte-Anne French Immersion Program affords students that exact opportunity; by eating, sleeping, studying, working and playing in French 24 hours a day, students can gain a surprising degree of proficiency and confidence.
Contact: Doris Bain Civic Address:57 Tuna Wharf Rd, Lower Wedgeport Phone: 902-663-4345 Open: Open Jun 15–Sep 15.
A museum and interpretive centre, featuring mementos and pictures from the 1930s to the ’70s of the Sport Tuna Fishing Capital of the World. Fishing exhibits, fish tank, touch tank, Acadian history, Wedgeport general history & videos. Nature trail.
Eel Lake Oyster Farm is home to the Ruisseau Oyster, which are available in small, medium, large and jumbo sizes. Over 1 million oysters are raised in the salt water lake and are sold commercially. Tours are available of the site and harvesting process, please call ahead.
Civic Address: Highway 3 to Ste. Anne du Ruisseau, turn down Rocco Point Road Amenities: Restrooms, rest areas
A .5km trail located at Rocco Point (est. 1784), site of the first Acadian Mass celebrated post-deportation. Points of interest include a chapel, Stations of the Cross and a boardwalk leading to an observation deck. Rocco Point is an especially rich birding site as it is surrounded by salt water.
Sea Captains' Homes and Mercantile Heritage Walk
Civic Address: Clustered from Albert St. through to Parade St. in Yarmouth. More throughout the Town and Area.
Yarmouth is home to 400 sea captain’s homes, built between 1850 and 1900. These impressive homes are a testament to the sea, and the wealth is has generated. Architectural styles include: second empire, Greek revival, Queen Anne revival, Gothic revival, Georgian, Italianate, vernacular and eclectic. Pick up a copy of the Yarmouth walking tour to guide your way.
Stanley Lobster is a lobster refrigeration and holding company. They have access to 500,000+ lbs. of live lobster, most of which is stored onsite in their facility. Visit for a tour or pick your own live lobster from the tank, to have it either cooked onsite or packed to take away. Visit Neptune’s Chair on the beach to feel like the king of the sea.
What To Do 
