Yarmouth and Acadian Shores, Nova Scotia

Acadian Shores Interpretive Tour

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.

Acadian Shores Interpretive Tour Brochure (1.2MB)

Cape St. Mary’s Cliffs

Civic Address: Take Cape St. Mary Rd on Route #1 in the village of Mavillette. Proceed to end.

The cliffs at Cape St. Mary were formed millions of years ago by the power of the sea. Located 1 km away from sandy Mavilette Beach, they offer visitors a stunning vista and an opportunity to get up close and touch the cliffs. As this location faces west, it is a prime location to have some privacy and watch the sunset. Locals say it is one of the most romantic places in the area, with the pounding surf and call of the sea.

Goose Creek Marsh

Civic Address: Off route #3 in Glenwood, turn down the Robert’s Island turn-off.

The Stan O’Brien Interpretive Trail is a 1.5km trail leading through the Goose Creek Marsh to an island dominated by oak trees. It offers an easy walk through a variety of natural eco-systems. This site includes a dam that holds fresh water in and keeps the salt water out. This ensures optimal conditions for the many waterfowl, including herons, kingfishers, and several species of ducks that are abundant along the trail. The trail site is managed by Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Jerome Monument

Civic Address: Meteghan Cemetery.

The person of Jerome has been shrouded in mystery since he was found on the shores of Sandy Cove, September 8th, 1863. He was a castoff from a passing ship, and both of his legs had been surgically amputated above the knees. He was rumoured to be from Italy, and was once visited by people from far away. Jerome lived in the area until he passed away in 1912. A monument dedicated to his memory was erected in 2000.

La Barge

Civic Address: Travel along the Hubbard’s Point Rd in Tusket.

A barge demonstrates the traditional Acadian method of harvesting and drying salt hay. Until the 1950s, it was not uncommon to see over 1000 haystacks between Sluice Point and Hubbard’s Point, especially in the area known as “Passe de Pré”. The abundance of salt marshes in this region allowed for the large scale harvesting and drying of salt hay upon wooden haystacks, safe from the rising tide.

Little River

Civic Address: Take the Melbourne Rd from Arcadia.

The community of Little River is home to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, known locally as the Little River Duck Dog. The dog, bred to assist with duck hunting, is a great swimmer and full of energy. The community of Little River is surrounded by tidal salt marshes, and a visit will make it evident as to why the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a great hunting companion.

Lost to the Sea

Civic Address: On ocean side of route 304 near Overton

In the late 1800s, the shipping fleet from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia could boast of being the second largest in Canada. Its sea captains were renowned in seaports around the world, and like any large fleet, it had its share of misfortunes worldwide. With that in mind, in 1961, the Yarmouth Country Historical Society erected the “Lost to the Sea” Monument. The location was chosen as it was the first site of a ship launch in Yarmouth County, which occurred in 1764.

Piau’s Walk

Civic Address: Route 1 at the Belliveau Cove Park.

5 km hike on the Piau's Walk Trail. The trail starts in the park and proceeds through forest and shoreline and past an old Acadian cellar. It will take you about an hour to finish this loop. It is a very interesting seaside trail and has interpretive panels along the way.

Pubnico Park Wind Farm

Civic Address: At the very end of Highway 335, in Lower West Pubnico

Explore the rocky shoreline on the tip of West Pubnico, watching boats fish for both shellfish and ground fish. Nearby, on 5.2km of access roads, 17 windmills produce enough green energy to supply about 13,000 average Canadian homes. This hiking experience is both interesting and educational.

Sandford Drawbridge

Civic Address: Ross Durkee Rd in Sandford, Yarmouth County

The smallest drawbridge in the world is located at the Sandford wharf. The drawbridge allows fishermen and visitors to cross from one side of the harbour to the other without having to go all the way around the inner harbor via the road. When the boats are not engaged in fishing activities, they sail in from the ocean through a narrow channel to the inner harbour. The drawbridge allows the boats to pass through to where they will be moored until the next time they go out fishing.

The Marble Lady

Civic Address: Down the Town Point Rd in Chebogue.

The Marble Lady, commemorating the life of Margaret Lindsay McNaught Webster, is located at the Town Point Cemetery in Chebogue. At this location the first English-speaking setters in Yarmouth County arrived on June 9, 1761. Many of Yarmouth’s founding families are buried here, including the Marble Lady. Mrs. Webster died in the mid-1800s, and her husband commissioned the statue to honour her memory. The image was taken from a painting on a matchbox.