Eastern Shore Visitor and Activity Guide 2017

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Visitor and Activity

Guide 2017

Nova Scotia’s

EASTERN SHORE­­ easternshorens.ca


Visit St. Mary’s Rediscover Nature ... Experience a New Kind of Play ... Explore our Coastal Beauty With a Touch of Local Flavour !

A Beautiful Two Hour Scenic Drive from Halifax

www.saint-marys.ca


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Welcome

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ristine coastline with stunning sunsets, soothing gentle breezes, peaceful havens and sanctuaries designed by Mother Nature, and clear night skies filled with shining stars that will uplift your spirit and nourish your soul. This is what awaits you on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. We have an unspoiled beauty that our guests want to see and feel. There are many outdoor activities for adventurers and explorers. For those who truly want to understand life by the sea, there are experiences to deeply savour the stories, music, charm, and cuisine that are all an important part of our historic coastal communities. The Eastern Shore offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural unspoiled beauty of miles and miles of coastline, glorious rivers, and tranquil lakes, as well as the stirring music and inspiring arts and culture that resonate with the personality, character, and mosaic of our people. We’ve separated this guide into four sections, making it easy to navigate your way along our shore. We encourage you to venture off the beaten path and travel a side road where you’ll uncover a memorable treasure waiting just for you. Your memories made on the Eastern Shore, along with the warmth and sincerity of our people, will lure you to return time and again.

Lawrencetown Beach

Cole Harbour Heritage Farm

Liscombe Lodge Resort

Seawind Landing Country Inn

Welcome

If you have memories you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you. Visit us on Facebook at Destination Eastern Shore or email us at deansvic@gmail.com. We may even feature one of your pictures in next year’s guide.


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Table of Contents Welcome...............................................3 General Information................................5 Travel Tips..............................................6 Tips for Cycling the Eastern Shore.............7 Explore Our Great Outdoors................ 8–9 For the Love of Food! ............................ 10 Experience Our Past ............................. 12 Just Because ........................................ 13 Dartmouth to Musquodoboit Harbour to Musquodoboit Valley ........... 14–22 People of the Eastern Shore.............. 15 Top Photo Opportunities.................. 16 Souvenir Stops........................... 16–17 Attractions................................. 17–18 Dining....................................... 18–19 Accommodations............................ 20 Marinas..................................... 20–21 Beaches and Parks........................... 21 Golf Courses................................... 21 Trails .............................................. 21 Services ......................................... 22 Head of Jeddore to Sheet Harbour to Liscombe.............................23–29 People of the Eastern Shore.............. 24 Top Photo Opportunities.................. 25 Souvenir Stops................................ 25 Attractions................................ 25–26 Dining............................................ 26 Accommodations...................... 27–28 Beaches and Parks........................... 28

Marinas.......................................... 29 Tours and Guided Adventures........... 29 Trails .............................................. 29 Services ......................................... 29 Sherbrooke to Half Island Cove 30–35 People of the Eastern Shore.............. 31 Top Photo Opportunities.................. 32 Souvenir Stops................................ 32 Attractions................................ 32–33 Dining...................................... 33–34 Accommodations............................ 34 Beaches and Parks..................... 34–35 Trails............................................... 35 Services ......................................... 35 Canso to Guysborough to Canso Causeway..................36–40 People of the Eastern Shore.............. 37 Top Photo Opportunities.................. 38 Souvenir Stops................................ 38 Attractions...................................... 38 Dining...................................... 38–39 Accommodations............................ 39 Beaches and Parks........................... 39 Marinas.......................................... 39 Trails ........................................ 39–40 Services ......................................... 40 Celebrates Canada’s 150th.................... 41 Festivals and Events......................... 42–46

Cover photos: Main Image is Gran Fondo, Municipality of Guysborough by John Bastin Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Canso (Stanfest); Henley House Pub & Restaurant, Sheet Harbour; Sherbrooke Village, Sherbrooke.

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores would like to thank Dan Macdonald, Alex MacAulay, Janice Bray, Robert Moser, Sherbrooke Village, Memory Lane Heritage Village, Destination Halifax, Hollie Quick, Tourism Nova Scotia, Joey Yazer, Scott Cunningham, Lost Shores Gallery, and John Bastin for their photo contributions to this guide. Discover Nova Scotia’s coastal diversity… Visitor and Activity

Visitor and Activity

Guide 2017

Regional guides are produced by: Metro Guide Publishing 2882 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS B3K 3E2 t 902.420.9943 f  902.429.9058 e  publishers@metroguidepublishing­.ca metroguidepublishing.ca

Nova Scotia’s

ND SHORE RLAhore.com MBEberlands NORTHUnorthum

Guide 2017

Nova Scotia’s

EASTERN SHOR easternshorens.ca

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General Information

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Visitor Information Centres

Most seasonal Visitor Information Centres are open from mid-June to mid-October (subject to change). Call the numbers listed below or visit easternshorens.ca.

Musquodoboit Harbour

Sherbrooke

Guysborough

Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum 7895 Highway 7 902-889-2689

Inside Sherbrooke Village 42 Main Street 902-522-2400 888-743-7845

Old Court House Museum 106 Church Street 902-533-4008

Sheet Harbour

Canso

MacPhee House Museum 22404 Highway 7 902-885-2092

Whitman House Museum 1297 Union Street 902-366-2170

Mulgrave Heritage Centre 54 Loggie Street 902-747-2788

Ports EV Plug (J1772) Charging points for electric vehicles.

Canso Library

Mulgrave

Goldboro Interpretative Centre 12881 Highway 316, Goldboro Full time Sun Country Highway 40A

Veterinarians

169 Main Street, Canso Sun Country Highway 40A 902-366-2955

Eastern Shore Veterinary Hospital

Cyril Ward Library PlugScore 9.0 27 Pleasant Street, Guysborough Sun Country CS60 located in the rear parking lot. 902-533-3586 24 Hours

Porters Lake Shopping Centre, Chezzetcook 902-827-4257

Highland Veterinary Clinic 9996 Highway 16, Guysborough 902-533-2659

Stay connected

Watch for Wi-Fi signs when visiting our local tourism properties. Public Internet access is available at most Visitor Information Centres and public libraries. If you are having difficulty connecting, check your settings, as you may be better serviced switching to 3G along our shore. Cell phone coverage is limited in some areas.

Smoke-free places

Regulations require all public places in Nova Scotia to be smoke-free. Smoking is forbidden in outdoor licensed areas and patios of restaurants, lounges and beverage rooms.

Important numbers

Emergency / 911

Police, fire and medical emergencies.

Hospitals

Canso 746 Union Street 902-366-2794

Sherbrooke 91 Hospital Road 902-522-2882

Middle Musquodoboit RR#2, 492 Archibald Brook Road 902-384-2220

Guysborough 10560 Route 16 902-533-3702

Sheet Harbour 22637 Highway 7 902-885-2554

Musquodoboit Harbour 7704 Highway 7 902-889-2200

General Information

Non-emergency Medical Information / 811 Environment Canada Weather Information: 902-426-9090 / weatheroffice.gc.ca


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Travel Tips The Eastern Shore has 325 kilometres of winding, coastal highway. It is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Here are some approximate driving distances to help you plan your visit: Dartmouth to Musquodoboit Harbour................................ 35 km Musquodoboit Harbour to Middle Musquodoboit..............39 km Musquodoboit Harbour to Sheet Harbour..........................70 km Sheet Harbour to Sherbrooke...........................................80 km Sherbrooke to Canso..................................................... 135 km Canso to Guysborough...................................................... 48 km Guysborough to Canso Causeway.....................................52 km To make your stay as pleasant and as safe as possible, please keep these rules and regulations in mind: • The use of seatbelts and daytime running lights is compulsory. • Driving while under the influence of alcohol is against the law. • Nova Scotian law prohibits the use of a mobile phone or other device while operating a motor vehicle, unless it is with a hands-free device.

(30 minutes) (30 minutes) (55 minutes) (1 hour) (2 hours) (40 minutes) (45 minutes)

• It is illegal to smoke in vehicles carrying youths under 19 years of age. • Child safety seats are required for children under 18 kg (40 lbs) and booster seats are required for children under age nine or less than 4’9” in height. • The use of a helmet is mandatory for cyclists and motorcyclists. • We welcome cyclists along the Eastern Shore. Please share the road.

The Eastern Shore is a motorcyclists’ haven. The serenity of the coast will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed as you breathe in the fresh, salt-water breezes. For a more complete motorcycle adventure offering, you may purchase a motorcycle tour guide at several locations along the shore.

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Ferry Info The Country Harbour Ferry is a 12-car cable ferry named Stormont which connects Port Bickerton with Country Harbour. In summer, the ferry departs every 15 minutes. During the rest of the year, the ferry departs on the hour from the Country Harbour side and on the half hour from the Port Bickerton side. Signs are posted to notify travellers if the ferry is not running or you may phone 902-3872200. A toll of $7.00 is charged, so please have cash on hand (there is no debit machine on the ferry). This ferry is all part of the Eastern Shore experience, so feel free to get out of your car, stretch your legs, and talk to the crew during this short crossing. You’ll be glad you did! If you’ve missed the ferry, or prefer to drive, coming from Halifax, continue along Highway 7 until you reach Highway 348 at Melrose-Country Harbour Cross Roads (about 10 minutes). Turn right onto Highway 348 and continue for about 10 minutes until you reach Highway 316.


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Salt Marsh Trail, Cole Harbour

Tips for Cycling the Eastern Shore

2. Living on the wild wild coast Relax! Enjoy the unhurried pace of the Eastern Shore and stop to chat with the locals: they’re super friendly. You will also want to stop in at any café or store you come across on your route as there may not be another one for a while. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for your trip. 3. Which way to the beach? Travelling west, every road on your left leads to a beach. Travelling east, every road on your right leads to a beach. Pack a suit and go cool off in the surf. Another added bonus of cycling the coast: a chilly sea salt soak will invigorate your tired legs after a long ride.

4. All geared up A popular misconception is that Nova Scotia is flat—not so on the Eastern Shore. You will encounter long stretches of glorious rolling hills but at some point you will come up against a biter. Don’t poop yourself out too early. Use all your gears on the steep hills and remember, there is no shame in the “Grannie Gear.” As well, there are bike repair services along the shore in various areas. 5. Don’t forget to look around With so many awe-inspiring coastal views and points of interest, be sure to hop off your bike, grab your camera, and check out the wild islands. It’s a truly unique opportunity that you will not find anywhere else in the province. Take in your surroundings, breathe, and just be in the moment. Capture this amazing maritime experience so you can relive it again and again for years to come. Submitted By: Shore Active Transportation Association Cycling Group (shoreAT.ca)

Tips for Cycling the Eastern Shore

1. Check the weather then forget it Weather changes every five minutes in Nova Scotia so be prepared for everything. Got fog? Lucky you! There are many bonuses when cycling the coast, one of which is nature’s best kept beauty secret: the Fog Facial. It is a wonderful way to revitalize your skin.


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Explore our Great Outdoors

Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean, Murphy’s Cove

Hiking Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned hiker, prefer a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, you’ll find many great trail systems throughout the Eastern Shore. For self-guided walks and hikes, visit trails.gov.ns.ca. Near Spry Bay, The Friends of Taylor Head lead free hiking tours in what is considered by many to be one of the finest coastal trail systems in North America. For the 2017 schedule of events at Taylor Head Provincial Park, visit friendsoftaylorhead.com.

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Birding There are more than 236 species of birds that live in or pass through Nova Scotia, and the myriad of islands that dot the Eastern Shore coastline offer great vantage points for seeing them. You’ll find a gull colony on Half Island, just north of Canso. See bald eagles in the salt marshes near Grand Desert and West Chezzetcook. The bird sanctuary behind Martinique Beach is a winter home for Canada geese and black ducks, and is an important nesting area for the endangered piping plover. Other birding highlights around the region include Liscomb for spruce grouse and

the bogs along Tor Bay. The Friends of Taylor Head lead several free birding tours during the spring and summer months, as well as an Annual Christmas Bird Count each December.

Canoeing and kayaking The Musquodoboit River’s whitewater class 2 rapids present a rush for kayakers and canoeists, novice and expert alike. If you are a novice, the Eastern Shore is home to one of the East Coast’s most experienced sea-kayaking outfitters: Coastal Adventures in Tangier (902-772-2774 / coastaladventures.com). It offers kayak rentals, lessons, and guided tours.

Diving There are more than 500 shipwrecks just off the shores of Guysborough County and you’ll find many excellent locations along Chedabucto Bay where you can dive under the water and explore them. For more information on diving on the Eastern Shore, visit the Causeway Diver Supply in Auld’s Cove (902-747-2429 / causewaydiver.ca).


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Lawrencetown Beach

Fishing

Surfing

Some of the world’s best seafood is found in our lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Try your hand at catching your own supper; check with local outfitters and tackle shops for details on seasons, rivers, limits, and license requirements. For two designated days in winter and two designated days in spring, it’s legal to fish (except for salmon) without a license. For sportsfishing dates visit “sports fishing” on novascotia.ca. The St. Mary’s River Interpretive Centre in Sherbrooke (902-522-2099) supports a catch-and-release program, celebrating and protecting the majestic Atlantic salmon. Or get out on the open ocean and book a deep-sea fishing adventure: Murphy’s Scenic Boat Tours in Tangier (902-772-2700 / murphyscampingontheocean.ca) offers fishing and mussel tours. Complete packages, including airfare, transportation, and accommodations are available for the fishing experience of a lifetime with TunaXXL Charters based out of Canso (902-318-3202).

Half of all Atlantic hurricanes pass through these waters, creating exceptional surfing conditions at Lawrencetown and Martinique beaches. Whether you’re a beginner looking to ride your first wave or a life-long tow-in addict seeking a monster barrel ride, the surfing scene here will make you grin. For equipment rentals and lessons and events, check out surfns.com.

All Terrain Vehicles

Wild Islands Archipelago Follow the Wild Islands Tourism Advancement Partnership work being done on the Wild Islands Archipelago on facebook or visit them at witap.ca

Explore Our Great Outdoors

There are several trails along the Eastern Shore that are very popular with ATV enthusiasts and rallies take place throughout the year. For more details on scheduled events, visit atvans.org.


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Stuffed French Toast Recipe courtesy of Seawind Landing Country Inn

Whip the cream cheese with a handheld mixer adding the sugar gradually. Continue whipping until all the sugar is added and dissolved. Mix the cooled blueberry mixture and cream cheese together until well blended. Whisk eggs together with cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. A little (1/4 cup) fresh orange juice at this point adds a beautiful extra element to the recipe.

For the filling: 1 block cream cheese (250g) 1 cup frozen blueberries 1/4 cup sugar, plus a little more 1 tsp cornstarch 1 lemon

For the french toast:

2013 Eastern Shore Guide 2017

8 slices day-old baguette or sandwich bread 4 large eggs 1/4 cup cream 1 Tbsp artificial vanilla extract cinnamon Let the cream cheese come to room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave. Meanwhile, zest half the lemon and add it to the frozen blueberries. Squeeze the lemon juice and add it to the blueberries. Heat the mixture gently until the berries are just bubbling. Dissolve the cornstarch in a little water and add it to the berries. Stir for a minute or two until the mixture thickens. Cool.

Soak bread slices, one at a time, on one side only. Allow each piece to absorb as much of the egg/cream mixture as possible. Over medium heat, melt a small pat of butter in a frying pan. When the foam has subsided, place slice of the bread in the pan, soaked side down. Add a generous spoonful of the blueberry mixture to the bread and top with another bread slice with the soaked side on top. Lower heat to medium-low and let the stuffed french toast cook on one side for 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully flip the assembly and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, letting the egg and cream mixture cook, not just fry on the surface of the bread. Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top of each stuffed french toast portion. With a torch, caramelize the sugar by passing the torch slowly and steadily over the sugar until it begins to melt. Garnish with fresh fruit and pass the Nova Scotia maple syrup...this is an epic way to start your day. Serves four.



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Experience Our Past Imagine a day where you are moved by the history of the local Acadian people, where your heart is warmed by stories of lighthouse keepers of old, and where you can walk in the footsteps of the historic settlers of this shore.

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Hands-on History Program, Sherbrooke Village

History buffs will find the Eastern Shore a fascinating destination rich in stories that make up this region’s past. A vast physical and cultural history is well-documented at our many museums, historical sites, and interpretive trails found in the area. And don’t forget to ask the locals. They are often the source of some of the best stories you’ll ever hear.

over 25 of those open to the public, it depicts life in a typical Nova Scotian village from 1860 to pre-First World War. With costumed interpreters breathing life into the past, it’s a wonderful place to spend a day. Be sure to visit the woodturner shop, the blacksmith, and the ambrotype photography studio.

Memory Lane Heritage Village 5435 Clam Harbour Road, Lake Charlotte Rinso soap flakes, coaster brakes, party lines, baked beans and brown bread… all are part of this award-winning living history museum just 50 minutes from Halifax. Stroll back in time to the 1940s, when pink fridges and green washing machines were the height of modern convenience. Cuddle a kitten while sitting on the running board of a bright red 1948 International pick-up. Experience an era of transition, when oil lamps faded away to bare lightbulbs, and the Second World War changed rural life forever.

Le Parc de Nos Ancêtres Highway 316, Larry’s River A unique historic park located across the road from l’Eglise St. Pierre and the cemetery where Acadian ancestors lie at rest. Ten large painted rocks, with artwork by local artists, individually feature chapters in the history of the Tor Bay Acadians, from their departure from France to their settlement along this bay. Accompanying bilingual interpretive panels explain each painting and chapter. The park is designed in an anchor formation symbolizing the resolve of the first settlers to anchor themselves to this local area.

Sherbrooke Village 42 Main Street, Sherbrooke Located along the shores of the beautiful St. Mary’s River, historic Sherbrooke Village is a place frozen in time. With approximately 80 original buildings and

Canso Island National Historic Site 1465 Union Street, Canso Grassy Island National Historic Site in Canso offers a glimpse into the past with exhibits and an island walking tour covering 400 years of the fishing industry


in Nova Scotia. Start your tour at the Information Centre where you’ll find life-sized dioramas of 18th-century living and artifacts recovered from the island. A short, free ferry ride takes you to Grassy Island where you can follow a walking trail past the remnants of a stone fort and houses of the island’s most prominent residents. Learn about the trials and achievements of the hardy people who made this place their home. Out of the Fog Museum Highway 16, Half Island Cove (between Guysborough and Canso) Don’t let the size of this little museum fool you, for inside this volunteer-curated-andoperated museum lies a lot of heart. The Keepers of the Beacons Society maintain the museum. Its members are former lightkeepers and their families, fishermen, and others with ties to this once essential occupation. In addition to the extensive

collection of artifacts, expect to hear a few great stories.

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Old Courthouse Museum 106 Church St, Guysborough The Old Courthouse Museum tells the story of the area’s marine, agricultural, and forestry-related history. It houses a large collection of tools and handcrafted artifacts from local Black and Acadian settlements. The museum resides in the 173-year-old court house built in the British bulldog architectural style. Its commanding look and location reminded residents of the importance of law and order in the colonies. The museum is lovingly curated by the Guysborough Historical Society, whose staff will welcome you and assist with your exploration of the past. Pick up a guide to the Guysborough Historic Walking Tour to learn more about this beautiful seaside village.

Just because As you enjoy all that the Eastern Shore has to offer, we had to mention these unique, can’t-miss experiences. Giant hummingbird sculpture Cornerstone Park, 2 Elm Drive, Middle Musquodoboit Local self-taught artist and nature lover Roberta (Bobby) Annand (1920-2014) wanted Musquodoboit to have something in the community that would stand out—the biggest something. At age 92, she commissioned AtlantexCreativeWorks to create a giant hummingbird sculpture of her own design. In May 2013, her vision was realized with the unveiling of her ruby-throated hummingbird sculpture. Measuring more than eight feet from its beak to the tip of its tail, the hummingbird is believed to be the largest outdoor hummingbird sculpture in North America.

Playground at Upper Musquodoboit 8747 Highway 224, Upper Musquodoboit Come play on Nova Scotia’s largest wooden playground. These giant old-school, castle-like structures are begging to be climbed and played on in this hidden gem. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the impressive wooden towers, wavy slides, and themed sections for imaginative play. 10099 Highway 7, Head of Jeddore A truly amazing place to stop. These gardens on a south-facing hillside feature beautiful views overlooking the eastern arm at the head of Jeddore Harbour. About three acres of land, pathways, rock walls, and stairways lead visitors through a variety of formal, semi-formal, Japanese-style, and eclectic gardens. The gardens open the second week of May until the first week of September each year.

Experience Our Past

Harbour Breezes Daylilies


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Lawrencetown Beach

Dartmouth to Musquodoboit Harbour to Musquodoboit Valley While sinking your toes in the soft sand at the longest sandy beach in the province (Martinique), you’ll find it hard to believe you’re just a little over a 40-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown Halifax. This section of the Eastern Shore boasts several other beautiful beaches as well, including Lawrencetown Beach, an international surfing destination. On this shore, enjoy as much or as little activity as you like. Hunt for beach treasures in the sand or search for the best waves out in the cool waters of the Atlantic. The adventure, or the relaxation, is yours to enjoy.

Fisherman’s Cove, Eastern Passage

Photo: Destination Halifax

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Venture onto Highway 357 and you’ll be welcomed into Musquodoboit Valley. Enjoy a bit of live theatre or fine musical entertainment at the Bicentennial Theatre before bedding down at a quaint bed and breakfast for the night and be sure to take a selfie with the giant hummingbird sculpture, believed to be the largest in North America.


People of the Eastern Shore

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The Kerr Family, River Oaks Golf and Country Club

Brother Laurin Kerr, Dad Merlin Kerr, and Kevin Kerr. Missing is sister Diane Barnes

In September 1986, an 18-hole golf course opened on what had previously been a 106 acres cattle farm in Meagher’s Grant. The River Oaks Golf Club project took 14 months of construction by Merlin Kerr Woodworking Ltd. Merlin Kerr, the club’s owner, and developer, made

a major contribution to golf in Nova Scotia. From the early construction stage, Kerr took measure to conserve trees, to protect the meandering Musquodoboit River, and to preserve nearby wildlife habitats. River Oaks employs 25 people on a seasonal basis and the company is also active in the community. Though not a golfer himself, Kerr saw the club as a chance to do something for his home community. In 1998, the River Oaks Country Lodge opened nearby offering golfers a place to stay while visiting. The lodge built upon the total experience with increased visitation and increased revenue to the Eastern Shore region. River Oaks is a success story for the Kerr family, for the golfing community, and for the community.

River Oaks Golf Club

Dartmouth to Musquodoboit Harbour to Musquodoboit Valley

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Martinique Beach

Top Photo Opportunities (Dartmouth to Musquodoboit Harbour to Musquodoboit Valley) Tower at Hope for Wildlife rehabilitation facility 5909 Highway 207, Seaforth Not for the faint of heart…climb to the top of the tower located near the back of the property for a commanding view of beautiful Seaforth. Any photos taken from up here will have a dramatic aerial-view quality.

Gibraltar Rock and Musquodoboit River Hike up to Gibraltar Rock, a steep granite peak on the Musquodoboit Trailway system, and you’ll be rewarded with a fine view of the Musquodoboit River winding through the moss-covered gorge below.

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Giant Hummingbird Sculpture Cornerstone Park, 2 Elm Drive, Middle Musquodoboit Local self-taught artist and nature lover Roberta (Bobby) Annand (1920-2014) wanted Musquodoboit to have something in the community that would stand out—the biggest something. At age 92, she commissioned AtlantexCreativeWorks to create a giant hummingbird sculpture of her own design. In May 2013, her vision was realized with the unveiling of her ruby-throated hummingbird sculpture. Measuring more than eight feet from its beak to the tip of its tail, the hummingbird is believed to be the largest outdoor hummingbird sculpture in North America.

Souvenir Stops Fancy Lucky Seaside Shop Highway 207, Lawrencetown 902-476-8876

Fancy Lucky Seaside Shop is a mixture of vintage and modern clothing, as well as locally made goods, with an emphasis on sustainability and “slow fashion” (buying quality pieces that will last a lifetime). The shop stocks natural fibres such as wool, linen, silk, and cotton along with a fully stocked herbal wellness section that includes teas, tinctures, soaps, and body products. A second shop, called The Hope Perch and inspired by Hope for Wildlife, sells locally made goods that relate to nature and animals. A percentage of every sale here supports Hope for Wildlife.

MacDonald House, 4144 Lawrencetown Road, Lawrencetown 902-434-7985 Built in 1949, this historic house sits atop a dramatic cliff overlooking Stoney Beach to the west and Lawrencetown Beach to the east. Previously a private home, the house is now run by a non-profit volunteer-led community association. MacDonald House offers a great mixture of local businesses, including Kanon Beach Wind & Surf, The Heron’s Nest Tea Room, Fancy Lucky Seaside Shop, Mid-Century Maniac, and Open View Pre-School. The house is open year-round to visitors.

Tin Roof Mercantile & Café 6321 Highway 7, Head of Chezzetcook 902-827-5313 / tinroof.ca This Eastern Shore favourite houses a plethora of gifts, quality clothing, and home-décor items. While browsing the extensive collection of charming products, you’re sure to be beckoned toward the back of the shop to the café.

Old Times, Old Friends Antiques & Collectables & Dolls 414 East Petpeswick Road, Musquodoboit Harbour


Acadian House Museum / L’Acadie de Chezzetcook 79 Hill Road, Highway 207, Grand Desert 902-827-5992 Experience Acadian life as lived in Grand Desert and Chezzetcook. This circa 1850 house offers local heritage displays. Special events take place year-round in La Grange (the re-created barn). Open July 1 to August 31, closed on Mondays.

902-889-3125 Go antiquing! If you love antiques, stop by and browse this collection of treasures on your way to Martinique Beach in Musquodoboit Harbour. Childhood items are the specialty (toys, games, dolls, and tea sets) but you are sure to find whatever items you’ve been searching for in this extensive collection. Open daily from June to mid-October and by chance or appointment during the rest of the year.

Attractions Fisherman’s Cove 4 Government Wharf Road, Eastern Passage 902-465-6093 / fishermanscove.ns.ca Explore a restored 200-year-old fishing village, walk the boardwalk, sample seafood, shop for souvenirs, and book a tour to go whale watching or deep-sea fishing.

Cole Harbour Heritage Farm 471 Poplar Drive, Cole Harbour, (Route 207) 902-434-0222 /coleharbourfarmmuseum.ca This community museum, established on the site of an original 200-year-old family farm, is dedicated to preserving and interpreting Cole Harbour’s agricultural past, while developing understanding of plants, animals, and farming today. Enjoy the beautiful grounds and gardens (featured in Tourism Nova Scotia’s Garden Road Trip), meet the farm animals, explore historic buildings and collections, and stop by the charming tea room and gift shop. A member of Taste of Nova Scotia.

Hope for Wildlife 5909 Highway 207, Seaforth 902-407-9453 / hopeforwildlife.net Rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned wildlife. Education centre, educational animals, and wildlife garden.

Musquodoboit Harbour Farmers’ Market Eastern Shore Community Centre (“The Rink”) 67 Park Road, Musquodoboit Harbour 902-220-9114 / mhfarmersmarket.ca A vibrant community meeting place that connects the communities of the Eastern Shore. Range of vendors offering local meat and produce, homebaked treats, and handcrafted products. Open Sundays Biweekly January to April 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Weekly May to December 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Musquodoboit Railway Museum and Visitor Information Centre 7895 Highway 7, Musquodobit Harbour 902-889-2689 novascotiatrailwayheritage.com The story of Nova Scotia’s railway is told through photographs, maps, and artifacts, all housed in a series of railway cars and inside the former Canadian National Railway station. The building also houses a Visitor Information Centre and there is a picnic area outside. Free admission. Open June 1 to August 31.

Old School Art Gallery 7895 Highway 7, Musqodoboit Harbour 902-889-2735 / theoldschool.ca This art gallery and community gathering place has breathed new life into the former Musquodoboit Harbour Elementary School. Browse through the large collection of paintings by local artists before deciding on the perfect souvenir.

Musquodoboit Valley Bicentennial Theatre and Cultural Centre 12390 Highway 224, Middle Musquodoboit 902-384-2819 / bicentennialtheatre.ca This location offers a 230-seat theatre with raked seating and raked stage and a hall for

Dartmouth to Musquodoboit Harbour to Musquodoboit Valley

Clothes Line Art Show & Sale

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dances, meetings, and community events. The Theatre is home to the last remaining example of Canadian William Gill’s stage art left in North America. Many top Canadian musicians, entertainers, and theatre troupes have graced this stage since its beginning in the early 1900s. Open year-round.

Nova Scotia’s largest wooden playground is made up of giant old-school, castle-like structures begging to be climbed and played on in this hidden gem of a playground. Kids and parents alike will be impressed with the wooden towers, wavy slides, and themed sections for imaginative play.

Moose River Gold Mines Museum

Nature Learning and Play Space

6990 Moose River Road, off Highway 224 902-384-2484 / musquodoboitvalley.ca This museum and the adjacent Moose River gold mines chronicle gold mining in the area. Browse photos, news clippings, and tapes of the first live on-the-scene radio broadcasts by reporter Frank Willis of the 1936 Moose River mining disaster. Mining equipment, rock and mineral samples, and artifacts on display. Open July 1 to August 31.

10246 Highway 224, Middle Musquodoboit This outdoor play space helps kids of all ages explore, experience, and connect with nature, accomplishing what backyard woodlots did for kids in wbygone days. Curl up in the bear den, perch in the hummingbird nest, brave the mud pit, climb a small hill or slide down the other side and do all sorts of other fun things.

Icelandic Memorial 380 Caribou Road, Markland 902-860-3551 / facebook.com/ MusquodoboitValleyTourismAssociation A memorial to Nova Scotia’s little-known Icelandic past. Walking trails, log cabin replica, and interpretive signage. Site tours arranged upon request.

Upper Musquodoboit Wooden Playground 8747 Highway 224, Upper Musquodoboit musquodoboitvalley.ca

Natural Resources Education Centre 12014 Highway 224, Middle Musquodoboit 902 384-3420 The Natural Resources Education offers curriculum-based educational programs for schools and groups at all age/grade levels with the goal of fostering a sense of stewardship and sustainable development of natural resources.

Dining (Dartmouth to Musquodoboit Harbour to Musquodoboit Valley) The Rose & Kettle Tea Room 471 Poplar Drive, Cole Harbour 902-434-0222 / coleharbourfarmmuseum.ca Located in the original farmhouse at the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum, the tea room uses fresh ingredients straight from the farm museum gardens wherever possible and sources local products to create its menu. A member of the Taste of Nova Scotia, the tea room recreates the farmhouse kitchen of old with nostalgic sights and smells, and features recipes passed down through Cole Harbour’s kitchens. The kettle is always on.

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Rose & Rooster Cafe

open daily for breakfast + lunch

6502 Highway 207, Grand Desert 902-827-1042 / roseandrooster.com Good - Local - Food This is the place for a great breakfast, lunch or special weekend brunch near Lawrencetown Beach. Lattes, espresso, and other specialty coffees and teas are served in this friendly café, along with local craft beer and wine. Rose & Rooster sources local, seasonal ingredients and makes everything in house. A great place to stop when biking the beautiful Trans


Canada Trial or taking the scenic route past the beautiful beaches along Highway 207. Daily soups, sandwiches, Maritime favourites, and house-baked sweet treats will all tempt you.

La Cuisine de Brigitte Highway 207, Grand Desert 902-827-3431 / acadiantearoom.com One of the buildings on the grounds of the Acadian House Museum is this tea room, which offers so much more than tea and crumpets. Hearty, homestyle meals, including soups, chowders, and salads, all made from scratch, are available seven-days-a-week from April to December. Also open during the Aug. 13 weekend of Acadian days celebration. The tea room also has an all-you-can-eat breakfast on the first Sunday on the month.

Cicero’s on the Water 122 Post Office Road, Porters Lake 902-827-3287 / ciceros.com Award winning authentic Italian restaurant in Porter’s Lake. Everything they serve is homemade with love from their kitchen. You can visit them by car or boat!

Tin Roof Mercantile & Café 6321 Highway 7, Head of Chezzetcook 902-827-5313 / tinroof.ca This cozy café features a made-from-scratch lunch menu that includes an array of homemade soups, salads, quiches, and sandwiches on homemade bread as well as daily specials like Acadian Tortière and hodge podge, depending on what ingredients are in-season.

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Dobbit Bakehouse 7896 Highway 7, Musquodoboit Harbour 902-889-2919 facebook.com/Dobbit.Bakehouse Artisan bakery offering breads, muffins, cookies, pastries, pies, cakes, and hot drinks made with natural and certified organic ingredients. Indoor and outdoor seating. Free Wi-Fi. Open weekdays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Well & Good Ltd. Smoothie Shop 11 East Petpeswick Road, Musquodoboit Harbour 902-889-9004 / wellandgoodns.ca Fresh locally sourced smoothies, snacks, and shopping all on the way to Martinique Beach.

With more than 500 NSA properties, you will be sure to find something to meet your needs.

Look for the NSA symbol to ensure you experience a quality accommodation. www.nsapproved.ca

We want to hear from you!

Did you experience great customer service? Nominate that person for a Pineapple Award!

Tell your story at pineappleawards.ca

Dartmouth to Musquodoboit Harbour to Musquodoboit Valley

Look for the sign of quality


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Uprooted Market & Café 7992 Highway 7, Musquodoboit Harbour 902-889-9189 / uprootedmarketcafe.ca Uprooted Market & Café is focused on improving the accessibility of locally grown and locally produced goods to residents and visitors to provide healthy, seasonal, and local food options.

River Oaks Golf Club 3909 Highway 357, Meagher’s Grant Road, Meagher’s Grant 902-384-2033 / riveroaksgolfclub.ca The clubhouse is known for great homemade meals and snacks. Accommodations and licensed restaurant on-site.

Reid’s Restaurant & Bakery 105 Elm Drive, Middle Musquodoboit 902-384-2424 This family-owned-and-operated restaurant offers hearty home-cooked meals in a casual setting. The aroma of fresh-baked bread, rolls, and sweet treats will tantalize your taste buds as you walk in the door. Dine in or take out. Open year-round.

Accommodations For detailed information, pricing, and help with reservations, visit novascotia.com.

Coastal Waters Accommodations B&B 16 Emerald Drive RR#2, Three Fathom Drive, Head of Chezzetcook 902-827-4223 / coastalwatersbnb.ca Lakeside retreat situated on Porter’s Lake. Couples, surfers, and family friendly. Two spacious guestrooms with ensuite baths plus a fully equipped one-bedroom apartment suite with full kitchen.

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Changing Tides B&B 6627 Highway 207, Grand Desert 902-827-5134 / changingtides.ca Two spacious rooms with four-piece ensuite baths overlooking Chezzetcook Inlet. Beautifully crafted modern home; full homestyle breakfast included.

The IN House Musical B&B and Gallery 5315 Highway 7, Porters Lake 902-827-2532 A beautiful country Victorian-style home. Tastefully decorated with your comfort in mind,

Cole Harbour Heritage Farm

and resting on a peaceful, semi-secluded property only 20 minutes from Dartmouth.

Lake Charlotte Motel 11470 Highway 7 902-440-6731 / lakecharlottemotel.com lakecharlottemotel@gmail.com Their accommodations are newly renovated and include 8 air-conditioned guest units (Single, Double, Twin) with a new 4 piece bath, cable television, Smart TV , fridge, and wireless Internet access. Guest amenities include a general store, gift shop, and food court. All major credit cards are accepted.

Old Riverside Lodge B&B 98 Riverside Avenue, Musquodoboit Harbour 902-889-3464 / oldriversidelodgebnb.com Three modern and beautifully decorated guest rooms in a 150-year-old home with a large verandah overlooking the Musquodoboit River. Evening tea and gourmet breakfast included. Walking trails nearby.

River Oaks Country Lodge 3909 Meagher’s Grant Road, Meagher’s Grant 902-384-3033 / riveroaksgolfclub.ca Eight air-conditioned units (some with kitchenette), TV, pool. Breakfast and licensed dining at golf club.

Camping Porters Lake Provincial Park 1160 West Porter’s Lake Road 888-544-3434 / novascotiaparks.ca 80 overnight sites with open campground on large lake. Open May to October.

Dollar Lake Provincial Park Route 212, Wyse Corner 888-544-3434 / novascotiaparks.ca 119 sites. Wooded campground and picnic area with sandy beaches on the shores of a large lake.


Photo: Destination Halifax

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Musquodoboit River

(Dartmouth to Musquodoboit Harbour to Musquodoboit Valley) Petpeswick Yacht Club 434 East Petpeswick Road, Musquodoboit Harbour 902-889-2896 / petpeswickyachtclub.ca Short-term docking is subject to availability.

Martinique Beach Provincial Park 2389 East Petpeswick Road, Musquodoboit Harbour A gorgeous 5-km white sand beach with open and wooded picnic areas behind the dunes. A great spot for beachcombing and watching migratory waterfowl. Supervised.

Dollar Lake Provincial Park

Visit novascotiaparks.ca or novascotia.com for a complete list of provincial day-use parks and additional beach parks.

5265 Old Guysborough Road, Route 212, Wyse Corner A large freshwater beach park with camping, canteen, picnicking, playground, trails. Supervised.

McCormacks Beach Provincial Park

Rainbow Haven Beach

1641 Shore Road, Eastern Passage Extensive boardwalk provides beautiful views of McNab’s, Lawlor’s, and Devil’s islands.

Golf Courses

Beaches and Parks

Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park 4348 Lawrencetown Road, Route 207, Lawrencetown Sand and cobble beach with high Atlantic surf. Boardwalks, change houses, showers, canteen, trails. Supervised during the summer.

Conrad’s Beach End of Conrad Road, off Highway 207, Lawrencetown On hot days, Conrad’s is often less crowded than the more popular beaches. This is a true gem of a beach with gorgeous, golden sand. No services on-site but well worth a visit for the beauty and solitude it offers.

2248 Highway, 322 Cow Bay Road, Cow Bay

(Dartmouth to Musquodoboit Harbour to Musquodoboit Valley) River Oaks Golf Club, Meagher’s Grant 902-384-2033 / 902-384-3033 riveroaksgolfclub.ca 18-hole, par 70 course plus smaller south 9-hole course.

Trails Salt Marsh and Shearwater Flyer Trails (various distances) From Shearwater to Cole Harbour to Lawrencetown, multi-use linked trails on former rail bed stretch 7 km inland and 6.5 km on a causeway through the Cole Harbour salt marsh.

Porters Lake Provincial Park

Trans Canada Trail—Atlantic View Trail

1160 West Porters Lake Road A large freshwater lake great for fishing, swimming, and boating. Camping sites are available.

(10 km) / TCTrail.ca From Lawrencetown Beach, through woodland and salt marshes and across wooden bridges with stunning ocean vistas.

Dartmouth to Musquodoboit Harbour to Musquodoboit Valley

Marinas


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Trans Canada Trail—Blueberry Run Trail (10 km) / TCTrail.ca A popular section of the Trans Canada Trail that offers pretty views and connects Three Fathom Harbour to Porters Lake Provincial Park.

Crowbar Lake Hiking Trails, Porters Lake (18 km) / trails.gov.ns.ca Trailhead is located at 1800 Myra Road (9 km down). 18 km of backcountry trails with 2 to 10-hour loops. Trails eventually lead to Dollar Lake Provincial Park. Spectacular scenery in a rugged setting.

Trans Canada Trail—Acadian Marsh Trail, Chezzetcook (2.5 km) Abandoned rail bed that offers pretty views of the salt marsh in Chezzetcook.

Trans Canada Trail—Musquodoboit Trailway (16 km) / TCTrail.ca This section of the Trans Canada Trail offers picnic shelters and three backcountry look-offs from the main trail, each offering spectacular views.

Services Gas Stations Westphal Esso, 646 Main Street, Westphal Fast Fuel (Sobeys), 639 Highway 7, Westphal Ultramar Porters Lake, 5204 Highway 7, Porters Lake Needs Convenience & Gas (Shell), Highway 7, Porters Lake Rowling’s Irving, 7794 Highway 7, Musquodoboit Harbour Parker’s Esso, Highway 224, Middle Musquodoboit Grocery Stores Sobey’s Westphal, 612 Highway 7 Atlantic Superstore, Highway 7, Porters Lake Pharmacies Sobeys Westphal, 612 Highway 7 Forest Hill Drug Mart, 4 Peter Crt., Mineville Superstore Pharmacy, 5240 Highway 7, Porters Lake Lawton’s, 5228 Highway 7, Porters Lake Forest Hill Drug Mart, Highway 7, Musquodoboit Harbour Lawton’s, 8003 Highway 7, Musquodoboit Harbour Haverstock Pharmasave, Highway 224, Middle Musquodoboit Musquodoboit Valley Tourist Association: musquodoboitvalley.ca

“Step Into 1867”

May 20th-Oct. 9th 2017

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Dress, Debate and Celebrate the 150th Year of Canada’s Confederation!

You’re always the right age to play dress-up at Sherbrooke Village!

sherbrookevillage.novascotia.ca 1-888-743-7845 - 45 Minutes South of Antigonish


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The West River Falls, Sheet Harbour

Head of Jeddore to Sheet Harbour to Liscombe As you meander along this section of the Eastern Shore, you’re sure to sense the history coming to life all around you. While several of the area’s museums focus their exhibits on the past, you’ll also find a sense of history in our very way of life. The oldfashioned pleasures are still valued here: community picnics, church suppers, fishing right off the wharf. And just because you’re visiting doesn’t mean you can’t take part. In fact, we’re certain you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

Memory Lane Heritage Village

Musquodoboit Harbour to Sheet Harbour to Sherbrooke

This is a place where quaint fishing villages beckon to you from side roads, urging you to stop and breathe in the fresh, salty air. Invigorating, isn’t it?


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People of the Eastern Shore

,

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Rebecca Atkinson, Sober Island Brewing Company

Rebecca Atkinson, 27 years old living on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, was born in Wales, but moved to Sheet Harbour at the age of four. Rebecca attended the Nova Scotia Community College for Tourism and Hospitality management where she found her love for food and beverage. She then went on to graduate from Mount Saint Vincent University with a degree in Tourism Management. Her first job was a local brewing supply store and she also worked as a server at a busy Halifax restaurant. She wanted to further her knowledge in wine so she enrolled in several courses to work towards a Sommelier certification. Over the next couple of years she worked away, but her love for the ocean brought her back to Sheet Harbour where she worked at her family’s business, The Henley House Pub and Restaurant. In November 2014, Rebecca moved to Wales to live and work during the winter months. While there she discovered an Oyster Stout. It was in a typical Welsh

pub with beer soaked carpet and plenty of cask ales for the choosing. This Oyster Stout read “brewed with oysters” and her first thought was “we need this style in Nova Scotia”. With fantastic oysters and a growing craft beer scene she became determined. In May 2015, she moved back to the Eastern Shore where she began working on building her business. Working diligently, she put her plans into action and in April 2016 Sober Island Brewing Company launched at the Saltscapes Expo in Halifax with their beer truck. After the launch, she developed a three-phase plan to achieve their vision: a brewery on Sober Island. After a successful completion of Phase One, Phase Two is up and running. This is a 1000L system attached to the local Henley House. Here guests may experience the pleasure of eating fresh local products and drinking Sober Island’s ales, while watching staff work in the brewery. There is also the added benefit of purchasing these products to take home. The third and final phase is a destination focused microbrewery situated on Sober Island. Sober Island is rich with history and a breathtaking place surrounded by wild islands. Here people will enjoy Sober Island’s beer on the patio, dock their boats, kayak up to the shore, play horseshoes, or take a hike to the rock beach. Rebecca partners with other small businesses on the Eastern Shore keeping local at the forefront in her decision making. Visit her at soberislandbrewing. ca or like her on facebook. You never know where you will find Rebecca and her Sober Island beer.


Top Photo Opportunities

Quebec. The views alone are well worth the drive down the winding West Jeddore Road.

(Musquodoboit Harbour to Sheet Harbour to Sherbrooke) Harbour Breezes Daylilies

Hosking General Store at Memory Lane Heritage Village

Memory Lane Heritage Village, Lake Charlotte 5435 Clam Harbour Road, Lake Charlotte 902-845-1937 / heritagevillage.ca Many photographers have caught on to this museum village and for good reason. The 1940s setting is a fun backdrop for the vintagestyle photography that is so popular today. Adorn yourself in vintage attire and pose in front of the shiny antique truck, strike a pose beside the old-fashioned gas pumps, or capture a candid shot of your children interacting with the sheep or kittens in front of the barn.

Liscomb Falls, Liscomb Mills Highway 7 A true nature lover’s paradise. Nestled along the Liscomb River are several breathtaking photo opportunities from the marina to the flowing river waters to the swinging bridge nestled among the many kilometres of hiking trails.

Souvenir Stops Black Sheep Folk Art Gallery 1689 West Jeddore Road 902-889-5012 / blacksheepart.com Featuring folk art that is often inspired by lives led near the sea, this colourful gallery is well suited to its location in a converted 1,200- square-foot fish plant on the shore of Jeddore Harbour. The work of over 40 Nova Scotia folk artists, including Barry Colpitts and Maud Lewis, are featured, as well as a selection of folk art from Ontario and

5435 Clam Harbour Road , Lake Charlotte 902-845-1937 / 877-287-0697 heritagevillage.ca Built in 1894, this year-round general store displays merchandise typical of the 1940s. The gift shop section stocks a variety of local art and crafts, antiques, and collectibles.

HardyWares Preserves hardywares.com info@hardywares.com Small-batch traditional recipes for jams, jellies, pickles and relishes all made in Necum Teuch. Their products can be found at various stores, markets and events throughout the province, for the most up-to-date locations visit their facebook.com/HardyWaresPreserves

Attractions Harbour Breezes Daylilies 10099 Highway 7, Head of Jeddore 902-889-3179 / harbourbreezes.ca A gardener’s delight, this property offers guided tours of a hillside garden overlooking Jeddore Harbour. Garden features over 800 varieties of daylilies and 100 varieties of rare Japanese irises. Gift shop on-site.

Fisherman’s Life Museum 58 Navy Pool Loop, Jeddore Oyster Pond 902-889-2053 fishermanslife.museum.gov.ns.ca Come in for a cup of tea and a warm welcome at this typical homestead of an inshore fisherman. You’ll hear stories about the land, the sea, and life from people on the Eastern Shore.

Memory Lane Heritage Village Highway 7, Lake Charlotte 5435 Clam Harbour Road 902-845-1937 / 877-287-0697 heritagevillage.ca Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the 1940s as you stroll back in time to an authentically restored village where the automatic washer is a novelty and making

Musquodoboit Harbour to Sheet Harbour to Sherbrooke

10099 Highway 7, Head of Jeddore 902-889-3179 / harbourbreezes.ca This stop will be a delight for both photographers and gardeners. Zoom in and take a shot of one of the 100 species of rare Japanese irises or change your setting to “landscape” and capture a photo of beautiful Jeddore Harbour from a unique vantage point. The friendly owners offer guided tours of their well-cared-for hillside garden, which is in a state of constant expansion. They grow over 800 difference varieties of daylilies.

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Clam Harbour Provincial Beach Park

a living from the land and sea a necessity. Experience an era of change, as rural Nova Scotia entered the modern world

photography, and carvings. Free Wi-Fi and public washrooms. Open daily from June to mid-September.

The Deanery Project

Sober Island Brewing Company Ltd.

751 West Ship Harbour Road, 902-845-1888 / thedeaneryproject.com This beautiful oceanfront property provides a variety of learning, recreational, and research opportunities related to environmental sustainability, forestry, and rural living. Explore the trails, take in the waterfront, or attend a workshop on topics ranging from permaculture and maple tree tapping, to guitar building and straw bale construction. Visit the website for information on upcoming workshops and events.

Sheet Harbour 902-719-9463 / soberislandbrewing.ca A small start-up, brimming with big ideas and hometown pride. You can find Sober Island ales in your favourite local eateries along parts of the Eastern Shore. Their current home base is The Henley House Pub and Restaurant. Keep an eye out for their mobile craft beer truck at local events and farmers’ markets across the province.

Barry Colpitts Folk Art 15359 Highway 7, East Ship Harbour 902-772-2090 / barrycolpitts.ca Chances are this house will stand out when you’re travelling through Ship Harbour. The artist’s home and outbuildings are adorned with his colourful folk art, inspired by his Eastern Shore setting. Mr. Colpitts is pleased to chat with visitors about his artistic process while they select a sea bird, a mermaid, or other sea creature to take home as a unique souvenir.

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

MacPhee House Community Museum 22404 Highway 7, Sheet Harbour 902-885-2595 This heritage building features a museum and visitor information centre and the grounds include a boardwalk with views of West River Falls. Come discover the history of Sheet Harbour and its lumber-related industries through artifacts from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries, plus local artworks,

Dining (Musquodoboit Harbour to Sheet Harbour to Sherbrooke) Salmon River Country Inn 9931 Highway 7, Head of Jeddore 902-889-2233 / salmonrivercountryinn.ca Full-service dining room offers a variety of Canadian and German cuisine, fresh local seafood, many gluten-free options available.

The Cookhouse at Memory Lane Heritage Village 5435 Clam Harbour Road, Lake Charlotte 902-845-1937 / 877-287-0697 heritagevillage.ca Cookhouse chow is served buffet style in the 60 seat replica of a 1940s cookhouse between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. All food is prepared on-site and features baked beans, soup, homemade brown bread, gingerbread, cookies, coffee, tea and lemonade.


22478 Highway 7, Sheet Harbour 902-885-3335 Located in a 96-year-old former inn, the Henley House Pub & Restaurant is open for the season at the beginning of May. The pub features live music, local seafood, and a full-service bar. Opens at 12 p.m. Call ahead to make sure you don’t miss out on this Eastern Shore gem.

Fairwinds Motel & Restaurant 22522 Highway 7, Sheet Harbour 902-885-2502 / fairwindsmotelsheetharbour.ca Casual licensed dining with harbour view.

Il Porto Restaurant 22808 Highway, Sheet Harbour 902-885-3111 www.facebook.com/ilporto Enjoy homemade food in a casual atmosphere. Try their Lobster Roll, Seafood Chowder, Fresh Salads and Soups, Panini Sandwiches and Pastas and delicious home made desserts.

The Riverside Dining Room at Liscombe Lodge Resort 2884 Highway 7, Liscomb Mills 902-779-2307 / 800-665-6343 liscombelodge.ca Relaxed fine dining in the Riverside Dining Room, featuring fresh seafood, local produce, and Nova Scotia wines. Planked salmon is prepared the traditional way, slow-roasted outdoors.

Norse Cove Café, Supply, Camping and Recreation 15643 Highway 7 East Ship Harbour 902-430-4559 / norse-cove.com The big, blue store on the highway is your stop for a quick meal, coffee & snack, re-supply for your journey, the perfect local artisanal souvenir, or to check in for a night or more at the wilderness campground on the ocean. The small-footprint campground on the shore offers a natural, rugged environment with a new and well-appointed, central comfort station (showers, toilets, sinks, Wifi, charging station, etc.). It is truly the best of both worlds. There are 25 non-serviced sites, 5 Nordic Huts, nature trails and a large central meeting area. Family-owned and operated, we welcome you to embrace the rugged beauty of the Eastern Shore.

Accommodations For detailed information, pricing and help with reservations, visit novascotia.com.

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Salmon River Country Inn Highway 7, Salmon River Bridge 902-889-2233 / salmonrivercountryinn.ca Seven comfortable guestrooms, all with private baths and gorgeous water views. Dining room on-site specializes in Canadian and German cuisine, with many gluten free options. English and German spoken. Gluten-free bakery on the premises.

Paddler’s Retreat B&B 84 Mason’s Point Road, Tangier 902-772-2774 / coastaladventures.com Circa 1860 Fisherman’s home offers four rooms with shared and private baths. Full breakfast included. Sea kayaking tours and rentals available.

Fairwinds Motel & Restaurant 22522 Highway 7, Sheet Harbour 902-885-2502 fairwindsmotelsheetharbour.ca Ten air-conditioned units, TV, licensed dining room.

Birchill Bed & Breakfast & Guesthouse 5254 Highway 7, Liscomb 902-779-2017 / birchillbb.com A beautiful and relaxing getaway with modern rooms, private baths, hot tub, and more.

Liscombe Lodge Resort & Conference Centre 2884 Highway 7, Liscomb Mills 902-779-2307 / 800-665-6343 liscombelodge.ca This Nova Scotia Signature Resort offers rustic chalets, spacious four-bedroom cottages, and luxury-lodge guestrooms with private balconies. Indoor and outdoor activities and fine dining.

Fisherman’s Life Museum, Oyster Pond

Musquodoboit Harbour to Sheet Harbour to Sherbrooke

The Henley House Pub & Restaurant


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Murphy’s Cove

Camping

E & F Webber Lakeside Park 738 Upper Lakeville Road 902-845-2340 / webberslakesideresort.com 33 sites. A family-owned and operated wooded campground on beautiful Lake Charlotte. Playground, marina, rec hall, organized weekend activities, pedal boats, canoe and kayak rentals. Open mid-May to October.

Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean 308 Murphy’s Road, Murphy Cove 902-772-2700 / 800-565-0000 murphyscamping.ca 25 unserviced, 13 serviced, 4 rental units, Wi-Fi and laundry, situated on a peninsula overlooking the ocean. Marina, boat tours, and canoe rentals available.

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Spry Bay Campground and Cabins 19867 Highway 7, Spry Bay, Tangier 902-772-2554 / 866-229-8014 sprybaycampground@msn.com 43 overnight sites; 19 sites 24 unserviced and two campers cabins. Open and wooded sites. Beautiful spacious tenting area. Showers, laundromat, firepits, wood, ice, payphone. Convenience store and pizza shop. Playground, above ground swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, communal campfires. Taylor Head Beach and walking trail nearby. Offers winter camping (call ahead to arrange).

Norse Cove Campground 51 Dewolfes Rd, Tangier 902-430-4559 / norse-cove.com Norse Cove Camping and Recreation is a smallfootprint campground on the ocean along the wild and beautiful Eastern Shore. Tents, pop-ups,

Westfalia and Boler styles are accommodated amongst the trees and next to the ocean. If you lack a tent, stay in one of the rustic Nordic huts. A central gathering area includes a full-service wash house, ocean-side rest areas, Wi-Fi and charging stations, and a small boat launch that’s less than one kilometre away from the 100 Wild Islands. For your check-in, travel information, snacks or supplies, visit Norse Cove Café and Supply adjacent to the campground.

East River Lodge Campground and Trailer Park 200 Pool Road, Sheet Harbour 902-885-2057 34 sites with adjacent boat launch, play area, indoor recreation, canteen.

Beaches and Parks Visit novascotiaparks.ca or novascotia.com for a complete list of provincial day-use parks and additional beach parks.

Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park 158 Beach Road, Clam Harbour A long sandy beach and a picnic area in a field atop a bluff. Supervised on weekends only

Taylor Head Provincial Park 20140 Highway 7, Spry Bay A beautiful picnic park with boardwalks to white sand beach and several backcountry hiking trails (2 km to 8 km) along the Mushaboom Harbour.

Spry Bay Provincial Park 19310 Highway 7, Spry Bay A small stopover roadside park overlooking Spry Bay.


1420 Highway 7, Marie Joseph A picturesque roadside picnic park overlooking the ocean.

Marinas For further marina information contact Harbour Authorities by visiting dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Liscombe Lodge Marina 902-779-2307 / liscombelodge.ca Service dock, water, electric, fuel, washroom, showers. Resort facilities available to visiting boaters.

Sheet Harbour

Tours and Guided Adventures Murphy’s Camping and Scenic Boat Tours 308 Murphy’s Road, Tangier 902-772-2700 / 800-565-0000 Murphyscamping.ca Welcome aboard the Ryan, a Cape Island-style wooden boat offering coastal island tours, fishing tours, sunset cruises, and an island drop-off service.

Coastal Adventures 84 Mason’s Point Road, Tangier 902-772-2774 / 877-404-2774 coastaladventures.com Thirty-four years offering guided sea kayaking

tours and coastal paddling excursions. Guided adventures available for every interest and skill level.

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Trails

Oyster Pond (1.5 km) A short walk leads from the dam at Oyster Pond along an old loop highway to a war memorial. Taylor Head Provincial Park Trail (various distances) Off Highway 7 in Spry Bay, the park offers several backcountry hiking trails, ranging from 2 km to 8 km along Mushaboom Harbour and the end of the peninsula.

Liscomb River Trail System, Liscomb Mills (various distances) Over 20 km of trails, from 1 km to 9.5 km, the system features inland and coastal hiking, waterfalls, swinging bridge.

Services Gas Stations Ultramar, Highway 7, Head of Jeddore Wilson’s, Highway 7, Sheet Harbour Irving, Highway 7, Sheet Harbour Church Point Variety and Gas, Sheet Harbour Pharmacies Lawton’s, Highway 7, Sheet Harbour Grocery Stores Sobeys, Highway 7, Head of Jeddore Foodland, 22579 Main Street, Sheet Harbour

Musquodoboit Harbour to Sheet Harbour to Sherbrooke

Marie Joseph Provincial Park


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Festival Savalette

Sherbrooke to Half Island Cove

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

As you make your way into this section of the Eastern Shore, you’ll find Nova Scotia’s largest museum site at Sherbrooke Village. Dating back to 1860 through to the First World War, you’ll walk through a typical Nova Scotian village in those times and gain a unique sense of history. Stroll the Main Street where you’ll find dining experiences in a relaxed atmosphere. As you continue along the shore, you’ll want to stop and capture more memories of beautiful St. Mary’s River. Continue your journey by car, or a short ferry ride, where you’ll appreciate the natural wonders as you wind your way around the dips and bends in the road that give way to incredible coastal vistas. You may want to take along your rod because you’ll encounter several great fishing spots along the way. Plan to spend the night, enjoy the hospitality, and the view of a sunrise or a sunset along a hidden treasure of this shore.

Rally that Gives, Sherbrooke


People of the Eastern Shore

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, Stephen Flemming

Executive Director, Sherbrooke Village

Sherbrooke Village

Stephen Flemming, Sherbrooke Village

Sherbrooke to Canso

Stephen Flemming spent much of his career with Parks Canada, working throughout Canada. His most recent position was as superintendent of Elk Island National Park in Alberta. His work in conservation and park leadership development was recognized numerous times, including with a Public Service Award of Excellence for Canada. Stephen came home to the Sherbrooke area one year ago to become the new executive director for Sherbrooke Village Museum. He is currently working with staff and the community on the future direction of the museum. This year, the village launches its “Step into 1867” program that will transport visitors back to Canada’s year of confederation. Everyone can dress in period costume and enjoy new activities, farmfriendly animals, and vignettes played out on the street. But be warned, not all was warm and fuzzy in those days. Good thing cooler heads prevailed over a hot cup of Victorian tea. Stephen invites everyone to experience being dressed and living in the year of confederation.


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Sherbrooke Village

Top Photo Opportunities Sherbrooke Village Ambrotype Studio 42 Main Street, Sherbrooke 902-522-2400 Get outfitted in period costume (1860–1900) and have your photo taken at Canada’s only ambrotype photo studio. Ambrotype is one of the earliest forms of photography in which a positive image is created on a sheet of glass using the wet plate collodion process. This is the one time in your life where you will be asked not to smile for a photograph. Just like in 1860, you will be required to sit very still for 10 to 30 seconds, making a smile almost impossible to hold. The result will be a photo that is hard to distinguish from those actually taken back in the 1860s—a unique souvenir indeed.

Queensport Lighthouse

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Rook Island, Queensport The lighthouse’s crisp white clapboard and red tower offers a cheerful beacon to vessels passing tiny Rook Island in Chedabucto Bay. Read about its keepers on interpretive panels in a nearby park overlooking the lighthouse. Built in 1936, this lighthouse is an example of the evolution in the design of traditional lighthouses.

Souvenir Stops Sherbrooke Village Company Store 42 Main Street Sherbrooke 888-743-7845 / 902-522-2400 museum.gov.ns.ca/sv The company store, now a traditional arts, crafts and gift shop, sells handmade items produced in Sherbrooke Village, including woodturning

products, pottery, blacksmith pieces, hand cream, and candles. The building was an original lumbber company store in Sherbrookein the late 1860s.

The Soap Company of Nova Scotia Ltd. (Studio & Shop) 2433 Highway 211, Port Hilford 844-522-2114 / 902-522-2114 soapnovascotia.com We’re in the business of helping others feel content naturally and simply, one handcrafted small-batch product at a time for your family, your pets and your home.

Attractions (Sherbrooke to Half Island Cove) The company store, now a traditional arts, crafts and gift shop, sells handmade items produced in Sherbrooke Village, including woodturning products, pottery, blacksmith pieces, hand cream, and candles. The building was an original lumber company store in Sherbrooke in the late 1860s.

Goldenville Gold Mining Interpretive Centre 199 Goldenville Road, Goldenville On the site of what was once a working gold mine, this restored turn-of-the century church now houses a gold mining interpretive centre.

Sherbrooke Village Provincial Museum 42 Main Street, Sherbrooke 902-522-2400 / 888-743-7845 sherbrookevillage.novascotia.ca This summer you’re invited to “Step Into 1867.” Dress, debate and celebrate 150 years of


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Confederation at Sherbrooke Village. Every day is a good day to visit, with ongoing treasure hunts for the entire family and age-old trades, crafts, and activities happening all day. Join one of the special-interest learning camps: Road to Stanfest Songwriters’ Camp, Photography Camp or Painting Camp. Programs and events, including: “Step Into 1867” or St. Mary’s River Days, the Rally That Gives motorcycle rally, and the Show & Shine antique car show. Browse our Hollingsworth & Whitney Company Store to pick up village-made items and crafts. Open May 20 to October 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours for concerts and events, and off-season for special occasions.

St. Mary’s River Association Education and Interpretive Centre 8404 Highway 7 902-522-2099 stmarysriverassociation.com The centre features displays of fishing exhibits from the St. Mary’s River. Learn about the lifecycle of an Atlantic salmon and enjoy exhibits on local wildlife.

Baird’s Tradesmen Museum 12453 Highway 7, Aspen 902-833-2219 A wonderful collection of antique tools from many now forgotten trades such as cooper, cobbler, leatherworker, farrier, blacksmith, wood working, wheelwright, wood turner, plumber, machinist, type setter, and more. Also items from local industries such as retail, mining, farming, and forestry. Open July 1 to October 1.

Parc de nos Ancêtres Larry’s River, Highway 316 A peaceful, historic park which features a series of large stones, all painted by a talented local artist, and placed in the shape of an anchor. The accompanying interpretive panels help tell the

SeaWind Landing Country Inn, Charlos Cove

story of Acadian history in Nova Scotia and how the villages of the Tor Bay region came to be settled.

Port Bickerton Lighthouse Interpretive Centre Marine Drive Route #211 902-364-2007 portbickertonlighthouse.ca This restored lighthouse is accessible by car from the Village of Port Bickerton and displays story boards, pictures, and directories on all of Nova Scotia’s remaining lighthouses. Operated by the Port Bickerton and Area Planning Association. Open from mid-June to mid-September.

Dining (Sherbrooke to Half Island Cove) Beanie’s Bistro 27 Main Street, Sherbrooke 902-522-2044 facebook.com/BeaniesBistro Fresh healthy food with a little love on every plate. Organic, fair-trade coffee with Italian espresso machine.

House of Jade Restaurant & Lounge 8164 Main Street, Sherbrooke 902-522-2731 / goo.gl/v6lpjT Chinese and Canadian dishes. Fresh seafood. Fully licensed (wine, beer, spirits). Daily specials.

Jordan`s Lakeside Restaurant 1962 Highway 211, Indian Harbour Lake 902-522-2385 / goo.gl/3Y617E Home cooked delicious seafood, chowders and more with a lake view.

What Cheer Tea Room Sherbrooke Village 902-522-2423 Tea room providing light meals for visitors, just as it did when the McDaniel family operated the hotel from the 1860s until 1918.

Sherbrooke to Canso

Festival Savalette, Larry’s River


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SeaWind Landing Country Inn 159 Wharf Road, Charlos Cove 902-525-2108 / 800-563-4667 seawindlanding.ca Oceanfront dining room providing country gourmet dining. Licensed. Breakfast served from 7:30 to 10 a.m.; dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Reservations recommended. Open year-round (November 1 to May 31). Call ahead.

Accommodations

For detailed information, pricing and help with reservations, novascotia.com.

Sherbrooke Village Inn 7975 Highway 7, Sherbrooke 902-522-2228 / 866-522-3818 sherbrookevillageinn.ca Fourteen comfortable guest rooms with private baths, efficiency units, and housekeeping chalets.

Daysago B&B 15 Cameron Road, Sherbrooke 902-522-2811 / 902-328-7600 bbcanada.com/daysago Three guest rooms. Relax in the sun porch with view of St. Mary’s River. A quiet setting overlooking Historic Sherbrooke. Check-in 5 p.m. or earlier by request.

St. Mary’s River Lodge 21 Main Street, Sherbrooke 902-522-2177 / 902-522-2240 riverlodge.ca Five rooms with private bath, TV, full breakfast.

Lonely Rock Seaside Bungalows

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

150 New Harbour Road, New Harbour 902-387-2668 / 866-248-1877 lonelyrock.com Six fully equipped cottages nestled in a wooded area overlooking a sandy beach with firepit, playground, and ocean views.

SeaWind Landing Country Inn 159 Wharf Road, Highway 316, Charlos Cove 902-525-2108 / 800-563-4667 seawindlanding.ca Thirteen oceanfront rooms. Spectacular 20-acre oceanfront setting with breathtaking views, secluded beaches, coastal walking trails. Seaside country gourmet dining (breakfast and dinner

open to public). Sheltered motorcycle parking. A gift shop featuring local arts and crafts. Open yearround (October 15 to May 31). Call ahead

Camping

Nimrod’s Campground 159 Highway 211, Stillwater 902-522-2441 / nimrodscampground.ca Sixty sites, 52 with water and electric, Wi-Fi, canteen, swimming, and playground. Canoe rentals and rec hall, washer toss, darts, dump station, hiking trails.

Salsman Provincial Park Highway 316, Country Harbour 888-544-3434 / novascotiaparks.ca A picnic park with a view of the harbour. The facility has a boat launch and can accommodate tents and RVs for overnight guests. Great area for swimming.

Beaches and Parks Visit novascotiaparks.ca or novascotia.com for a complete list of provincial day-use parks and additional beach parks.

Lochiel Lake Provincial Park 13575 Highway 7, Lochiel Lake Quiet picnic park under mixed-wood trees. Lake is suitable for boating and swimming.

Salsman Provincial Park 15641 Highway 316, Country Harbour Picnic park with a view of the Harbour. The facility has a boat launch and can accommodate tents and RVs for overnight guests.

Port Bickerton Beach Park Route 211, 640 Lighthouse Road A naturalist’s paradise, this beach is a quiet one that stretches along 3.7 km of maintained trails with interpretive panels describing the local flora.

Tor Bay Beach Provincial Park 650 Highway 316, Tor Bay Picturesque picnic area on a rocky point looks out to the open Atlantic. Sand beaches, boardwalk, interpretive displays.

Black Duck Cove Provincial Park 1409 Little Dover Road, Little Dover A boardwalk leads to a beautiful sandy beach park and shoreline hiking trail.


from the ice age), and on a clear day, a spectacular view.”

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Black Duck Cove Provincial Park, Little Dover (3.5 km) A boardwalk leads to a beautiful sandy beach park and shoreline hiking trail.

Services Sherbrooke Garage Ltd. 8152 Highway 7, Sherbrooke 902-522-2881 facebook.com/SherbrookeGarageLtd Service station, 24-hour emergency towing

Sherbrooke Provincial Park 8407 Highway 7, Sherbrooke Small picnic park on the banks of the St. Mary’s River.

Marinas For further marina information contact Harbour Authorities by visiting dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

St. Mary’s Boat Club Located behind Sherbrooke Village Museum. Floating dock, four berths for small boats, launch way, no services. For more information phone Don Dunbar at 902-522-2572

Trails Port Bickerton Lighthouse Beach Park and Trail (various distances) Off Route 211, a boardwalk meanders through flora to a sandy beach. A great family trail, it features a lighthouse museum.

United Empire Loyalist Trail (2.2 km) On Highway 316 in Stormont, the trail was established to acknowledge the Loyalists who settled in the area. You’ll find listings of people who were granted land, the names of the various plants and trees and distance markers.

Old Queensport Road Radar Base Trail The trail head is near Cole Harbour. This old road leads to the remains of a Second World War Air Force radar base, huge glacial erratics (rocks left

Bud’s Kwikway & Wilson’s 8208 Highway 7, Sherbrooke 902-522-2325 facebook.com/budskwiway Full service gas station, convenience store, fast food, laundromat, propane.

Rhynolds Gas Bar & Convenience Store 15048 Highway 316, Stormont 902-328-2496 Open Monday to Saturday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Shopper’s Drug Mart 14 Main Street, Sherbrooke 902-522-2010 shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/store-locator/ store/159 Pharmacist available Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., front store only, Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tonya Edwards, Pharmacist, Certified Diabetes Educator.

Sherbrooke Village Clover Farm 3 Main Street, Sherbrooke 902-522-2999 Full-service grocery store with fresh produce and meats, milk, frozen foods, and much more. Open 7 days a week.

Whitney’s Corner Store 4955 Highway 211, Port Bickerton 902-364-2017/ goo.gl/dFmbTt Convenience, takeout, groceries, wine, beer, and spirits. Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sherbrooke to Canso

Sherbrooke Village


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Overlooking the Canso Waterfront

Canso to Guysborough to Canso Causeway Your appreciation for the natural wonders of the world will increase by leaps and bounds as you wind your way around the dips and bends in the road that give way to incredible coastal vistas. This is Chedabucto Bay, one of the province’s best- kept secrets. Your prize at the end of this beautiful drive is the hospitality that awaits you in the charming village of Guysborough.

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

At first glance, the place looks innocent enough and you might never guess that they brew incredible-tasting beer here and roast several varieties of fabulous coffee. And you can enjoy either while taking in the view on one of the decks lining the colourful waterfront. On Wednesday nights during the summer months, this view includes a weekly ceilidh which features the talents of several young musicians and dancers. The community pride swells in the communities along this section of the Eastern Shore. Take in an annual festival or experience one of the many outdoor events. Community pride is evident in the preservation of the area’s history that can be found in community-run museums like the Scotia Ferry II Museum in Venus Cove. As you travel along the section of roadside that borders the Strait of Canso, you’ll realize this was a truly beautiful way to end your tour of the mainland before making your way across the Canso Causeway and onto Cape Breton Island.


,

People of the Eastern Shore

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Rob and his family came to Guysborough from San Francisco in 2011 when they renovated and settled into an old family home built in 1910. Rob has deep roots in the area and spent childhood summers at the family beach cottage in Half Island Cove. The Lost Shores name was borrowed from the Lost Coast of California which was settled mostly by Maritimers in the late 1800’s, drawn by the giant redwood trees and good paying jobs. Older homes have the same familiar Victorian steep roofs and gables. The Pacific Lumber Company even named their company town Scotia. Following the Great Depression, many people had to leave in search of work and the area became known as the Lost Coast. Seeing so many connections and similarities to our own rugged coastline, Rob created the Lost Shores brand to help promote our neighborhood. The Lost Shores cooperative marketing brochure started in 2015 as a means of creating a destination to draw visitors who might fall in love with the area. They wanted to highlight the 85 km driving loop that takes people along some breathtaking waterfront with wharves, lighthouses and classic Maritime fishing villages. A high quality

brochure is hard for a small business to afford so they took a cooperative marketing approach to this and 10 local service businesses pitched in to cover the printing costs. They are on their second edition and distribute copies through visitor information centers and businesses across Nova Scotia. Having lived away for many years, Rob fully understands the tug on the heartstrings when seeing a picture of back home. In late 2015, he started the Lost Shores Facebook page. This has become a virtual gallery and the response has been wonderful, lots of heartwarming comments and passing the million reach in less than a year. Rob and his family love riding their bikes here. Traffic is light, scenery is stunning and it’s all right at the end of the driveway. There are plenty of hills but every one rewards them with a long coaster ride down the far side, almost always with a breathtaking ocean vista. As the cooperative map/ brochure took shape, they were fascinated by the 85 km oceanfront loop and making it a destination for other cyclists. In early 2016, them teamed up with the cycling community and Guysborough Municipality to create the inaugural Lost Shores Gran Fondo held last year. Over 300 cyclists enjoyed one of 4 rides, the scenery, BBQ ribs, live music and some Guysborough hospitality. Check out the website lostshoresgranfondo.ca or why not try it for yourself at the 2017 Lost Shores Gran Fondo Sat., Sept 9th.

CQueensport Lighthouse from Lost Shores Gallery

Canso to Guysborough to Auld’s Cove

Rob Carter, Lost Shores Gallery, Philips Harbour


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Top Photo Opportunities Boylston Provincial Park Highway 16, Boylston Picnic area on Guysborough Harbour, with a short bridge to a small offshore island.

Prince Henry Sinclair Monument and Park Halfway Cove This monument commemorates the landing of the Prince Henry Sinclair Expedition. The monument is in a scenic picnic area with interpretive panels and offers a panorama of Chedabucto Bay.

Scotia Ferry Look-off Mulgrave A perfect location to view the routes that boats used to travel on the Strait of Canso. The lookoff features a walking path with benches and documented history along the path.

Souvenir Stops Days Gone By Bakery, Restaurant, Antiques & Gifts 143 Main Street, Guysborough 902-533-2762 / daysgoneby.ca Fresh-baked breads, rolls, muffins, and sweets available in the 1950s-themed bakery. A variety of indoor and outdoor décor items, children’s toys, and specially selected antiques grace the shelves of the store and a year-round Christmas Loft awaits on the second level.

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Foggy Fiddler Gift Shop On the site of Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Canso Open all summer and winter from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Patrons may browse through the festival merchandise for clothing items for the whole family. The gift shop also carries pewter jewelry, a variety of silver earrings as well as blown-glass earrings. Local artisans often bring in their product from knitted socks and sweaters to crocheted blankets. Also carries a wide variety of CDs from festival artists.

Attractions

Canso Islands National Historic Site 1465 Union Street, Canso 902-295-2069 902-366-3136 (in summer) pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/canso/index.aspx

Take a short boat trip to Grassy Island, a once-thriving community of fishermen and merchants. The site commemorates the significant role the fishery played in international commerce since the early 1700s. Visit the ruins of 18th-century fortifications and then explore the interpretive trail system.

Whitman House Museum & Visitor Information Centre 1297 Union Street, Canso 902-366-2170 visitguysborough.ca/whitman-house-museum Whitman House illustrates the history of Canso Town and eastern Guysborough County, with exhibits from Canso Harbour. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the town from the rooftop “widow’s walk.” Displays include panoramas of Canso by folk artist Mel Schrader, period furniture, photographs, and other memorabilia.

Out of the Fog Lighthouse Museum 43 Greencorn Road, Highway 316, Half Island Cove 902-358-2108 / 902-358-2290 (off season) outofthefog.ca Exhibits showcase the lightkeeper’s way of life and demonstrate the operations of the light station, which for centuries guided fishermen to safety.

Old Court House Museum 106 Church Street, Guysborough 902-533-4008 guysboroughhistoricalsociety.ca The Old Court House Museum is located in the heart of Guysborough at the head of Chedabucto Bay. Constructed in 1842 to 43, the museum has been preserved and restored by the Guysborough Historical Society. For those tracing their ancestry, it offers a large selection of books and reference materials, including numerous complete and incomplete genealogies for use within the museum.

Mulgrave Heritage Centre and Visitor Information Centre 54 Loggie St. Mulgrave 902-747-2788 Located at McNairs Cove in Mulgrave, the Mulgrave Heritage Centre is housed in a structure modelled after the Scotia II train ferry that transported rail cars and passengers


from Mulgrave to Cape Breton Island. The museum features artifacts and photos from local fish companies and Mulgrave’s time as a Canadian National Railway boom town, plus memorabilia from both World Wars. The history of the Black Loyalists, military displays, an archival and genealogy section, and information about the building of the Canso Causeway are also available.

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Dining Big G’s Pizza & Restaurant

Days Gone By Bakery & Restaurant 143 Main Street, Guysborough 902-533-2762 / daysgoneby.ca Licensed restaurant serving all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all made from scratch. Gift and antique shop.

Accommodations For detailed information, pricing and help with reservations, visit novascotia.com.

Pepperlane Manor B&B 22 Court Street, Guysborough 902-533-1884 / pepperlane.ca A four-star B&B located in the heart of the village. Spectacular waterfront views, outdoor sitting areas, fire pit access, and full gourmet breakfast.

Last Port Motel and Family Restaurant

Days Gone By Bakery & Restaurant, Guysborough

toilets, disposal station, fire grills, and wood. Leashed pets are permitted.

Seabreeze Campground and Cottages 230 Fox Island Road, Canso 902-366-2352 50 open and wooded sites for tents or RVs, on a 7.2-hectare property overlooking Chedabucto Bay. Swimming, boating, recreation opportunities. Four fully equipped housekeeping cottages also available.

Beaches and Parks

Visit novascotiaparks.ca or novascotia.com for a complete list of provincial day-use parks and additional beach parks.

Queensport Beach 5420 Route 16, Queensport A small sand and cobble beach overlooking historic Queensport Lighthouse. Interpretive display, picnic tables.

10 Highway 16, Canso 902-366-2400 / lastportmotel.com Clean, quiet, comfortable accommodations. Eleven guestrooms and two housekeeping units. Open year-round. Sheltered parking for motorcycles. Restaurant on-site.

Boylston Provincial Park

Camping

1720 Highway 344, Port Shoreham A sand beach with picnic tables and change houses.

Boylston Provincial Park 11087 Highway 16, Boylston 35 overnight sites (unserviced), with a picnic area, interpretive display, and a stocked lake provides fishing opportunities. Wi-Fi available at the administration building only and the surrounding area. Park amenities include vault

11131 Highway 16, Boylston Picnic area on Guysborough Harbour, with a short bridge to a small offshore island.

Port Shoreham Beach Provincial Park

Marinas Cape Canso Marina 902-366-2937 Short-term docking is subject to availability.

Canso to Guysborough to Auld’s Cove

111 Main Street, Guysborough 902-533-1886 / biggspizza.ca Big G’s Pizza is serves affordable meals with fast and friendly service. Staff take pride in providing the highest-quality ingredients and their hand- made dishes speak for themselves.


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Grassy Islands National Historic Site, Canso

Guysborough Marina 902-533-2052 Book ahead to reserve a slip. Fuel, water, power, washrooms, showers. Within walking distance of stores and restaurants.

Trails For detailed trail descriptions, directions and maps, visit trails.gov.ns.ca. For snowmobile trails visit snowmobilersns.com

Chapel Gully Trail, Canso (10 km) A short loop around a saltwater estuary leads via a bridge to a full 2-hour hike along shoreline and woodland.

Grassy Island Trail, Canso (1 km loop) At the Interpretive Centre, visitors will see photographic and video displays, models, and 18th-century artifacts.

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

Guysborough Waterfront Trail (2 to 3 km return) Leave your vehicle at the Old Courthouse Museum and walk along the sidewalk towards the water. You may see cormorants and other forms of waterfowl.

Trans Canada Trail—Guysborough Nature Trail (50 km) The first section of the Trans Canada Trail to open

in Nova Scotia, it extends from Guysborough to Country Harbour, offering spectacular views of wilderness, a suspension bridge, and waterfalls.

Queensport Road Trail (9 km one way) Through forests of spruce and fir, one notices large boulders thrown to the side, some wedged amongst the trees, while a brilliant green carpet of moss creates a velvety open floor.

Services Gas Stations

Cook’s Gas Bar and Café 10016 Highway 16, Guysborough 902-533-2993 Open daily 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hanham’s Garage, Half Island Cove Canso Garage, Canso Pharmacies Guysborough Pharmachoice, Guysborough Canso Pharmacy, Canso Grocery Stores Your Independent Grocer, Guysborough Canso Coop, Canso


Festivals and Events

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Year Round Old School community Coffee Houses take place every Friday every month. January 8 to April 30 Musquodoboit Harbour Farmers’ Market 67 Park Road, Musquodoboit Harbour mhfarmersmarket.ca 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., every second Sunday. May 7 to December 17 Musquodoboit Harbour Farmers’ Market 67 Park Road, Musquodoboit Harbour mhfarmersmarket.ca 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Sunday. May 7 Lobster Palooza and Eastern Lobster Run Guysborough

May 28 Sherbrooke Village Special Canada 150 concert featuring ‘Coastal Voices Men’s Choir’ at St James Presbyterian Church June 3 to 4 Annual Eastern Shore Cold Waters Seafood Festival Memory Lane Heritage Village, Lake Charlotte / coldwaterfestival.ca The cold waters along the Eastern Shore yield some of the best seafood in the province. Here’s a chance to sample seafood at its freshest—clams, lobster, oysters, mussels, and smoked fish along with traditional heritage recipes like Solomon Gundy, clam chowder, boiled herring and potatoes and fish cakes. June 6 to August 18 Sherbrooke Village Artist in Residency Wilda Kaiser

Canso to Guysborough to Auld’s Cove/Festivals and Events

Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Canso


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June 10 3rd Annual Viking Passport Dinner at Salmon River Country Inn Head of Jeddore June 10 Annual Bicycle Carnival at the Deanery Project June 10 Rhubarb Rhapsody at Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum June 11 Community Art Exhibit at the Old School Community Gathering Place June 11 Art Exhibit Opening at Sherbrooke Village June 17 Bird Songs Hike at Taylor Head Provincial Park June 18 17th Annual Father’s Day Antique Car Show at memory Lane Heritage Village. A Father’s Day outing the whole family will enjoy! Enjoy a range of vehicles on display throughout the village grounds, construct a Kub Kar in the Boat Shop, and challenge dad to a race! Enjoy live music while dining on a Cookhouse meal. June 24 Natural History Walk – Wildflower, Wildlife and Geology at Taylor Head Provincial Park June 25 MEC Halifax Race, Three Salt Marsh Trail

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

June 25 Abrahams Lake Bird Walk with Friends of Taylor Head Provincial Park Group June 26 to 29 Road to Stanfest Songwriters’ Camp Improve your abilities in the art, technique, and craft of songwriting. There will be sing-a-longs, songwriters’ circles at the Courthouse in the evening, and campfires by the river. Students will have the chance to compete for a special performance spot at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival. Call for registration 1-888-743-7845. or visit MUSIC CAMPS on our website for printable registration.

June 29 Road to Stanfest Grand Finale Concert. The Road to Stanfest Songwriters’ Camp final concert featuring camp instructors and camp participants at St. James Presbyterian Church, 7:00 p.m. June 29 to August 17 Sherbrooke Village Courthouse Concert Series Concerts June 30 to July 2 Stan Rogers Folk Festival Queen Street Extension, Canso 902-366-2978 / 888-554-7826 stanfest.com Don’t miss one of North America’s preeminent folk music festivals. Each year, over 12,000 fans and scores of musicians flock to this seaside community to pay tribute to the music icon, with more than 100 concerts on seven outdoor stages. Camp on-site or nearby. Day and weekend passes are available. Saturdays in July and August Guysborough Farmer’s Market Jost Building, Guysborough Waterfront Every Saturday morning, browse for fresh, organic produce, fresh bread, breakfast foods, organic coffee, unique handmade jewellery, quilts, and knitted goods. Every Wednesday evening in July and August Ceilidh on the Waterfront Jost Building, Guysborough Waterfront July 1 Canada Day at Sherbooke Village Celebrate Canada’s birthday down Sherbrooke way and the Launch of ‘Step into 1867’ July 1 Dominion Day “Old Time” Village Fair Memory Lane Heritage Village A festive day which celebrates the coastal villages surrounding the Lake Charlotte area. July 1 Canada Day Specials at Salmon River Country Inn, Head of Jeddore July 7 to 16 Scotia Days Festival Scotia Days is a ten-day festival that is jam packed with activities and events for the whole family. This festival clearly demonstrates community pride and is an event you will not want to miss. Bring the whole clan to Mulgrave for some family fun.


July 8 Passport Dinner~ Irish Salmon River Country Inn Head of Jeddore

July 23 Sawmill & Goldmine Frolic at the Old Mill Trail

July 8 Petals and Paints Flower Show & Art Workshop Old School Community Gathering Place

July 23 Natural History Walk – Wildflower, Wildlife and Geology at Taylor Head Provincial Park

July 8 Getting Started in Birdwatching at Taylor Head Provincial Park

July 25 Hoedown on the Hill Boylston Provincial Park Outdoor musical entertainment that takes place rain or shine!

July 8 to 9 Rhubarb Festival in Guysborough July 9 to 10 Garden Tour Old School Community Gathering Place July 10 to 13 Photography Camp Sherbrooke Village July 15 Women’ Heritage Celebration at Memory Lane Heritage Village. An annual celebration of women’s work in the home and community. Visit the homestead to make pickles, knead bread, or taste rhubarb jelly. Kids love cranking the rollers when we wash laundry. A tea social and ecumenical service in the church are all part of the festivities. July 16 Women’ Heritage Celebration Church Service & Tea at Memory Lane Heritage Village July 16 Slow & East Birdwatching Field Trip at Taylor Head Provincial Park July 21 to 30 Guysborough Come Home Week Town of Guysborough July 21 to 22 Trunk 7 Music Festival at the Eastern Shore Community Centre July 22 Tribute to the Centennial Canoe/Kayak Paddle July 22 to 23 Sherbrooke Village River Days

July 29 Mushaboom Mackerel Fishing Derby July 29 to 30 Moser River Days August 5 Sherbrooke Village Sporting Day of Horse and Carriage Driving August 5 Nova Scotia Brid Society Mid-Summer Birdwatching Walk at Taylor Head Provincial Park August 6 Full Day Guided Hike at Taylor Head Provincial Park Aug 6 to 13 Eastern Passage/Cow Bay Summer Carnival August 7 to 12 Whitehead Days Whitehead is a small coastal fishing village with a larger than life community spirit. Each year at the beginning of August the annual Whitehead Days festival is held with a parade, games for children, a beer garden, and many other activities for locals and visitors. August 9 to 20 Seaside Festival Sheet Harbour 902-885-2546 A parade, beer garden, open-air concerts, antique car show, and, of course, cardboard boat races! This annual event is proudly hosted by the Sheet Harbour Lion’s Club.

Festivals and Events

July 8 Strawberry Social Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum

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August 10 to 13 Festival Savalette Larry’s River, Guysborough County 902-525-2074 Celebrate the history of the hospitable Capitaine Savalette, a pioneer of the Eastern Shore’s dry fishery who once hosted such wellknown visitors as Samuel de Champlain and Marc LesCarbot. August 10 to 15 Acadian Festival L’Acadie de Chezzetcook August 11 to 13 Harbourview Days, New Harbour August 11 to 13 Erinville Come Home Days, Erinville August 12 Battle of the Brushes at the Old School Community Gathering Place August 12 14th Annual Atlantic Canada Harmonica Festival Memory Lane Heritage Village A day filled with the versatile music of the harmonica. Beginner and master classes with some of the best harmonica players in Atlantic Canada. Afternoon jamboree followed by dinner. The festival ends with a two-hour musical showcase featuring harmonica players from all musical genres, from Scotland’s Isle of Skye to the Mississippi Delta.

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

August 12 to 13 Sealight Skylight Festival The Deanery Project, Ship Harbour Experience sky marvels in the annual Persiad meteor shower and see magic in glowing ocean phosphorescence. Telescopes, workshops. August 13 to 20 Canso Regatta Canso Waterfront A week-long festival of events for all ages. The Canso Regatta was first held in 1885 to celebrate the proud maritime heritage and it continues today. The Bluenose II will be in Canso for part of the festivities; visit Whitman’s Wharf where she will be docked from August 19 to 22.

August 16 to 19 Halifax County Exhibition Middle Musquodoboit Exhibition Grounds 902-384-2894 / halifaxcountyex.com This family fun fair offers the experience of an old fashioned country fair, great entertainment, education, and social interaction for all ages. Celebrating over 130 years, this fair is proud to showcase a large mixed breed dairy show as well as many light horse and draft horse competitions. The first day of the Ex is designated 4-H day. There is something for everyone. Plan to visit this one-of-a-kind must see event for all of the festivities. August 20 – Rain or shine! Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition (Gates open at 9:00 a.m.) The sandcastle and sand-sculpturing contest attracts over 10,000 people every year to the Eastern Shore. There are cash prizes for various categories, live music, food vendors, First Aid personnel, and Provincial Lifeguards on site. There is an on-site bus shuttle service to transport people to and from the beach after the park opens at 9:00 a.m. Dress for all weather conditions as this is a “rain or shine” event. Please note that there is a fee of $10.00 for adult groups to participate in the competition and no fee for youth and children. August 20 Seacoast Trail Arts Exhibit & Sale Lion’s Centre, Pool Road, Sheet Harbour Talented local artists flock to this show each year to display and sell their handcrafted wares and fine art. Much of which is inspired by lives led by the sea. August 25 to September 15 Friday night Sherbrooke Village Courthouse Concert Series August 25 Sherbrooke Village Rally That Gives Kickoff Concert August 26 Sherbrooke Village Rally That Gives A motorcycle rally fundraiser supporting the Cancer Society’s “Lodge That Gives” in Halifax, Cathy’s Place Cancer Resource Room in St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish, and Holy Redeemer Convent in Sydney. Featuring music at the Performance Centre, poker run, lunch, BBQ, field games, and show and shine.


August 28 to 31 Sherbrooke Village Painting Camp August 31 to September 20 Sherbrooke Village Artist Residency Wilda Kaiser September 9 Lost Shores Gran Fondo September 9 “Inspired by Music” Heritage Dinner & Musique Royale Concert Memory Lane Heritage Village A Musique Royale concert in the Memory Lane Church is followed by a lamp-lit dinner in the cookhouse which features both classical music and classic dishes inspired by the musical repertoire. Reservations must be made by the Thursday before the concert date. September 9 to 10 50-Mile Yard Sale Musquodoboit Valley through to Musquodoboit Harbour See Musquodoboit Valley Tourism Association on Facebook Unbelievable bargains are to be found at every bend in the road! Pick up the trail at Dean, Meagher’s Grant or Dutch Settlement and follow the trail for some hagglin’ good fun! September 9 to 10 Annual Sherbrooke Show & Shine A gathering of classic and antique vehicles. Event will feature a road rally, music, dance at the Lions Hall, door prizes and raffle. September 10 Sherbrooke Village Historic Wardrobe Department Open House September 23 Birdwatching: Fall Migrants at Taylor Head Provincial Park September 23 to 24 Sherbrooke Village Harvest Weekend September 24 MEC Halifax Race Four Musquodoboit Trail System

September 30 Annual Kirk Logan Old Time Fiddle Contest Bicentennial Theatre, Middle Musquodoboit 902-384-2819 / bicentennialtheatre.ca Each year, the historic Bicentennial Theatre in Middle Musquodoboit comes alive with fiddle music. This event was named for Kirk Logan (1921–1997), champion fiddler who represented the Musquodoboit Valley at Old Time Fiddling Contests throughout Eastern Canada for over 50 years. Register to compete or just come and enjoy the music.

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October 1 Rally in the Valley Exhibition Grounds, Middle Musquodoboit 902-384-2006 musquodoboitvalley.ca The Exhibition Grounds in Middle Musquodoboit comes alive with the sounds of well-tuned engines and the gleam of polished chrome as more than 200 antique and classic vehicles gather for the final car show of the season. For updates check on Musquodoboit Valley Tourism Facebook page. October TBC Magical Mysterious Mushrooms Hike with Dr. Scott Cunningham at Taylor Head Provincial Park October 1 Sherbrooke Village Pumpkin Harvest Oct 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28, and 31 Middle Musquodoboit Scaregrounds, PG13 at the Exhibition Grounds October 13 to 15 Arts & Cultural Celebration at Guysborough October 14 Oktoberfest at Salmon River Country Inn, Head of Jeddore October 14 to 15 Harvest Weekend at Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum October 19 to 21 Dinner Theatre Memory Lane Heritage Village 902-845-1937 A lamp-lit dinner celebrating the harvest from the Memory Lane Village Garden. Contact the village to make reservations.

Festivals and Events

August 27 Hope for Wildlife Open House Seaforth


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October 28 Rural Roots Festival The Deanery Project, Ship Harbour Traditional skills festival Workshops in hand spinning, mead making, seed saving, wood carving, bicycle repair, fermentation, and more! November 4 Mongol Passport Dinner at Salmon River Country Inn, Head of Jeddore November 4 Late Season Guided Hike at Taylor Head Provincial Park November 5 Fall for Books: Nova Scotia Writers at the Old School Community Gathering Place November 17 to 19 Annual Old Fashioned Seaside Christmas Various locations

2017 Eastern Shore Guide

November 18 to 19 1940s Traditional Christmas Dinner Memory Lane Heritage Village A typical 1940s Christmas dinner is served by lamplight in the traditionally decorated Cookhouse. (No turkey!) A 5 p.m. candlelight concert in the Memory Lane church precedes the dinner. Cash bar opens at 6:30 p.m. Reserve and pay for tickets by August 30 to avoid disappointment! November 24 to 26 Sherbrooke Village Old Fashioned Christmas Make plans now to attend this year’s Sherbrooke Village Old Fashioned Christmas. The event will feature an opening night tree lighting, candle light procession, fireworks, and entertainment. Saturday and Sunday there will be Christmas craft sales and workshops, concert, festive dining, dinner theatre, Victorian tea, and more! Sunday morning will be the 5K and 10K “Jingle Run.” There’s something for everyone this holiday season so get your “hands on history” while getting into the holiday spirit at Sherbrooke Village. November 26 Birdwatching: Winter Birds at Taylor Head Provincial Park

November 26 Annual Christmas Craft & Bake Sale at Cole Harbour Heritage Museum December 1 Secret Santa Potluck at Salmon River Country Inn, Head of Jeddore December 1 to 3 Christmas Festival of Trees & Crafts Natural Resources Education Complex, Middle Musquodoboit 902-384-2690 / musquodoboitvalley.ca This is the ultimate Christmas craft sale that you just can’t miss. Get in the holiday spirit as you enjoy a wonderland of more than 30 decorated natural balsam fir trees and then shop at over 100 booths offering supreme high quality handcrafted goods. December 2 to 3 Sherbrooke Village Old Fashioned Christmas Make plans now to attend this year’s Sherbrooke Village Old Fashioned Christmas. The event will feature an opening night tree lighting, candle light procession, fireworks, and entertainment. Saturday and Sunday there will be Christmas craft sales and workshops, concert, festive dining, dinner theatre, Victorian tea, and more! Sunday morning will be the 5K and 10K “Jingle Run.” There’s something for everyone this holiday season so get your “hands on history” while getting into the holiday spirit at Sherbrooke Village. December 2 Late Season Guided Hike at Taylor Head Provincial Park December 15 Christmas Bird Count at Taylor Head Provincial Park


Pepperlane Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn

A 4 Star Bed & Breakfast Pepperlane Manor, has been thoroughly updated and sits in the heart of Guysborough. 902-533-1884 or 902-870-2400

info@pepperlane.ca www.pepperlane.ca

“Come stay with us awhile�



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