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Whereas greatest recognized for its scallop and lobster fishing fleet, there are such a lot of issues to do in Digby and the tide-washed Acadian shores of southwest Nova Scotia, it could take a lifetime to expertise all of it.
However even in case you have solely every week, you will get a style of the area’s distinctive mix of hospitality, pure magnificence and authenticity.
You would possibly even be tempted to drop all the pieces and transfer to this lovely area of Canada. I do know I used to be!
After spending every week within the space as a part of the Journey Media Affiliation of Canada convention, I shortly fell in love with the area’s Acadian tradition, seaside villages and seashores the color of melted taffy.
In truth, after only a few days I used to be searching actual property listings. And I’m not alone!
Many individuals have fallen for its charms and launched B&Bs, artwork galleries or different ardour initiatives.
Trip in Digby, Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores and also you’ll quickly uncover why!
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Why You’ll Love This Area of Canada
- It’s nonetheless under-the-radar. You’ll see few crowds.
- Plentiful contemporary air, clear starry skies and pure magnificence.
- Costs are decrease than many different seaside locations within the US and Canada.
- Numerous free issues to do.
- Fabulous homestyle Acadian delicacies with a great deal of seafood.
- Genuine native cultures — Mi’ kmaq, Acadian and Scottish — to expertise and be taught from.
- Tides within the Bay of Fundy are a pure marvel. They’re truly the very best tides on the planet!
The place is Digby and the Acadian Shores?
Digby, the gateway to Yarmouth, the Acadian Shores and treasures of Southwest Nova Scotia, is situated 2.5 hours from the metropolis of Halifax on the southern finish of the Annapolis Valley.
It’s situated on land going through St. Mary’s Bay, the Bay of Fundy and the mainland of Saint John, New Brunswick on the west.
This implies it’s on the alternative aspect of the province from Tatamagouche and well-known Nova Scotia points of interest akin to Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and Lunenberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, on the Atlantic Coast.
The way to Get to Digby
You want a automotive to get to Digby and the points of interest on the southwest shore. However in contrast to driving in Toronto or Montreal, driving in Nova Scotia within the spring, summer time and fall is stress-free.
The climate is okay and there’s little visitors.
You may take the Bay Ferry from Saint John NB to Digby or the CAT high-speed ferry from Bar Harbor, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
Many individuals hire a automotive at Halifax airport and drop it off on the finish of their trip. I often e-book my automotive leases at Discovercars.com.
This on-line portal compares automotive rental offers from many firms. So Uncover Vehicles typically affords the very best deal on automotive leases from Halifax Airport and Halifax Port.
Examine for the very best automotive rental charges at Discovercars.com
15 Bucket Listing Issues to Do in Digby and Southwest Nova Scotia
These are my favorite issues to do in Digby, the Acadian Shores and southwest Nova Scotia.
1. Expertise the Zen of Clam Digging
The Acadians and Mi’kmaq have been digging clams throughout low tide in Saint Mary’s Bay for hundreds of years. It’s an unbelievable expertise to be taught this artwork from an area skilled.
My very own clam digging tour befell at Beliveau Cove. Armed with a pitchfork, I scrambled over a towering dune to land on sun-warmed cinnamon sand.
The graceful ripples of sand, shaped by the huge Bay of Fundy tides that rise and fall 4 occasions every day, felt like therapeutic massage rollers on my naked toes.
However very like a truffle-hunting canine in Florence, I wasn’t distracted by any diversions.
As a substitute, I used to be targeted on sensing the presence of the clams relatively than approaching the dig methodically.
“Look ahead to a slight vibration within the sand beneath your toes,” suggested Marcel Saulnier, our group’s information. “While you really feel it, begin digging.”
Positive sufficient, just a few steps later, a despair within the sand yielded barely, with virtually a shiver. It was my sign to start digging.
A number of scoops with the fork and I unearthed a clam. It was measured to make certain it met regulation measurement and was quickly in our bucket headed for the kitchen pot.
However the clams we harvested weren’t destined for a spaghetti alle vongole you would possibly discover in Naples or perhaps a seafood paella.
Bay of Fundy clams are the scale of frisbees. They’re canned or stewed, remodeled into clam chowder or rappie pie, the normal Acadian dish.
🌟 Do It: Price for a clam digging tour is $20 an grownup. Reserve at (902) 769-2345
2. Pattern Rappie Pie and Different Native Meals Specialties
Whereas exploring this area of Nova Scotia, maintain a glance out for conventional Acadian specialties akin to rappie pie.
Often known as râpure, this distinctive casserole is fabricated from grated potatoes, sizzling broth and rooster or clams. Whereas the jiggly texture may be a shock, the style is scrumptious.
Strive rappie pie at Ecole Dans L’Anse Resto Sur La Mer (Google Map) and La Delicacies Robicheau (Google Map), each open seasonally. Examine hours earlier than you go. Reservations could also be needed in peak summer time season.
The greatest Acadian dishes to strive in Nova Scotia embody:
- croquettes de poisson (fish desserts) served with chow chow (chutney.,
- haddock with creamy lobster sauce.
- sizzling creamed lobster.
- seafood chowder, a scrumptious mixture of haddock, scallops, lobster and cream.
- fricot, rooster soup with potato dumplings.
- fring frangs (a crispy potato pancake).
- lobster poutine.
🌟 Insider Tip: To get the total native expertise, time your go to to the Acadian Shores to coincide with a “Musique de la Baie” kitchen celebration.
These enjoyable summer time evenings function native musicians and meals. They happen at La Delicacies Robicheau Restaurant on Thursdays or throughout Les Beaux Vendredis on the wharf at Beliveau Cove (902) 769-8618 on Fridays.
3. Study Lobster Fishing on a Bay of Fundy Lobster Tour
One other enjoyable factor to do in Digby County is to move out on a lobster fishing boat to find out about lobster fishing.
You may even strive your hand at banding a reside lobster.
If this isn’t but in your bucket listing of issues to do in your life, it ought to be. A lobster licence prices a cool $1 million {dollars} so it’s not a pastime you may choose up as a passion.
In truth, lobster fishing is so extremely regulated that even when a lobster leaped out of the water and onto your lap you’d need to toss it again into the deep! Or face a hefty nice for unlawful fishing.
So you’ll want to e-book a tour on a working lobster boat with Bay of Fundy Scenic Lobster Excursions throughout your journey to Southwestern Nova Scotia.
You’ll do some sightseeing (highlights embody the well-known Balancing Rock and Boar’s Head lighthouse) whereas studying in regards to the lobster fishing trade alongside the best way.
You’ll even have the chance to band a lobster! And take part in a lobster liberation when the crustacean will get returned to the ocean.
Lobster boat excursions happen between June fifteenth and Sept. fifteenth.
Bay of Fundy Scenic Lobster Excursions operates out of Tiverton Port on Lengthy Island, a micro-ride on a automotive ferry connecting Freeway 217.
🌟 Foodie Tip: Whilst you await the ferry in your manner again, choose up a scallop roll, a bowl of chowder or a Moon Mist ice-cream on the Petit Passage Cafe.
4. Go Whale Watching in Canada’s Pure Aquarium
Fin whales, humpbacks, Northern Proper whales – these mighty mammals all ply the waters of the Bay of Fundy, Saint Mary’s Bay and Annapolis Basin.
Though I didn’t see whales throughout my go to, I’ve gone whale-watching in Churchill, Manitoba in addition to in Puerto Escondido, Bahías de Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Seeing whales up shut is an unbelievable, life-affirming expertise. For an unforgettable ocean tour within the Digby space, take a look at these native tour firms:
5. Get pleasure from a Picture-op (and a cuppa tea) at Gilbert’s Cove Lighthouse
Gilbert’s Cove lighthouse, a Provincial Heritage Web site west of Digby alongside St. Mary’s Bay (Google Map), is a must-see Nova Scotia attraction says journey photographer Gary Crallé.
The squat cute-as-a-wink 2-story lighthouse has been lovingly restored by members of the native historic society.
The previous lightkeeper’s dwelling quarters have been transformed into a primary flooring tea room reward store and second flooring gallery museum.
Crafts and quilts adorn the partitions round small tables the place tea is served in correct china cups and saucers.
🌟 Insider Tip: Don’t depart with out winding up the guide foghorn; it’s a hoot.
The lighthouse is free and open every day from mid-June to late September.
6. Pattern Scallops on the “Scallop Capital of the World”
The city of Digby, Nova Scotia is world well-known for its scallops. The scallop boats exit after lobster season and harvest sea scallops from scallop beds on the ocean flooring.
Our group was fortunate sufficient to get a hands-on lesson in scallop shucking from the Digby Space Tourism Affiliation’s Board of Administrators. Getting the scallop out of its shell isn’t as straightforward because it appears!
Sea scallops are 3 times bigger and have a firmer texture than bay scallops. In order that they’re well-suited for grilling and serving pan-seared.
One of many greatest eating places in Digby for scallops is the Sydney Avenue Pub and Cafe at 14 Sydney St.
Positioned inside a former church (Google Map), it’s the place to eat your fill of expertly ready candy and succulent Digby scallops.
🌟 Enjoyable Truth: Questioning how one can pronounce scallops like an area? It seems like “sko·luhps” with an “o” sound relatively than an “a” within the first syllable.
At Fundy Restaurant on the waterfront boardwalk, scallop followers can start their day with a Digby Breakfast that includes a trio of scallops served on a half shell alongside hash browns, toast and jam.
🌟 Make It: We love Digby scallops on this recipe for Salpicon de Mariscos, a refreshing Spanish seafood appetizer.
7. Sip Scrumptious Nova Scotia Wine, Craft Beer and Cider
One other large attract Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores is the chance to sip and style your manner via a variety of wines, ciders and craft beers.
The Annapolis Valley is dwelling to a number of wineries with distinctive terroirs. Search for sips from Grand Pré Wines, L’Acadie Vineyards, Bear River and the Annapolis Cider Firm.
Different enjoyable culinary actions embody taking a guided Wine Tour of the Annapolis Valley, assembly native winemakers, pattern craft beer or just having fun with the pleasures of pairing a locally-produced wine together with your meal.
Examine costs and availability of a Wine Tour and Lunch within the Annapolis Valley on Viator.com.
8. Eat Your Weight in Recent Lobster
Over time, I’ve travelled round Atlantic Canada (and Maine) scouting out the very best lobster.
I’m able to make the unscientific declaration that you just gained’t discover anyplace with as a lot lobster on the menu as Southwest Nova Scotia.
Lobster is on the menu at eating places, at seafood suppers, at lobster festivals, at cooking lessons and at takeout home windows.
You may even purchase lobster at seafood processing crops such because the BMC Seafood Market in Meteghan.
This family-owned facility has been in operation since 1948 and has capability to carry 600,000 kilos of reside lobster in its holding tanks full of constantly circulating water from St. Mary’s Bay.
Which means whereas lobster harvesting season runs between November and Could, contemporary lobster is offered year-round.
It may be exhausting to consider however half manner down the Acadian Shores coast just a few of us in our group opted to order a burger from the menu relatively than lobster! Say what?
Who’d ever do this?
Reality is, after a number of days of lobster — from lobster poutine, creamed lobster, lobster bisque, lobster platters, lobster rolls and even a lobster membership sandwich — it was time to modify it up.
However our lobster fatigue was short-lived. By the point we reached Yarmouth later that day, we had been prepared for a lobster feast and a connoisseur lobster cooking class at Inside Oaks Holistic Method!
🌟 Professional Tip: Craving lobster? Strive our recipe for lobster fettuccine with herbed cream sauce that includes Nova Scotia lobster!
9. Play a Few Rounds at Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa
Set overlooking the Annapolis Basin, the Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa is likely one of the greatest locations to remain in jap Canada. The present resort dates to 1929 and was as soon as a Canadian Pacific Lodge.
It was one among a number of grand inns, alongside the Empress Lodge in Victoria, the Royal York in Toronto, Château Frontenac in Quebec Metropolis, meant to impressed passengers to journey in fashion throughout Canada.
At the moment, it affords comfy visitor rooms, luxurious suites and cottages, many with fireplaces and verandahs.
A spotlight of Digby Pine is its picturesque 18-hole golf course, designed by the well-known Canadian golf course architect Stanley Thompson.
He additionally designed different legendary programs akin to Banff Springs, Jasper Park and Highland Hyperlinks in Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park.
Examine charges and availability of Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa on Reserving.com.
10. Marvel at Majestic Eglise Saint-Bernard Church
If Eglise Saint-Bernard Church (Google Map) was situated in Europe or a significant North American metropolis there could be line-ups to see its jaw-dropping inside.
Not solely is it a formidable instance of Gothic structure however its unbelievable acoustics are mentioned to rival these of many well-known live performance halls.
Constructed of greater than 8,000 blocks of stone granite, individually laid by hand, it’s each swish and galvanizing in measurement and craftsmanship.
As a substitute of being a landmark sightseeing attraction, Eglise Saint-Bernard sees few guests. It’s been deconsecrated as a Catholic church and its holy relic eliminated.
It requires important funding for repairs so may even be susceptible to demolition by neglect regardless of greatest efforts by passionate native, nationwide and worldwide events akin to Heritage Saint-Bernard decided to put it aside.
🌟 Keep updated with actions at La Société Héritage Saint Bernard and assist efforts to protect this lovely architectural landmark for future generations.
11. Store Till You Drop at Frenchys
My solely remorse from my explorations via Southwest Nova Scotia is I want I’d spent extra time buying!
Not solely did a number of lovely handmade quilts catch my eye within the village boutiques and outlets, however Nova Scotia is dwelling to Man’s French’s and Frenchys!
What’s Man’s Frenchys you would possibly ask? It’s a mixture outlet retailer and thrift store that’s filled with distinctive treasures. From bins of clothes to designer purses, there are many finds ready to be found. Costs are all-time low.
Examine the places of Man’s Frenchys earlier than you go. There are places in Digby, Meteghan and Yarmouth.
12. Rejoice Small is Lovely on the Duplicate Maud Lewis Home and Tiny Drawbridge
No Canadian highway journey is full with out making a cease for a photo-op of a unusual attraction or two.
Your first cease ought to be the reproduction Maud Lewis Home simply exterior Digby (Google Map). This attraction is an enthralling recreation of the house of the well-known artist.
Subsequent up is the smallest working drawbridge on the planet. Positioned in Sandford (Google Map), it was initially constructed to save lots of time crossing the wharf however is now a well-liked landmark for enjoyable photographs.
13. Soak Up Acadian Tradition at Rendez-Vous de la Baie Customer Centre
Within the 18th century hundreds of Acadians, a definite group who had lived in Nova Scotia because the 1600s however had been seen as sympathizers to the French, had been expelled from their properties by the British.
Whereas hundreds died in what turned often called the Acadian Expulsion, those that survived made their solution to Georgia, South Carolina, New Orleans in Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Quebec and different components of the world. They retained their distinct tradition, customs and language after deportation.
At the moment, the Acadian museum situated throughout the Guests Centre at Université Sainte-Anne (Google Map) affords guests a chance to find out about Acadian tradition via reveals, interpretive trails, artwork works, conventional meals and guided walks.
🌟 Foodie Tip: This can be a prime place to select up meals souvenirs akin to haddock flakes or dulse, a tasty seaweed that’s hand-harvested and loved in soup and stir-fries.
14. Marvel at Saint-Marie Church, the Largest Wood Church in North America
One other outstanding attraction you’re certain to see in your travels alongside the Acadian Shores is Saint-Marie Church, the most important picket church in North America.
Positioned subsequent to the Université Sainte-Anne (Google Map) it’s nicely price together with this in your Nova Scotia itinerary simply to see its hovering steeple. It’s so tall, its inside is full of stone ballast to stop it from toppling over.
Accomplished in 1905, the church’s elegant design was impressed by the castles of France’s Loire Valley.
15. Chill Out with a Well-known Ice Cream Cone at Honey Bees Restaurant
Wrap up your romp alongside the Acadian Shores and Southwest Nova Scotia with a cease at Honey Bees Restaurant (Google Map) simply exterior Yarmouth.
This native favorite is an ice-cream parlour, sushi restaurant and Asian specialty store wrapped into one scrumptious vacation spot.
Select from a dizzying array of dips like inexperienced tea, sizzling fudge, gold digger, sea salt caramel, birthday cake and extra.
Not into sweets? Then a steaming bowl of udon soup would possibly do the trick. There’s a big selection of Japanese and Korean specialities to select from at Honey Bees, due to the culinary and entrepreneurial expertise of homeowners Sonia Park (born in Korea) and Tony Lawrence (a Yarmouth native).
🌟 Foodie Tip: Choose up artisanal meals merchandise (we love the honey and royal jelly) by Montreal Movie star Chef Antonio Park at Honey Bees. He’s Sonia Park’s brother, proof that culinary prowess run within the household!
Occasions and Finest Time to Go to
Acadian World Congress
The Acadian World Congress, a pageant of Acadian and Cajun tradition acknowledged by UNESCO, is held each 5 years. In 2024 it’ll happen in Argyle and Clare in southwestern Nova Scotia.
Lobster Bash
When you’re craving lobster rolls or simply questioning about the very best time and place to seek out lobster in Nova Scotia, mark your calendar for the primary week of July.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2023, Digby’s annual Lobster Bash options 3 days of lobster-themed enjoyable together with fireworks, contact tanks, reside music, parades and, after all, a lot of lobster on the menu.
Digby Scallop Days
One other enjoyable factor to do in Digby in summer time is to attend the Digby Scallop Days, a 3-day pageant celebrating the area’s well-known mollusk in addition to the scallop fishing trade and its individuals. Don’t miss the scallop shucking competitors the place the professionals will amaze you with their pace and prowess.
Motels and The place to Keep
Dockside Suites
Wish to get up to the sound of seabirds and the sight of bobbing fishing boats? Dockside Suites Lodge.is the greatest lodging on the Digby waterfront.
Not solely will you be steps to Digby’s quaint outlets and village sq. however the fashionable visitor rooms have implausible views, espresso makers and loads of house.
There’s an added bonus of a keep right here. Fundy’s, the onsite restaurant, is the place for a standard breakfast of Digby scallops.
Examine charges and availability on the Dockside Suites in Digby, Nova Scotia on Reserving.com.
Hillside Touchdown Mattress & Breakfast
Open year-round this gracious Victorian-era house is ideally located steps to native eating places, outlets and Digby points of interest.
Hillside Touchdown Mattress & Breakfast (Google Map) options three beautiful visitor rooms (two with harbour views) and all with ensuite baths. The new breakfast typically options Scallops Benedict.
Examine charges and availability of Hillside Touchdown Mattress & Breakfast on Reserving.com.
Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa
Get pleasure from resort facilities together with a big out of doors swimming pool, golf and luxurious landscaped gardens at this historic resort overlooking the Annapolis Basin.
Examine charges and availability of Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa on Reserving.com.
Rod Grand Yarmouth
Examine charges and availability of the Rod Grand Yarmouth on Reserving.com
Official Tourism Web sites
Tourism Nova Scotia: The official web site for the province affords a one-stop useful resource for planning a visit to Nova Scotia.
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores: Go off the overwhelmed path in Nova Scotia and uncover tradition, delicacies and a great deal of out of doors journey alongside the southwest shores of Nova Scotia.
Extra Summer time Journey Concepts in Canada
FAQs
Digby, Nova Scotia is greatest recognized for its scallop and lobster fishing fleet and its well-known Digby scallops. Nevertheless it’s also referred to as top-of-the-line places for whale-watching because the Bay of Fundy is dwelling to humpback whales, proper whales and different marine life.
In mid-June 2022, the fee for contemporary lobster at a seafood market in southwest Nova Scotia was $18.99 a pound. A lobster roll sandwich was $12.00 CAD.
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Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the closest tropical seaside), Michele Peterson is the founding father of A Style for Journey. Her award-winning journey and meals writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Supply, Nationwide Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ different publications.
Learn extra about Michele Peterson.