15 Causes I am Able to Drop Every little thing and Head to Digby, NS

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Whereas finest 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 might take a lifetime to expertise all of it.

However even you probably have solely per week, you may get a style of the area’s distinctive mix of hospitality, pure magnificence and authenticity.

You may even be tempted to drop every little thing and transfer to this lovely area of Canada. I do know I used to be!

After spending per week within the space as a part of the Journey Media Affiliation of Canada convention, I rapidly fell in love with the area’s Acadian tradition, seaside villages and seashores the color of melted taffy.

In truth, after just some 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 tasks.

Trip in Digby, Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores and also you’ll quickly uncover why!

Why You’ll Love This Area of Canada

• It’s nonetheless under-the-radar. You’ll see few crowds.
• Plentiful recent air, clear starry skies and pure magnificence.
• Costs are decrease than many different seaside locations within the US and Canada.
• A lot of 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 surprise. They’re really 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 town 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 other facet of the province from Tatamagouche and well-known Nova Scotia sights corresponding to Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and Lunenberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, on the Atlantic Coast.

The right way to Get to Digby

You want a automotive to get to Digby and the sights 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 ok and there’s little site visitors.

You’ll be able to 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 lease 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 corporations. So Uncover Automobiles usually provides the perfect deal on automotive leases from Halifax Airport and Halifax Port.

Verify for the perfect automotive rental charges at Discovercars.com

15 Bucket Checklist 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 professional.

My very own clam digging tour came about at Belliveau Cove. Armed with a pitchfork, I scrambled over a towering dune to land on sun-warmed cinnamon sand.

The sleek ripples of sand, shaped by the large Bay of Fundy tides that rise and fall 4 occasions every day, felt like therapeutic massage rollers on my naked ft.

However very similar to 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 quite than approaching the dig methodically.

“Look ahead to a slight vibration within the sand beneath your ft,” suggested Marcel Saulnier, our group’s information. “Once you really feel it, begin digging.”

Certain sufficient, just a few steps later, a melancholy within the sand yielded barely, with nearly 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 sure 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 may discover in Naples or perhaps a seafood paella.

Bay of Fundy clams are the dimensions of frisbees. They’re canned or stewed, remodeled into clam chowder or rappie pie, the standard 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, preserve a glance out for conventional Acadian specialties corresponding to rappie pie.

Also referred to as râpure, this distinctive casserole is fabricated from grated potatoes, sizzling broth and hen or clams. Whereas the jiggly texture is likely to 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. Verify hours earlier than you go. Reservations could also be needed in peak summer time season.

The finest Acadian dishes to attempt 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, hen soup with potato dumplings.
• fring frangs (a crispy potato pancake).
• lobster poutine.

🌟 Insider Tip: To get the complete native expertise, time your go to to the Acadian Shores to coincide with a “Musique de la Baie” kitchen social gathering.

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 go out on a lobster fishing boat to study lobster fishing.

You’ll be able to even attempt your hand at banding a stay lobster.

If this isn’t but in your bucket record of issues to do in your life, it must be. A lobster licence prices a cool $1 million {dollars} so it’s not a pastime you possibly can 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 must toss it again into the deep! Or face a hefty fantastic for unlawful fishing.

So you should definitely 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 concerning the lobster fishing trade alongside the way in which.

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 method 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, try these native tour corporations:

5. Take pleasure in a Photograph-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 residing quarters have been transformed into a primary ground tea room present store and second ground 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 go away with out winding up the handbook 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 ground.

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 simple because it appears to be like!

Sea scallops are thrice 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 finest eating places in Digby for scallops is the Sydney Avenue Pub and Cafe at 14 Sydney St.

Situated inside a former church (Google Map), it’s the place to eat your fill of expertly ready candy and succulent Digby scallops.

🌟 Enjoyable Reality: Questioning how one can pronounce scallops like an area? It appears like “sko·luhps” with an “o” sound quite 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 method via a variety of wines, ciders and craft beers.

The Annapolis Valley is residence 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 along with your meal.

Verify 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 perfect lobster.

I’m able to make the unscientific declaration that you simply received’t discover wherever 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’ll be able to 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 stay lobster in its holding tanks full of repeatedly circulating water from St. Mary’s Bay.

Which means whereas lobster harvesting season runs between November and Might, recent lobster is out there year-round.

It is likely to be arduous to imagine however half method down the Acadian Shores coast just a few of us in our group opted to order a burger from the menu quite 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 Internal Oaks Holistic Strategy!

🌟 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 finest locations to remain in jap Canada. The present resort dates to 1929 and was as soon as a Canadian Pacific Lodge.

It was one in every of a number of grand resorts, alongside the Empress Lodge in Victoria, the Royal York in Toronto, Château Frontenac in Quebec Metropolis, supposed to impressed passengers to journey in model throughout Canada.

At present, it provides 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 corresponding to Banff Springs, Jasper Park and Highland Hyperlinks in Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park.

Verify 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 can be line-ups to see its jaw-dropping inside.

Not solely is it a powerful instance of Gothic structure however its unbelievable acoustics are stated 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 sleek and provoking 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 might even be liable to demolition by neglect regardless of finest efforts by passionate native, nationwide and worldwide events corresponding to Heritage Saint-Bernard decided to reserve it.

🌟 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 procuring!

Not solely did a number of lovely handmade quilts catch my eye within the village boutiques and outlets, however Nova Scotia is residence to Man’s French’s and Frenchys!

What’s Man’s Frenchys you may ask? It’s a mix outlet retailer and thrift store that’s stuffed with distinctive treasures. From bins of clothes to designer purses, there are many finds ready to be found. Costs are all-time low.

Verify the areas of Man’s Frenchys earlier than you go. There are areas in Digby, Meteghan and Yarmouth.

12. Have fun Small is Stunning on the Reproduction Maud Lewis Home and Tiny Drawbridge

No Canadian street journey is full with out making a cease for a photo-op of a unusual attraction or two.

Your first cease must be the duplicate 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. Situated in Sandford (Google Map), it was initially constructed to avoid wasting 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 1000’s of Acadians, a definite neighborhood who had lived in Nova Scotia for the reason that 1600s however had been seen as sympathizers to the French, had been expelled from their houses by the British.

Whereas 1000’s died in what grew to become referred to as the Acadian Expulsion, those that survived made their method 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 present, the Acadian museum situated throughout the Guests Centre at Université Sainte-Anne (Google Map) provides guests a chance to study Acadian tradition via displays, interpretive trails, artwork works, conventional meals and guided walks.

🌟 Foodie Tip: It is a prime place to choose up meals souvenirs corresponding 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 Picket 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 biggest picket church in North America.

Situated subsequent to the Université Sainte-Anne (Google Map) it’s properly value 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 may do the trick. There’s a wide selection of Japanese and Korean specialities to select from at Honey Bees, because of 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 Greatest Time to Go to

Acadian World Congress

The Acadian World Congress, a competition of Acadian and Cajun tradition acknowledged by UNESCO, is held each 5 years. In 2024 it can happen in Argyle and Clare in southwestern Nova Scotia.

Lobster Bash

In case you’re craving lobster rolls or simply questioning about the perfect 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, stay music, parades and, after all, a number 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 competition 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 velocity and prowess.

Accommodations 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 finest 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 improbable views, espresso makers and loads of area.

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.  

Verify 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 sights.

Hillside Touchdown Mattress & Breakfast (Google Map) options three beautiful visitor rooms (two with harbour views) and all with ensuite baths. The recent breakfast usually options Scallops Benedict.

Verify charges and availability of Hillside Touchdown Mattress & Breakfast on Reserving.com.

Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa

Take pleasure in resort facilities together with a big out of doors swimming pool, golf and plush landscaped gardens at this historic resort overlooking the Annapolis Basin.

Verify charges and availability of Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa on Reserving.com.

Rod Grand Yarmouth

Verify charges and availability of the Rod Grand Yarmouth on Reserving.com

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Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the closest tropical seashore), 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.