Bridgewater, Nova Scotia

Bridgewater is a thriving town nestled in the heart of the LaHave River Valley. Known as the “Main Street of the South Shore”, Bridgewater offers numerous amenities including restaurants,accommodations, a traditional main street as well as a bustling mall, banks, regional hospital,parks, museums and recreational facilities.

Bridgewater is a beautiful town of tree lined streets, friendly people, ample amenities, and an unhurried pace.The commercial hub of the South Shore of Nova Scotia, Bridgewater offers outstanding shopping opportunities. Despite its concentration on retail and commercial services, Bridgewater also offers wonderful recreational amenities including a championship golf course, curling club, arena, beautiful beaches only minutes away, playing fields, and a trail system that spans the entire Town. In addition, there are several beautiful parks for those who enjoy more leisurely recreational pursuits. Bridgewater offers an excellent quality of life with a first-rate regional hospital, quality schools, and a low crime rate. Bridgewater boasts a great variety of architectural styles and features, which are generally not noticeable at first glance. Its merchants, entrepreneurs, and professionals created many homes of magnificent construction and craftsmanship.

Development is abundant. Unprecedented amounts of residential and commercial ventures aim to attract and support the population in their golden years. The hospitality sector is also jockeying to get in position for the continued growth of Bridgewater, and renovations,expansions and new construction are a daily activity.

Area Schools:

Bridgewater Elementary School
Park View Education Centre
South Shore District School

Black Point, Nova Scotia

Black Point is the closest community in the Ten Beaches area to Metropolitan Halifax, just 25 minutes away. Black Point Beach is the first of the Ten Beaches you will come to when traveling southwest on Highway 3, after taking Exit 5 at Tantallon.

Black Point is believed to have been given its name because its land mass appear black from outside of St. Margaret’s Bay. Original land grants were given in 1786, but it was not until the 19th century that the community began to take shape. Black’s Point first post office opened in 1867. A new school opened in 1879 and, United Baptist Church was dedicated in 1898.

Today, the fire station and community hall are focal points of the community, where community suppers and social events are held. The village also boasts some antique and craft shops, and has two sand beaches, the Black Point Beach and The Puddle Beach.

Although not as sandy as some of the other Ten Beaches, the Black Point Beach is a popular spot for snorkelling. Snorkelling from this beach, one can discover a whole array of marine life, from lobsters and crabs to eels and various kinds of rock fish. At low tide, the beach is also a pleasant place for swimming.

For a tiny little beach, Puddle Beach sure has a lot of admirers. A tiny little strip of sand, maybe 100 feet in length, this well-protected beach is a fun place for kids. The water swishes back and forth from the sea into a stream that comes from a small freshwater body of water across Highway 3, known as “The Puddle.” This popular little spot in Black Point is a great connection point to the St. Margaret’s Bay Trail, where you can hike or bike. Within a short bike ride, you can easily access three or four beaches in the area in a short period of time. A picturesque little trellis bridge, along the trail, goes right over The Puddle. There are picnic tables there, making it a fun spot to visit.

Area Schools:

Shatford Memorial (PR-06)
Five Bridges (07-09)
Sir John A. MacDonald (10-112)

Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

Yarmouth lies at the intersection of two founding cultures in Nova Scotia and the seaport is a launching point for travels into French-speaking Acadie and English speaking communities founded by settlers known as the Planters

Explore Yarmouth, home to the largest fishing fleet in Atlantic Canada. View the achitecturally stunning sea captain homes that were built between 1850 and 1900 and stand today as reminders of the wealth the ocean has long offered to those tough enough to ply the waters. A picture perfect place to ponder the sea is at the Cape Forchu Light station where the views, picnic grounds and hiking trails earned it the distinction as one of Canada’s greatest public spaces.

The Yarmouth & Acadian Shores region is home to communities with roots over 400 years deep, tiny villages in the shadows of lofty churches such as the Musée Église Sainte-Marie, the largest wooden church in North America. Though history hasn’t always been kind to the Acadians – they were caught between France and England as they fought for control over Atlantic Canada – it’s always interesting.

Recreation:

Yarmouth Golf and Country Club Tucked into the southwest corner of the Province, this charming links-style layout offers a panoramic view of the local lighthouse and ocean. At first glance, the openness of the course leads one to believe that low scores are the norm. However, the rolling fairways, small lightning fast greens and unpredictable ocean breezes all combine to provide a true challenge for any golfer. Yarmouth is one of the Province’s oldest courses. While playing Yarmouth course you will be treated to great views of the Atlantic Ocean.

West Pubnico Golf & Country Club:

The West Pubnico Golf & Country Club officially opened August 31, 1968. The club later opened its back nine on June 20, 1991. Today there are 380 members and many visitors who enjoy a driving range, putting green and club house with licensed snack bar.

Ellenwood Lake Provincial Park:

This 282 acre protected provincial park boasts beaches, sport fishing, a picnic park and other activities. A 2km hiking trail within the park is accessible by hikers of all ages and abilities, and hosts a wide variety of plant life, birds and animals. Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, rest areas.

Ocean Exploration Zodiac Whale Cruises:

The waters at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy from the ledges off Brier Island right up the Digby Neck are important feeding areas for many species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises), seals and a wide variety of seabirds.Most common species seen are the Minke, humpback and fin whales, harbour porpoise and Atlantic white-sided dolphins. Right whales are frequently seen. Not for the weak-hearted, Ocean Explorations are usually conducted in a Zodiac (or Zodiac-type) boat, similar to those used by marine biologists, whale watchers, and charter operations all over the world.

Area Schools:

Meadowfields Community School (P-6) (1km)
Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School (1.7km)
Yarmouth Junior High School (1.7km)
Nova Scotia Community College (280m)

Mount Uniacke, Nova Scotia

In East Hants, you will find a 4 season eco-adventure destination with recreational opportunities around every corner. Exploring our many parks and over 50 km of trails is a great way to keep active and provides outdoor adventures for the whole family

Walton Lighthouse Trail:

Constructed in 1873, the Walton lighthouse is one of the few lighthouses in which you are able to climb the stairs and access the lantern room. As a popular tourist spot one can enjoy the breathtaking landscape and enjoy the tides.

Located at 119 Lorne Smith Road off the Highway 215 in Walton, one can enjoy the picturesque park complete with washroom facilities, gazebo, picnic area, and walking trail! Entertainment & Music.

Uniacke Estate Museum Park

Along the peaceful shores of Lake Martha, at 758 Highway 1 in Mount Uniacke is the Uniacke Estate Park. Built almost 200 years ago by then Attorney General Richard John Uniacke the elegant country estate now a provincial museum is a beautiful heritage site to visit!

Eight interpretive nature trails will help you explore the sprawling 930-hectare estate with its rich natural heritage, historic archeological sites, and splendid forests and vistas.

Over 18 km of trails contain 6 loops ranging from moderate to challenging and will definitely provide hours of refreshing outdoor activity.

Local golf courses that offer great views and local hospitality include Nine Mile River, Shubenacadie, Uniacke Pines, East Hants Sportsplex (driving range).

Local Schools:

Uniacke District School
Millwood Elementary
Sackville Heights Elementary
Harry R Hamilton Elementary

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

On Nova Scotia’s South Shore, a one-hour drive from the Halifax International Airport, is Mahone Bay – for many visitors the “New Martha’s Vineyard.” The area is known for its shipbuilding; the hospitality of its residents, and a historic village of the same name that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook. Mahone Bay’s Main Street features upscale restaurants and shops, art galleries, outdoor plazas, a marina, and the three signature church spires of St. James’ Anglican, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran, and Trinity United. There’s lots to do and lot going on in this little town of just over 900 inhabitants. The Pirate Festival and Regatta is held at the end of July/start of August each year and brings many visitors to the town, as does the Scarecrow Festival in the Fall. This quaint fishing community is a postcard perfect maritime town.