Weymouth and the French Acadian Shore

of Western Nova Scotia, 2004 & 2005


 
 
A drive along the Evangeline Trail, including the Digby Neck is a more than worthwhile excursion, but you will need at least a few days to do it justice.  Nova Scotia's Evangeline Trail starts in Yarmouth County, covering one half of the south western tip of the province, and continues on to Mt. Uniacke, not far from Halifax.  The photos here were taken in 2004 and 2005.   I suggest making your headquarters in the town of Weymouth.





    


From Weymouth you can take interesting excursions in many directions: east to Annapolis Royal, south west to Yarmouth, south to Kejimkujik National Park and / or Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct.

 

The St. Mary's Bay coast from Yarmouth to Digby (Municipality of Clare) is home to Nova Scotia's French -speaking Acadian population.  The Acadian flag was established at the second Acadian Convention in 1884 at Miscouche, Prince Edward Island.  Father Marcel-Francois Richard designed it and brought it with him to the event.  Like the flag of France, it is blue, white, and red.  The gold star at the top left is the Stella Maris (Star of the Sea), there to seek the guidance and protection of the Virgin Mary, patron saint of the Acadians.  This flag represents Acadians worldwide.  It is conserved at Musée Acadien, Université de Moncton, in Moncton New Brunswick.  To learn more about the Acadians, visit The Acadians at cbc.ca. 
  
Listen to the Acadian National Anthem, Ave Maris Stella.







In Weymouth excellent B & B accommodation was provided at the grand old house pictured here. The bad news is that this property, then known as Arcadie House, now has new owners and is no longer a B & B.  The good news is that genial Hosts Brendan and Karen Enright have relocated to Bear River where they will be opening the "Lightning Tree Winery" in 2009.  They are also planning a restaurant at the winery which, given the gourmet breakfasts laid on at Arcadie House by this couple, will undoubtedly offer a truly sublime Bear River dining experience.  I have it on good authority that the bacon-wrapped Digby scallops, a to-die-for feature of the B & B breakfasts, will be on the menu at the new restaurant.  No matter where you stay in the area,  Weymouth offers many unexpected attractions, especially if you can plan to be there on Canada Day.  Weymouth puts on a spectacular fireworks display in town at the Sissiboo River bridge.  But before dark you will want to watch the Weymouth Canada Day parade, and also get a ticket on the annual Sissiboo River Rubber Duckie Race.




Be sure to get a ticket for the Weymouth Canada Day Rubber Duckie Race!

 

Photos in this gallery were taken by John Tomlinson, Summer, 2004 / 2005. 

Annapolis Royal: looking across the Annapolis River. Market, Annapolis Royal. Digby Harbour.
Canada Day Parade, Weymouth. Canada Day Parade, Weymouth. Canada Day Parade, Weymouth.
Weymouth Trading Post. Gathering up the exhausted contestants after the great Weymouth Canada Day Rubber Duckie Race. Evening at Savary Park, overlooking St. Mary's Bay near Weymouth.
Bear River, the "Switzerland of Nova Scotia," is a unique tidal village set among steep hills.  A mecca for artists. The Joe Casey, car ferry running between the Digby Neck and Tiverton on Long Island.  Cost: $4 return. The Petit Princess car ferry leaves Freeport, on Long Island, to bring you to Westport, on Brier Island.  Cost: $4 return.
Seaside at Brier Island, last stop on the Digby Neck. Water lillies, Brier Island. The Brier Island lighthouse.
Contrasts on Brier Island. One of several entrances to Mavillette Beach on the Acadian Shore, bordered with sweet peas. Sweet peas at Mavillette Beach on the Acadian Shore.
A misty day at Smugglers Cove, on the Acadian Shore.  The dark spot at the base of the far cliffs is a waterline cave! Seaside rocks at Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct.  Bring binoculars to watch the seals, and be ready to hike! Waterfront, Yarmouth.