UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nova Scotia
What is a World Heritage Site?
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) describes a World Heritage Site as 'the designation for places on Earth that are of outstanding universal value to humanity and as such, have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.' (Information taken from the UNESCO World Heritage Convention website)
Old Town Lunenburg
The old town of Lunenburg, is one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Considered to be the best surviving planned British colonial town in North America, you can still see the tall ships moored off the port and hear the smith’s hammer, while guided tours tell tales of lives lost on the ocean, and the spirits that return to haunt the living.
Lunenburg’s harbour-side streets are lined with unique shops and restaurants that blend with the well-preserved and colourfully painted historic homes, much of it like a living museum from the 18th century.
While on a tour discover Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage when you visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to explore wharf-side vessels and their extraordinary aquarium, and the famous Bluenose II, a replica of the original world famous racing schooner.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs
On Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy coast the Joggins Fossil Cliffs have attracted scientists, visitors and geology enthusiasts from around the world, for over a hundred and fifty years. It was selected as a UNESCO World Heritage site because it’s the world’s most complete record of life in the Carboniferous era. You can stroll the beach for a glimpse of life on earth 300 million years ago. With Over 15kms of coastal cliffs, you can explore the fossil record of life in the “coal age”, when lush forest covered Joggins as well as much of the rest of the world. Plants, footprints, insects and the ancestors of the dinosaurs are all represented in fossils exposed by the amazing force of the world’s highest tides. The interpretive centre showcases fossils of plant and animal life and offers guided tours.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Nova Scotia
What is a Biosphere Reserve?
Biosphere Reserve sites are described by UNESCO as sites that are ‘recognized under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science.' (Information taken from the UNESCO website)
Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve
The Southwest Nova Biosphere
Reserve is an area located in the southwest portion of Nova Scotia.
Along the coast you’ll find fishing villages, quiet inlets and
lighthouses. On the Acadian Shore you’ll pass through some of the oldest
French settlements in the New World. Inland, you’ll find the gem of
Southwest Nova Scotia: Kejimkujik National Park, where you can enjoy
lush woodlands and gently rolling landscapes, and abundant lakes and
rivers perfect for camping, paddling, cycling and hiking.
The Southwest
Nova Biosphere Reserve was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2001
for its uniqueness and commitment to sustainable development and
conservation. It is now one of 16 Biosphere Reserves in Canada and one of two sites with this special designation in Nova Scotia.
Bras d'Or Lakes Biosphere Reserve
The Bras d’Or Lakes Biosphere Reserve, located on Cape Breton Island, includes the complete watershed of the Bras d’Or Lakes, a salt-water inland sea containing a unique estuarine ecosystem with species typical of both Arctic and warm subtropical waters living within kilometers of one another. The area is home to many beaches, headlands and numerous ponds and wetlands, making the region a popular kayaking, hiking and sightseeing destination.
Home to Mi’kmaq First Nations and descendants of early French, Scottish, and English settlers, the communities throughout the watershed area maintain close ties to the language and culture of the early settlers through art, music and storytelling.
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in June 2011, The Bras d’Or Lakes Biosphere Reserve is one of 16 Biosphere Reserves in Canada and one of two sites in Nova Scotia with this special designation.