The Best of the Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Region

Argyle Township Court House & Gaol

8168 Highway 3, Tusket

The oldest courthouse in Canada, this National Historic Site offers guided tours of the early 19th-century cellblock, courtroom, jury room and judges’ chambers.

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS), Western Branch

341 Main Street, Yarmouth

Contemporary, historical and folk art from the AGNSpermanent collection and travelling exhibits.

Cape Forchu Lightstation

Route 304, Cape Forchu

This towering “applecore-style” beacon overlooks a magnificent windswept ocean view and 19 acres of groomed grounds with walking trails.

Firefighters' Museum of Nova Scotia

The Firefighters’ Museum is home to an extensive collection of vintage fire equipment. The museum also chronicles the fascinating history of firefighting in the province through photographs, recollections, and thousands of artifacts.

Musée Église Sainte-Marie Museum

Route 1, Church Point

Its steeple rising 56.4 metres (197ft), this largest wooden church in North America houses a fine collection of church documents, photographs and furnishings.

Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos et Centre de recherche

Route 335, West Pubnico

Discover the history of Pubnico: learn about the people, hear their stories and take part in their culture. Archival treasures and artifacts spanning over a century wait to be discovered.

Rendez-vous de la Baie

Highway 1, Church Point

Overlooking St. Mary’s Bay, this cultural centre offers exhibits on Acadian heritage, an art gallery, cinema and a café.

Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse

Route 335, West Pubnico

Still inhabited by descendants of its founder, this historical village showcases life by the sea in the early 1900s. See boats being launched, rappie pie being made, and try out your français with local Acadians.

W. Laurence Sweeney Fisheries Museum

112 Water Street, Yarmouth

Nothing is roped off in this interactive hands-on museum. Five replicated buildings, wharf and trawler give visitors the feeling of a working fishing dock.

Yarmouth County Museum & Archives

22 Collins Street, Yarmouth

This award-winning museum presents Yarmouth’s seafaring history with collections of china, furniture, ship models, genealogical research and more.

Ye Olde Argyler Lodge

52 Ye Olde Argyler Rd, Lower Argyle

The Argyler is a unique luxury lodge on the water’s edge in Lobster Bay. Be part of the unbelievable serenity of the water, the islands, the sunsets, the fields and the beautiful weathered cedar building. The restaurant features an 80 seat dining room and patio, boasting beautiful views of the islands and stunning sunsets.

Au Havre du Capitaine

9118 Route #1 Meteghan River

This restaurant is known for its great food specializing in seafood dishes and traditional Acadian meals. Enjoy a meal in the dining room or enjoy a beautiful summer day overlooking St. Mary’s Bay from the outdoor patio deck.

Th’YARC Playhouse & Arts Centre

Th’YARC is the largest multi-function performance centre in Southwest Nova Scotia. It promotes both professional and amateur artists including, dramas, comedies and musicals.The centre consists of 343 soft seat theatre with fly tower, art gallery, artist studio, an etching studio and a costume studio.

At the Sign of the Whale Nova Scotia Crafts & Art Gallery

Route 1, Yarmouth

Pick up a charming crackers-and-dip plate or a richly glazed hanging planter, hand-thrown on the premises by Morris Pottery. This heritage property offers works by over 150 Nova Scotia artisans, including pewter, glass, jewellery, textiles, wood, paintings, art prints and books.

La galerie Comeau

761 Route 1, Comeauville

Denise Comeau’s original watercolours reflect the landscape, customs and folklore of Acadian life à la Baie, while her expressive abstract work offers a deeply personal expression of the Acadian experience.

June Deveau Galerie Studio

7236 Route 1, Sainte-Alphonse

Painter June Deveau gathers inspiration from the rich cultural background of the Acadian villages along St. Mary’s Bay.

Hands on Crafts

Main Street, Yarmouth

This craft cooperative features the work of over 50 local artisans, from hand-spun woollens to colourful quilts. More than 200 other merchants are waiting to welcome you to downtown Yarmouth.

Yarmouth 250

Yarmouth County wide, January 1 - December 31, 2011

In 2011, experience a year-long celebration of 250 years of diverse communities, heritage and culture in Yarmouth County. Among the key activities are an incredible Birthday Party on June 9, a Founder’s Fair, the provincial Town Criers' Competition, the play "Baltimore", family reunions, historical re-enactments, and more.

Seafest 2011

Yarmouth, July 13-23, 2011

A celebration of life by the sea, this annual summertime highlight features a lobster festival, pageant, Parade of Lights and tea party. The 2010 theme is Carnival by the Sea.

Festival acadien international de Par-en-Bas

Argyle region, July 1-28, 2011

Drawing thousands of locals and visitors alike, this grand yet grassroots celebration allows you to discover the rich heritage and culture of l’Acadie through music, food and dance.

Festival acadien de Clare

Clare, July 28–August 15, 2012

The community of Clare has been celebrating its rich Acadian culture and heritage with parades, music, food and costumed interpreters for over 50 years, at the world’s oldest Acadian festival. The inaugural event, in 1955, was not called the “Festival acadien.” Commemorating the bicentennial of the Acadian Expulsion, the festival was then known as the “Regional Celebration of Saint Mary’s Bay Acadian Bicentennial.”

Wedgeport Tuna Tournament

Wedgeport, August 22-27, 2011

This annual fishing derby offers plenty of family entertainment, including a pageant, tours of the museum and live music on the wharf in Lower Wedgeport, once known as the Sport Tuna Fishing Capital of the World.

Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Craft Splash

September 24-October 1, 2011

This eight-day festival features workshops, displays and demonstrations for crafters of all ages, and open artisan studios offering woodcarving, weaving, rughooking, basketmaking, quilting, leatherwork, stained glass and more.

Acadian Shores Geocaching Adventure

Visit 29 historic and cultural sites that tell the Acadian story in Yarmouth and Acadian Shores, Bring your GPS and pick up a map/brochure of the self-guided tour from a Visitor Information Centre or visit www.geocaching.com (search for caches with the user name ‘Acadiancacher’). Happy treasure hunting!

Back-country hiking in the Tobeatic Wilderness Area

With dozens of remote lakes, the "Toby" and the adjacent Kejimkujik National Park together protect 142,000 hectares of mixed woods, barrens and wetlands. The "wild soul" of the Maritimes, it’s a stronghold for moose, black bear, bobcat, river otter and the uncommon pine marten. The area is isolated—pack appropriate gear, and consider booking a guide.

Cycle the Chebogue loop

With its wonderful views of farmland, salt marshes and ocean vistas, the panoramic Chebogue loop offers a relaxing ride over gently rolling terrain. The loop follows the Yarmouth harbour and tidal Chebogue River for a distance of 37 km. Pick up a cycling brochure at the Yarmouth Visitor Information Centre or download one from YarmouthandAcadianShores.com.

Photograph Mavillette Beach

Pack your camera’s zoom lens: this photogenic two kilometre stretch of sand flats, dunes and rugged cliffs offers great birdwatching from a platform overlooking the marsh (see page 341).