This area is rich in life, on land and sea. It has Nova Scotia's most impressive geological features with its towering cliffs, rock spires, deep valleys and sheltered coves. From the times before European explorers touched this land it held special importance to its aboriginal people. You will soon see why this land was part of the Mi'kmaq legends of Glooscap! The Chignecto area of the Bay of Fundy has something for everyone interested in the outdoors, nature, geology and history. And there is no better way to take it all in than by sea kayak. See our Fundy Tours.

Advocate Harbour

NovaShores Adventures is located in Advocate Harbour known for its unique barrier beach with huge piles of tide-cast driftwood. The harbour goes dry at low tide, come back a few hours later and the fishing boats will be floating again like in any other harbour. The local fishermen’s main income is from lobster and scallop fishery.

Advocate Harbour is one of the oldest Acadian villages in Atlantic Canada with many old homes and an atmosphere as relaxed as it gets. You can go for a stroll on the old dykes that these industrious settlers created, or go beach combing along the driftwood beach sheltering Advocate Harbour. To one side of the village you have the cliffs of Cape d’Or with a lighthouse and first class views of the choppy Dory Rips that are created by opposing currents from the Minas Basin and the Bay of Fundy. On the other side the rocky promontory of Cape Chignecto that is home to the largest provincial park in Nova Scotia.

On the way to Cape d’Or make sure to stop at Horseshoe Cove, a beautiful beach where you might find agate and native copper. It was a thriving community in the late eighteen hundreds thanks to copper mining.

In nearby Spencer’s Island the old lighthouse contains an exhibit with photos and artifacts from the ship building days. The famous mystery ship Mary Celeste was built there in 1861. The Beach Cafe is always worth a visit.

 

What else can we do and see at this location?

For the outdoor enthusiasts the Fundy Shore Drive has more to offer than any other region of the province. The highest tides on earth have a tremendous impact on this shore, making it a geologist's paradise where fossils, dinosaur bones and semi precious stones are commonly discovered. A good start to explore this area is a stop at the Fundy Geological Museum or you can follow some of the “Fundy Eco tour signs” guiding you to fascinating geological highlights around the Bay from Amherst to Windsor, Nova Scotia.

The fossil cliffs of Joggins are a popular place to go look for fossils along the beach. The coal age rock formations reveal fossilized tree trunks and plants.The first reptiles on Earth, only 30 centimetres long, have been found inside once hollow tree trunks of ancient Lycopod Trees. Check the tide table before you go on the beach! In 2008 a new interpretation center will open in Joggins.

The rock spires and sea caves are best explored by sea kayak on our tours and much of the coast is not accessible by foot, only by kayak, but there are also some of the best hikes available in the province at Cape Chignecto Provincial park. In West Advocate the Red Rocks Interpretation Centre is providing general visitor information about the park and the day-and multi-day hikes you can do from that location. We hope a new day- park will ready to open in 2008 at the north end of the park with easy walking trails to the famous Three Sisters, three magnificent sea-stacks, engulfed in local folklore. Another trail leads to Squally Point with an elevated beach 35 meters above sea level.

Shorter hikes can be done to discover the waterfalls at Wards Brook or Economy on the way to our location or you might want to stop at Five Islands Provincial Park that offers magnificent views and walks. The Bay of Fundy also attracts large amounts of migratory birds for spectacular bird watching in several locations. For those with some time and no fear of heights, you may want to check out paragliding from the cliffs with Pegasus paragliding located near Parrsboro.

You may be surprised at the culinary delights available in this remote area. In the cozy hamlet of Spencer's Island you find Jim’s Beach Cafe. Jim uses local produce, most from his own organically grown garden and fresh fish from local fishermen. He has a flair for the unusual to make a dining experience in this funky restaurant a unique experience! Or up the road at Cape D'Or visit the Lighthouse restaurant for an excellent meal with a view from your dining chair that cannot be matched - anywhere! The road up is gravel and can be rough - but it is worth it as this is also a special place with fantastic viewpoints, lighthouse and awesome Dory Rips.

If you are a golfer there is a beautifully located 9-hole course in Parrsboro also home to an acclaimed live theater called the Ships Company Theatre. An interesting place to spend some time is the Destination Gallery where you can experience the talents of Canadian artists with their creations of wood, paint, clay, metal, photo and stone.

At Port Greville visit the Age of Sail Museum where you can learn more of the ship building history of this area, it is remarkable little museum, definitely worth the stop. You can also enjoy their tea and home made desserts. So - as you can see by this list, which is not all-inclusive but just some of our recommendations, there is lots to occupy you for a stay of several days. For accommodations check our Where to stay  page. The options are as varied as our landscape!