Tag Archives: ferry

Country Harbour

 

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Country Harbour River

When you hear the name Country Harbour in Nova Scotia you might think you are on the coast with fishing boats and the ocean waves.  However in driving from Monastry on highway 316 you see a sign for Country Harbour and then pass signs for Country Harbour Cross Roads, Country Harbour Mines, Middle Country Harbour, Country Harbour Ferry and still are miles from the ocean.

Country Harbour is a 10 mile long deep inlet from the sea on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.  It is not only beautiful but has an interesting past.

SeaWind Landing comfortable accomdations great dining

A great place to stay and use as an exploration point is the Seawind Landing Country Inn in Charlos Cove.  The 20 acre grounds has interesting paths through the forest or along the shore are great for an evening or early morning stroll.  The food is superb, prepared with loving care from local ingredients by the innkeeper.  There is a choice of comfortable rooms near the shore with the sound of the waves – or rooms with a view to the east or west from your 2nd floor porch.

The Seawind Landing Country Inn is a 30 minute drive from Drum Head at the mouth of Isaacs Harbour and  Country Harbour.  Stop along the way at the lovely Tor Bay Provincial Park and enjoy the boardwalk through the trees and over marshes and mosses.   Seabirds nest on offshore islands – great for birdwatchers.  Continue along Hwy 316 to Isaacs Harbour and take the turn off to the Country Harbour Ferry.  This 12 car cable operated ferry takes you across Country Harbour to continue down along the coast through Port Bickerton towards Halifax on Hwy 211. Even if you decide not to take the ferry it is fun to watch it make the crossing.  Signs are posted at the turnoff informing if the ferry is operating or not.

Empire Loyalist Trail

This part of the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia was the closest part of North America for the early ships from Europe. The long protected harbour was a welcome relief from the open sea.  The discovery of gold in the area was another draw to the area. From the 1600s the area was alive with ship building, forestry, small farming, fishing and gold mining.

Country Harbour was also settled by Loyalists from the King’s Carolina Rangers and the South Carolina Royalists who left Florida in October 1783, landed in Halifax and then the settlers went on to Country Harbour.  The United Empire Loyalist 2.2 KM trail has interpretive signs giving the history of the settlers.

Salsman Park Golden Sunrise

Salsman Provincial Park is located on a small peninsula on the east side of Country Harbour near Middle Country Harbour.  From June to September the park offers campers a quiet setting to relax and enjoy the area.  The camp ground is situated on an island connected by a short causeway giving lovely views of the water and hills.  On an early November morning the sunrise over Country Harbour was memorable with its golden glow and reflections in the calm water.

The nearby Loonsong Cottage Retreat offers workshops and retreats for women on a variety of topics.  Check their website for calendar of events.

Country Harbour River offers fishing and exploring.  The rural farms and cottages enjoy spectacular views in fall with the changing leaf colors.

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 Click Here to Download Country Harbour article and more information

 

Enjoy a Day at the Halifax Waterfront

Halifax Waterfront

You can easily spend a day – or if you have just a few hours you can make a shorter version of this inexpensive way to enjoy the Halifax harbour and its many attractions.  It has something for everyone young or old.

Along the Halifax Boardwalk

Along the Halifax Boardwalk

The Boardwalk on the Halifax side of the harbour stretches from Pier 21 on the South end to the Casino on the North end.  As you walk along you will enjoy the view of the boats and ships on this largest xx …    Many visitors to Halifax arrive via cruise ships and to boardwalk is a great way to experience the historical side of Halifax, enjoy the harbour views and have many places to drop in and shop or enjoy a meal. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and dress in layers even on a sunny day.

The Farmer’s Market near Pier 21 is open daily and has a huge selection of produce but also arts and crafts, baked goods and much more.  Great place to browse or buy.

There is a large Tourist Information Centre with lots of brochures, maps and

Halifax Waterfront

friendly people to advise on where to go and what to see throughout Nova Scotia.  It’s a great place to help in planning your visit.

If you are interested in history, Pier 21 is the Museum of Immigration.  So many people entered Canada through Pier 21 and the exhibits are interesting to give us a view of our history.  The Maritime Museum includes both small and large craft, boat building, sailing, the Titanic explosion in Halifax.

There is plenty of shopping and browsing along the route if you are so inclined.  Nova Scotia crafts, salt water taffy, t-shirts and souvenirs.

The restaurants and snack places are dotted along the route with upscale dining, and family style restaurants as well as take outs if you wish to enjoy your lunch out of doors along the boardwalk.   The small parks along the way have seating or you can perch on the wooden

Ferry Trip

One of my favourite things to do is to take the ferry from Halifax to Dartmouth.  This is the poor man’s harbour cruise.  For $ 1.50 (senior) or $ 2.50 (adult) you can buy a ticket that takes you from the Halifax Ferry terminal to Alderney Landing in Dartmouth. Sit up on

Halifax McDonald Bridge at night from the ferry

Halifax McDonald Bridge at night from the ferry - Time lapse photo

the upper deck and enjoy the activities in the harbour, see the two bridges spanning and joining these two cities.   The ferry system is part of the Halifax Metro transport system.  So you can even use your ticket to get on a bus on the other side.  Or you can enjoy walking around the Alderney Landing area, have a snack or browse and then hop back on the ferry within a 2 hour limit and use the same ticket!

Nighttime also gives a spectacular view of the skyline of Halifax and the bridges.  Best on a clear night and be sure to wrap up warmly.

Dartmouth Waterfront

The Dartmouth side of the harbour gives you a great view of the Halifax skyline.  On the weekend you can visit the Farmers Market.  The Alderney Landing Library is just a few steps away and you can drop in to relax and read a magazine or look at the views of the waterfront from the upper floors.

Alderney Landing Dartmouth

Alderney Landing Dartmouth

If you are in the mood for more walking take a right from the Alderney Landing along the waterfront and follow the path.  This leads over a small bridge which is the beginning of the Shubenacadie Canal.  There are several museums and heritage sites in the vicinity well worth visiting including Evergreen House – the Dartmouth Heritage Museum.  They have “high tea” several afternoons a week.  Check their website for timings.

 

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Map

Click on the map to get bus transit details and to zoom in on the route.  The route shown uses Lower Water street – but just head towards the water to get on the boardwalk at any point.


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