Fancy a long, leisurely drive along a rugged coastline, watching the colors of the wild Atlantic change as the sun peeps in and out of the clouds? You can stop now and then for a stroll at some lonely beach or beside an isolated lighthouse, and if you’re in the mood, look for a coffee at a fishing village.
We did such a trip – from Bridgewater all the way to Yarmouth on the south shore of Nova Scotia.
We enjoyed some lovely stops on our way:
– Quaint fishing villages
– Solitary lighthouses in coastal settings
– Peaceful beaches and paths for seaside strolls
– The ever-changing views of the ocean, including seabirds and fishing boats
Here’s a map showing our driving route:
PORT MEDWAY LIGHTHOUSE PARK
Our first stop was Port Medway Lighthouse Park – a short drive of 41 kms which took about 30 mins. We arrived here on the morning of a Sunday and of course, the place was peaceful with literally no one around.
There was a very convenient place to park our car before we set out to take in the beauty of this place. The lighthouse was colorful and impressive, and stood right at the tip of the coast.
Built in 1899, the lighthouse marked the outer end of the original breakwater in Port Medway. It served as a guide to many boats that used the harbour for fisheries and servicing the neighboring sawmill industries. The pyramid shaped wooden tower, often referred to as a ‘pepper pot style’, was unusual and interesting.
There were lightkeepers in the past until about 1967, when the light was automated. Then came a marked decrease in harbour traffic around the 1980s, and the Coast Guard decided to decommission the lighthouse in 1989. There has been some restoration of the building and the surrounds in early 2000s including development of the current Lighthouse park.
MEDWAY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
As we drove along the Long Cove road, we noticed a signboard that indicated another lighthouse!
This was a more remote and quieter lighthouse stop with a path to reach the coast by its side.
We admired this colorful lighthouse and walked further towards the harbour entrance and the open coastline of the Atlantic.
We would have spent more time here but had to rush out due to the swarms of mosquitoes and bugs!
SHELBURNE
We continued our drive southward along the coast for about an hour (84 kms) to reach the pretty town of Shelburne.
We stopped at a popular restaurant called “Mr Fish”, located conveniently on the main road, for a small snack and delectable hot chocolate.
Shelburne has a wonderful ‘small town’ charm, in addition to maritime history, beautiful beaches and fresh seafood. Apart from the small town, Shelburne County offers plenty to see.
We drove into this little town, parked by the waterfront, and took a long walk along the historic waterfront and Dock street. So many things to see – well preserved 18-19 century buildings, bobbing boats on the water and small local shops.
There were a couple of colorful museums by the sea:
Dory Shop Museum displays the techniques of building traditional wooden fishing boats.
Shelburne county museum narrates the local history and preserved heritage.
There is an abundance of colour – apart from colorful buildings, there are bunches of colorful flowers adorning lampposts along the road.
SANDY POINT LIGHTHOUSE
About 8 kms from downtown is this picturesque lighthouse at the entrance to Shelburne harbour. The sandbar leading to the lighthouse was partly submerged in the water when we went there. At low tide, visitors can walk along the sand bar to the lighthouse.
Sandy Point Lighthouse has been a beacon for those who have traveled by water to Shelburne harbor. Not only in the past but even today the fishermen feel they feel safer when they see this light. This flashing red light is visible from 17 kms. Originally built in 1873, it was relocated to its current location in 1903.
This is a great place for coastal views and photography. A boardwalk and a park with paths at the location are perfect for peaceful walks.
There is a café cum visitor centre which was closed when we visited. So we abandoned hopes of a coffee – time to move out and drive further south.
CAPE FORCHU
Located about 116 kms from Sandy Point lighthouse and 11 kms from Yarmouth town, is the famous Cape Forchu.
Known for its distinctive lighthouse, rugged Atlantic coastline, vast ocean views and peaceful walking trails, Cape Forchu is a must-stop for all visitors to Yarmouth. It is great for photography, and a relaxed outing.
Things to do in Cape Forchu
-Admire the unique cylindrical ‘apple core’ lighthouse. The lighthouse stands above the rocks of the shoreline and is one of the region’s most recognizable landmarks.
– Walk around the grounds and the beginning of a long trail to enjoy dramatic rock formations, views of the choppy waves of the Atlantic and the expanse of the ocean.
– Leif Erikson Park – Stroll along coastal paths and grassy grounds near the lighthouse. There are marked paths for the trails. Most of the cape is made of ancient Silurian-period volcanic formations including dark basalt, tuff and sandstones.
– Look for the impressive large (50 foot fin) whale skeleton called ‘foggy’ on display along the park grounds. It is an interesting addition to the attractions on your walk.
We reached Yarmouth at the end of a lovely day, with great stops along our road trip. After a day in Yarmouth, we started our next drive towards Annapolis Valley and New Brunswick.
