Yarmouth & the Acadian Shores of Nova Scotia

Whenever traveling or touring in the Annapolis Valley region of Nova Scotia make sure to take the secondary highways. It is on these types of routes one can view the countryside, ocean, landmarks, historic sites and visit with the many small villages in the region. The secondary routes are slower, more scenic and more bumpy with the occasional introduction with a Nova Scotia pot hole.

The backcountry secondary route traveling southwest from the village of Annapolis Royal to Yarmouth is called the Evangeline Trail. The route is the old #1 Highway before Hwy #101 was built. The route is a sightseeing route connecting the Annapolis Valley with Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores. Located on the Evangeline Trail Highway are farm communities, fishing villages, farm markets, churches, cemeteries, marinas, historic sites, beaches and lighthouses.

The main highway route (Hwy #101) is an “A to B” Highway… the quickest route, connecting major communities, with speeds reaching up to 110 kilometres.

Gilbert Cove Lighthouse

The first destination stop on our adventure to Yarmouth traveling the Evangeline Trail Highway was the Gilbert Cove Lighthouse. The beacon can be seen very easily from the road. It is a hard lighthouse to miss. The lighthouse, stands proud on a rocky point, on St. Marys Bay. There are good views of the rocky coastline and of the ocean. The lighthouse is also open to the public.

Continuing down the highway there are some great views of the St. Marys Bay in the village of Belliveau Bay. When traveling through the village the highway hugs the coastline and the views open up for all to see. Maybe a stop at one of the farm markets prior to Belliveau Bay would be a good idea if you plan on stopping for the views.

If your farm market goodies are still around to munch on then why not continue a little further up the highway towards Meteghan, Nova Scotia where there is a good picnic park called Smugglers Cove. There are picnic areas, large grass lawns and a wooden stairway leading down into a historic cove where there is a cave once used for smuggling alcohol. Not to mention there are some views of some pretty impressive cliffs.

Mavillette Beach

On our way to our next destination – Cape St. Marys Lighthouse – something funny happened… we came across another huge sandy beach which is not mentioned in any of our material. The beach called Mavillette Beach is a dandy too and should not be missed.

The cove is manicured with fine layers of white sand stretching from end to end. There is a small parking area with toilets and change rooms too. A short boardwalk leads beach goers through grassy sand dunes to the beach. It is a great find with little crowds and big sand.

Continuing on the Evangeline Trail we visited the village of Port Maitland which is located just north of Yarmouth. Here we find the Maitland Beach Provincial Park. A nice beach. A popular beach with good size crowds. However the beach is long so one can find their own piece of paradise. For families this beach is good as it is a supervised beach with a lifeguard. We will be providing more information on our upcoming NovaScotiaEH.ca website.

Heritage Walking Tour - Lovitt House

In Yarmouth, Nova Scotia we toured the community historical walking tour because old historical architecture is important to tourism.  There are vast differences between west coast and east coast buildings. It is night and day.

Yarmouth historical buildings did not disappoint. Many had “widow windows”. They are the small alcoves built on the top of the homes equipped with large windows peering out over the ocean. They were once used by housewives watching for there sailor husbands coming home from the sea.

A small section of the waterfront of Yarmouth is developed with viewing decks and a walking boardwalk path. From the boardwalk are views of the marina and the boats used for catching lobster and fishing.

Cape Forchu Lighthouse

South of downtown Yarmouth is the Cape Forchu Lighthouse. It is one of the best developed lighthouses in Nova Scotia so far in our opinion. The lighthouse is perched on the top of a rocky cliff like a cherry on a sundae. There are cottage country chairs scattered on the side of grassy cliffs providing amazing sightseeing views. Down low is a gift shop and a picnic area. The lighthouse is situated on the tip of a point and at the end of a road. What is left are some far reaching marine views. If lighthouses and scenery is not your thing there is a small sandy beach located prior to the lighthouse which is popular for the locals.

Plan your next adventure with us on our CanadaEH.net Travel Network and we will talk with you in a couple of days!