The Digby Area and specifically Digby Neck and Islands are one of the best places in North America for whale watching. The Bay of Fundy is a fragile ecosystem that provides a nutritious food supply to numerous species of birds, fish, bottom-dwellers like lobsters and scallops, and, of course, whales.
By late springtime finback whales, minke whales and harbour porpoises are the first to arrive from their southern migration grounds. In June, the humpback whales return and, by late June, these whales are abundant in the Bay of Fundy.
White-sided dolphins are common. Other whales that consider the Bay of Fundy their home are pilot whales and the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Sperm and blue whales, white beaked dolphins, bluefin tuna, sea turtles and basking sharks have also been sighted.
Check out the Association Member section below for more information about the tour operators in the area.
A top destination in Canada for birders and nature lovers alike – Come see the wide variety of bird species that visit the Digby Area. Atlantic puffins, black guillemots, northern gannets and storm-petrels are just some of the species that migrate to the area each year.
Brier Island is also famous for its diversity of birds: more than 300 species have been identified at this globally significant Important Bird Area, due to the island’s prime location on the Atlantic Flyway. Visit the Brier Island Nature Reserve and learn more about birding in the area and Conservation efforts.
Waterfront Park – Located right in Bear River, this short trail along the Bear River offers some nice views and the perfect spot to sit back and relax, or enjoy a picnic lunch.
Lake Midway Provincial Park – A great spot for a picnic and a swim, this Park can be found about halfway down Digby Neck.
Sandy Cove Beach – Coming from Digby, Sandy Cove Beach can be found by turning right onto Bay Road in Sandy Cove, along Digby Neck. Follow this road to the end to arrive at a beautiful, sandy beach. This is a great spot to go for a stroll along the beach, find some sea glass and colourful rocks, or go for a quick swim. Mind you, the Bay of Fundy waters are cold any time of year, but the warm and sheltered sandy beach more than makes up for it.
Boars Head Lighthouse and Althouse Look Off – Coming off the ferry, turn right and follow the road up. At times the road will be closed off, in which case you can simply park your car at the start and walk up. At the first sharp left turn in the road, you will see a small footbridge. Walk across here and follow the trail to the Althouse Look Off, overlooking the Bay of Fundy and Petit Passage. Be amazed by the churning tides and you might be lucky and see porpoises, seals or even whales.
When following the main road all the way to the end you will get to Boars Head Lighthouse, sitting at the top of the steep cliffs. There are some picnic tables here and awesome views over the Bay of Fundy.
Balancing Rock Trail – The Balancing Rock Trail, just outside Tiverton on Long Island, is one of the signature trails of the area. This 2km long trail winds its way through forest and bog lands to the shoreline. Some unique flora and fauna can be found along the way, with signage detailing these special plants. The last part of the trail is stairs going down the cliffside leading to the Balancing Rock. You will find picnic tables at the parking area at the start of the trail, some seating along the way as well as at the end of the trail to catch your breath.
Central Grove Provincial Park – Located about halfway down Long Island, this provincial park provides a small roadside picnic area with tables scattered through open fields. There is a picturesque walking trail to the Bay of Fundy, 0.8 km each way. Great photo opportunities and rocky beach walks!
Fundy View Trail at Freeport – The Fundy View trail offers parking and washroom facilities (in season). It is easy to find this trail; you’ll see the signs and parking on the right side of the road coming from Digby/Tiverton direction. Coming from Brier Island, the trail is located on the left about 1 km from the Brier Island ferry. How much time to spend here depends on how far you go. If you only go out towards the viewing platform you will not need much more than 20 minutes. If you decide to hike out towards Beautiful Cove, calculate about an hour total.
Seal Cove – Seal Cove on Brier Island is a particularly nice hike out to, yes, a seal colony. It’s not a very long walk, but do take some time to enjoy watching the seals. Of course, you are overlooking the Bay of Fundy, increasing your chances of seeing whales as well. Once you get off the ferry, turn right towards the Coast Guard station and lighthouse. From Brier Island Lodge, it is a 20 to 30 minute hike, about 10 minutes from the Coast Guard station and lighthouse.
Brier Island Coastal Trail – Visitors to Brier Island are encouraged to walk the cliff-top hiking trails. Trails wind from Northern Light all the way along the coast past Western Light to Pond Cove (except for a detour around Whipple Point as it is a bird nesting area). Several small, interesting paths and gravel roads connect the trails along the western side of Brier Island with the Village of Westport on the eastern side. The majority of hiking trails on the Island are privately owned or on Nature Conservancy of Canada land. The residents of Brier Island love their island and enjoy sharing the beauty of their home with visitors. Hikers and walkers are welcome to enjoy the trails with respect for the land and environment. Most of the trails on Brier Island are unmarked and not maintained so conditions may vary. Just ask around locally if you are worried about trail conditions.
Savary Park – Savary Provincial Park located in Plympton (7401 Highway 1) is an open and hardwood-treed picnic area overlooking St Mary’s Bay. At low tide you can beach comb along the rocky shoreline.
Weymouth Storybook Trail – The trail represents the five founding cultures in less than 1 km of trail through stories of the past displayed on interpretive panels designed to replicate an opened story book. You can enjoy the inspiring stories of the Mi’kmaq, the Black Loyalists, the United Empire Loyalists, the New France Settlers and the Acadians. You can indulge yourself with a pleasant walk on the trail or you can bring your whole family. You can enjoy the picturesque waterfront while osprey and eagles soar overhead. Other types of wildlife can be sighted from the gazebos which are located along the trail. The trail is complemented with playground and fitness equipment ideal for children and adults which are a compliment to a great family outing.
Sentier de Clare Trail – The 42.4-km multi-use Sentier de Clare Trail winds through woods & crosses rivers from Weymouth to the Yarmouth County Line. Although not winter groomed, the trail offers winter opportunities. The trail has major trail heads in Weymouth (4626 Highway#1) & the Little Brook Station, (588 Little Brook Road), which are located near amenities. The trail reflects the area’s Acadian heritage through interpretive kiosks. The Annapolis Valley Trail System ends but the trail continues 29 kilometres to the Town of Yarmouth.
Joseph et Marie Dugas Park and Piau’s Boardwalk – Located on Highway 1 at Belliveau Cove, this park offers the chance to explore the fully operational lighthouse or the first Acadian cemetery and church all located there. The Piau’s Walking trail starts in the park and proceeds through forest and shoreline and past an old Acadian cellar. It will take you about an hour to finish this loop. It is a very interesting seaside trail and has boardwalks, benches & interpretive panels along the way.
Digby is blessed with one of Canada’s finest golf courses designed by Stanley Thompson, the famous Canadian architect responsible for such world-class courses as Banff Springs, Jasper Park and the Highlands Links in Cape Breton. With ingenious routing, the course winds through picturesque pine trees and over a meandering brook which widens into ponds on holes two and sixteen.
The Digby Area offers great opportunities for both sea kayaking and wilderness canoeing. When planning your kayaking trip, make sure to check the tides first. Dragging your kayak across the ocean floor in order to get back is not the best experience!
Depending on your experience and what you are looking for there are options for everyone.
KAYAK & BIKE RENTALS:
Fundy Complex
Bring your friends and family for fun and adventure kayaking the Annapolis Basin. Beginners and experienced kayakers welcome. If you prefer land than water, grab one of our bikes and explore the beautiful landscapes of Digby.
