TOURS AND EXPERIENCES
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.
Maud Kathleen Lewis (March 7, 1903 – July 30, 1970) was a Canadian folk artist from Nova Scotia. She lived most of her life in poverty in a small house in Marshalltown, Digby County, Nova Scotia. She achieved national recognition in 1964 and 1965 for her cheerful paintings of landscapes, animals and flowers, which offer a nostalgic and optimistic vision of her native province. Several books, plays and films have been produced about her. She remains one of Canada’s most celebrated folk artists. Her works are displayed at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, as well as her restored house, whose walls she adorned with her art.¹
The Maud Lewis Memorial Park is about three minutes west of Digby on Highway 101 in Marshalltown.
The park features a replica of her home and a colourful perennial garden, picnic tables, benches and interpretive panels to learn more about the life of Maud Lewis.
In April 2017, Mongrel Media released the motion picture Maudie across Canada.
Academy Award® nominees Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky, Blue Jasmine, The Shape of Water) and Ethan Hawke star in the true story of Maud Lewis, who overcame the physical challenge of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to become one of Canada’s premier folk artists. (Mongrel Media)¹
Digby
Admiral Digby Museum
95 Montague Row, Digby, NS
A taste of Digby’s Heritage. Housed in a mid 1800s Georgian home, the museum features period rooms containing artifacts and archives that relate to the interesting maritime and pioneer history of Digby, Digby County, its people and industries.
Trinity Anglican Church
109 Queen Street, Digby, NS
Although not actually a museum, this church is a heritage property and National Historic Site with unique architecture. Guided tours are offered by request.
Smith’s Cove
Old Temperance Hall Museum
590 Hwy 1, Smiths Cove, NS
Situated in the “Old Meeting House” (c. 1834), the Old Temperance Hall Museum displays historic artifacts of the community of Smith’s Cove, as well as genealogical records of residents. The museum features Mi’kmaq displays, household exhibits of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as old photos of buildings, resorts and citizens. Genealogical records include scrapbooks and cemetery inscriptions. There are special exhibits each year as well as a summer long hand-hooked rug show.
Bear River
Bear River Heritage Museum
1913 Clementsvale Road, Bear River, NS
The Museum features displays of the shipbuilding industry; as well as agricultural, social, community, education, household and M’ikmaq displays. A small admission fee is charged.
Weymouth
Sissiboo Landing
4575 Nova Scotia Trunk 1, Weymouth, NS
A cultural interpretive centre based on a wealth of information about the five cultures that founded Weymouth and continue to work and live in harmony. This centre is a great addition to the historic downtown with a beautiful waterfront that is frequented by eagles, osprey, wading birds and aquatic wildlife.
Digby Neck, Long Island and Brier Island
Island Museum at Tiverton
243 Highway 217, Freeport, NS
Learn about the social history of Long and Brier Islands. The summer exhibits change each year. The museum is open to the public daily from June 1st to Mid-September.
Surrounding Area
Fort Anne – Annapolis Royal
323 St George St, Annapolis Royal, NS
Discover Canada’s first administered National Historic Site and one of the most hotly contested pieces of land on the continent.
Port Royal – Granville Ferry
53 Historic Ln, Granville Ferry, NS
Port-Royal features a reconstruction of the Habitation, one of the earliest European settlements in North America where Samuel de Champlain lived in 1605.
Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
441 St George Street, Annapolis Royal NS
In a beautiful setting overlooking a tidal river valley, the Historic Gardens is a premiere Nova Scotia attraction showcasing gardening methods, designs and materials representing more than four hundred years of local history.
Mazel Musical Arts Society – 4614 HWY 1, Evangeline Trail, Weymouth, NS
Mazel Musical Arts Society is a high quality musical arts organization in Nova Scotia. Mazel Musical Arts Society Enriches the human experience through creative and cultural programs in the Weymouth, Digby, Annapolis Royal and surrounding areas. We also invite visitors from around the world to discover their own hidden talents while exploring Nova Scotia.
The Artist’s Mark Shop – 9613 Hwy 217, Digby Neck, NS
Across from sandy Seawall Beach on beautiful Digby Neck. Watch the artist create abstract paintings and beautiful, museum-quality jewellery crafted from polymer clay and local agate, sold in the gift shop.
Blue Mind Gallery – 1888 Clementsvale Road, Bear River, NS
Blue Mind Gallery is a space for you to discover some of the creativity that is found in and around Nova Scotia – including works from many Bear River artists. We have fine art and craft of various mediums and, if you’re lucky, you might just catch a little live music too.
Bear River’s Artist Studios – Online Guide for Bear River Artist Studios
Visit some of Bear River’s finest artists shops and find yourself some stunning and unique souvenirs or gifts.
Flight of Fancy – 1869 Clementsvale Rd, Bear River, NS
Fine craft for artful living. The Flight of Fancy is an acclaimed art gallery and craft shop in the heart of Bear River, Nova Scotia, Canada. We offer a unique shopping experience at studio prices with something for everyone, from the work of over two hundred artists. Just follow the river to our door.
OFF The WALL Gallery – 94 Montague Row, Digby, NS
Right across the street from The Admiral Digby Museum is OFF The Wall Gallery – a fun and vibrant gallery that features works by local, talented artists and artisans. Find beautiful treasures and one-of-a-kind pieces that showcase local artistry.