Destination Southwest Nova Scotia|Yarmouth|Digby|Shelbourne

Destination Southwest Nova Scotia

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Destination Southwest Nova Scotia

Your destination Southwest Nova Scotia vacation begins in Yarmouth Nova Scotia. Yarmouth is a town and major fishing and ferry port located on the Gulf of Maine in Southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada. It is sometimes referred to as "The Gateway to Nova Scotia". The townsite may possibly have been visited by Leif Erikson and his Norsemen in 1007. The region was visited in 1604 by Samuel de Champlain, who named it Cap Fourchu, and it became a French fishing settlement. In 1759 settlers came to the townsite from Yarmouth, Massachusetts, and named it Yarmouth after their former home. The town was founded in 1761, when a larger group of settlers came from Sandwich, Massachusetts. They were then followed by Acadians originally from the Grand Pré district who returned from exile in 1767. Substancial numbers of United Empire Loyalists arrived in 1785.

Initially called Cape Forchu, Yarmouth Nova Scotia was first laid out in 1759 and incorporated in 1890. Through the 19th century it was a major shipbuilding centre, at one point making more ships per capita than any other port in the world. As wooden shipbuilding declined in the late 1800s, Yarmouth's shipowners re-invested into factories, steamships and railways. While steamships had led to the decline of Yarmouth's mighty wooden shipbuilding industry, they also made the port a vital connection between the new Nova Scotia rail lines and steamers for Boston and New York,a role which continues with Yarmouth's ferry connections today. The harbour has remained a major fishing port in Southwestern Nova Scotia. In 1994, The Scarlet Letter was shot in a town an hour by highway away called Shelburne.

From the Pubnicos, making up the oldest Acadian settlement in Nova Scotia, along the scenic coastline of the Municipality of Argyle through to the picturesque seaport town of Yarmouth and the colourful French Acadian Shore of Clare, the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region is a rich blend of heritage, culture and community spirit.

Southwest Nova Scotia

Encompassing the Evangeline Trail and the Lighthouse Route. These historic lands wind through the Annapolis Valley along the phenomenal Bay of Fundy and the Acadian Shore, passing lush rolling fields and wilderness back country to the picturesque, historic seaport of Yarmouth. Then travel onward to the vast sandy beaches, secluded coves, fishing ports and lighthouses of the South Shore.

…here the surf of the Atlantic crashes over the world highest tides; rolling hills share historic mysteries and islands bountiful secrets. Where culture began, folklore flourishes and every season offers a whole new adventure.

Explore and discover Southwest Nova Scotia!

Experience our Maritime way of life in a quaint fishing village, such as Yarmouth. Take a drive down our winding coastal roads and discover rum-runners hideouts, learn about privateer folklore and uncover mariners’ treasurers. Famous and historical lighthouses, anchored on the rugged coasts have cautioned seafarers for centuries and offer a glimpse into our marine heritage. And don't forget to try our local foods, and check out our Nova Scotia links.

Yarmouth Weather Forecast, Canada