Icons of Nova Scotia

August-September 2005

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

Story, Michelle Wiebe Photos, Jim Wiebe

Nova Scotia—the very name conjures up images of history and maritime beauty. With 7600 kilometers of shoreline, this is a paddler’s paradise. Within an hour’s drive south of Halifax, one can sample some of Nova Scotia’s best. Start in the city, and then move on to rugged granite coastline and colorful fishing villages.

Halifax was settled in 1749 and claims the world’s second largest natural harbor.

From 1928 to 1971 millions of immigrants travelled past St. George’s Island and onto Pier 21 in Halifax to start their new lives in Canada.

The Pier 21 historic site preserves the only remaining immigration shed in the nation.

When Nova Scotia sailors lost the International Fisherman’s Trophy to the US, the Bluenose (left) was designed and built to win it back. For the rest of the series of races—18 seasons in all—the Bluenose was undefeated. As ‘Queen of the North Atlantic Fishing Fleet’, her image has graced the Canadian dime since 1937, yet she was sold out of Canada, and sank on a Caribbean reef in 1946. Less than 20 years after that sinking, the Bluenose II was built from the identical plans and in the same Lunenburg shipyard as the original. The Bluenose II is officially known as Nova Scotia’s ‘Sailing Ambassador’.

The Bluenose II.

 

 

Lunenburg.

Lunenburg is Nova Scotia’s postcard village and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The streets of the town still follow the original layout from 1753. A wander through these streets shows a mosaic of vibrant colors and styles in the many historic buildings. The trademark red harbor-side structure houses the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

Mahone Bay is home to less than 1000 people, yet it has five churches which harmonize their spiritual and community roles by hosting a summertime concert series, town breakfasts and other events. The Wooden Boat festival happens every August, reaffirming the town’s history and connection with the sea.

Peggys Cove Lighthouse.

Peggy’s Cove is home to Nova Scotia’s picture perfect lighthouse. This classic structure is anchored on a shelf of granite that has been pounded smooth over centuries of storms. If sea conditions permit a paddle, beware of the many boomers!