About 20 minutes by car from the Atlantic Ocean, Bridgewater is often called the “Main Street of the South Shore”. Historic King Street bustles with small cafes and boutiques, while modern shopping centres perch on the east side of LaHave River.

Things to do

You can visit DesBrisay Museum to learn about the history of Bridgewater and Nova Scotia. Separate galleries showcase regional interests, including rocks, fossils and minerals inside the Geology Gallery. In the First Nations Gallery, you can learn about the Mi'kmaq people and view samples of their exquisite porcupine quillwork.

Step back in time to the 1860s at the Wile Carding Mill Museum, which is housed inside the original water-powered mill. The revolutionary carding machine and enormous water wheel stand grandly in place and you can try traditional rug hooking and spinning.

The best spot for discovering local flora and fauna is Michelin Nature Discovery Park, home to more than 100 species, such as white birch trees, wild roses, black huckleberries and swamp milkweed. To enjoy boat rides and river cruises, head over to the Bridgewater Marina on LaHave Street.

Take a 15-minute drive to Miller Point Peace Park for scenic walks on five kilometres of pine-strewn trails, where you can enjoy views of Horseshoe Cove and LaHave River. Springtime visitors can also admire waving wildflowers and hundreds of colourful lady slippers.

Getting around

Bridgewater sits about 1.5 hours from Halifax International Airport. You can reach Bridgewater via Highway 103, while the Bridgewater Transit bus system covers major attractions.