Nova Scotia’s Digby Scallops: A Taste of the Scallop Capital of the World
Digby scallops are recognized around the world for their distinct sweetness, firm texture, and plump size. Influenced by the Bay of Fundy, these fl...
Set your sights on Digby for fall adventures along the Bay of Fundy coast. Famed for their succulent ‘Digby Scallops,’ the area holds the title of ‘Scallop Capital of the World.’ It’s no surprise that Digby is also home to the world’s largest scallop fishing fleet, where you can watch the colourful fishing boats from the waterfront as they rise and fall of the tides.
Relax on an all-inclusive getaway at Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa or stay downtown and immerse yourself in small town charm with restaurants, shops and attractions within walking distance. Day-trip to nearby communities like Bear River, the ‘tidal village on stilts’ or set out for a day of hiking, birdwatching, and lighthouse hunting along Digby Neck, Long Island and Brier Island.
You can enjoy delectable Digby scallops from breakfast to dinner in the scallop capital of the world. Sample a scallop trio at Digby Wheelhouse Seafood & Pasta paired with a crisp glass of Tidal Bay wine and views over the Annapolis Basin. If scallops aren’t for you, don’t worry; the Digby & Islands area is a must-visit for fresh seafood and shellfish like lobster and haddock, as well as other classic Nova Scotia flavours.
Learn the story behind one of Canada’s most beloved folk artists at Maud Lewis Memorial Park. Explore the park trail to see the steel replica memorial of Maud’s original home, which was carefully moved in 1984 to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and remains on permanent display.
Maud’s influence on art can be felt throughout the region. On your travels look for the ‘Maud-inspired’ mural on the Digby Waterfront, ‘Paint like Maud’ experiences led by local artists, or a local resident’s creation of Maud’s folk art covered home, to honour and preserve her powerful legacy.
Meet Digby residents Mark and Joan at OFF the WALL Gallery, located across from the Admiral Digby Museum. Here you’ll find a collection of nautical Nova Scotia inspired paintings and keepsakes – even pieces that incorporate natural elements like lighthouse scenery carefully painted on Digby scallop shells.
Visit the hidden-gem Quilts by the Bay, to learn from award-winning quilter Debra Howard. Design your own custom quilt or shop a stunning variety of handmade quilts. You’ll also find a large, curated collection of kits, patterns, fabric, thread, tools, and more.
Pull up a seat at Sydney Street Pub & Café for live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings. The pub hosts a diverse collection of musical acts from classic rock and country, to tunes rooted in Acadian-culture, shanties and songs of the sea. Unwind with a pint of local craft beer or cider, a glass of wine, or their Scotian Fish & Chips – beer battered to perfection with brews from nearby Lazy Bear Brewing!
Enjoy downtown waterfront accommodations downtown, from modern guest suites with rainfall showers at Dockside Suites, to quaint historical B&Bs and Inns like Bayside Inn and Hillside Landing B&B.
Perhaps a Norman-style chateau, perched on the hills overlooking the town, is the serene escape you seek. Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa offers getaway packages, events and on-site dining, a Stanley Thompson designed golf course, walking trails, full-service spa, and even a TrackMan 2 golf simulator so you can practice your swing year-round.
For an ‘off-the-beaten-path’ fall getaway, head to Sissiboo River Retreat and unwind on the edge of the tidal river, in an all-season dome with private hot tub.
Hike one of Nova Scotia’s most loved coastal trails, Balancing Rock Trail on Digby’s Long Island. See the gravity-defying, 20-foot basalt pillar for which the trail is named, estimated to be more than 200 million years old. The 2.5 km round trip hike leads you through peaceful coastal woodland before the 235-step descent to a viewing platform on the ocean’s edge.
Exploring Long Island and Brier Island involves car-friendly ferry transportation, so be sure to check schedules as you’re planning. Known for world-class whale watching between mid-June and early October, Brier Island is also designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) with hundreds of species that call the island home, and an essential migration stopover. Stay at Brier Island Lodge for panoramic Bay of Fundy views and epic sunsets. The lodge is open year-round with on-site dining available until late October.
Make the most of your island adventure and check out more coastal hikes and attractions enroute:
Love lighthouses? Digby & Islands is home to nine lighthouses with six of them along the way or nearby when travelling from downtown Digby to Brier Island!
Tag your travel photos to be featured.