Discover Acadian History, Culture and Food in Pubnico, Nova Scotia
Vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and fresh Nova Scotia seafood await in the charming coastal village of Pubnico.
The spirit of l’Acadie came to Nova Scotia with French settlers who called Nova Scotia home in the 17th century, arriving to Nova Scotia at Port-Royal and Fortress of Louisbourg.
To learn more about the history and joie-de-vivre of this spirited group, click here to visit the Nova Scotia Archives.
From the brightly painted houses and towering churches of seaside villages to the quiet beauty of masterfully created hooked rugs, Acadian culture infuses Nova Scotia with its vibrancy, jaunty rhythms and over 400 years of history and language. Explore Acadian culture through historical sites, events, language, genealogy, music, food, and crafts while travelling throughout Nova Scotia.
Grand-Pré National Historic Site
Stroll through sweeping gardens and a memorial church marking the 17th-century Acadian Village and the Deportation which were both immortalized in H.W. Longfellow’s epic poem, Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie. Today, the site remains of ancestral significance for Acadians now living across the globe. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the site through the picturesque grounds, take part in the many events hosted on the grounds, explore the hull of a deportation ship through a cinematic experience and let costumed interpreters share the fascinating history of this location.
End your visit by strolling the path up the hill to the view park at the Landscape of Grand Pré UNESCO World Heritage Site view park.
Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse
Savour home-cooked Acadian cuisine, hear the Acadian dialect and learn about fishing and farming traditions at this early-1900s seaside village. Discover Acadian heritage through stories of costumed interpreters you’ll meet as you meander through this beautiful 17-acre site overlooking Pubnico Harbour.
Festival acadien de Clare
Celebrate the Acadian joie-de-vivre, culture and heritage at the oldest Acadian festival in the world. Enjoy concerts, food, and other activities throughout the Clare region. Take part in the annual parade and the Tinatamarre (noise making) held each year on August 15, National Acadian Day.
Les Trois Pignons: Museum of the Hooked Rug and Home Life
Chéticamp’s Acadian history and culture come alive through its world-famous hooked rugs and antiquities at Les Trois Pignons. The site also offers a genealogy resource centre, a library and a full range of visitor information services. Enjoy a demonstration of a skilled artisan hooking rugs, pick one up as a souvenir to remember your trip or maybe even try it for yourself!
Le Centre de la Mi-carême
Mi-carême is a celebration featuring decorative masks and is one of the oldest Acadian traditions that continues to be enjoyed annually. Learn more about crafting masks and the art of rug hooking, and pick up a special gift, handmade by local artisans during your visit to Grand Etang, near Cheticamp.
Wooden Churches
Throughout the Yarmouth & Acadian Shores region, you will pass through several French-speaking villages and will marvel at the soaring beauty of Acadian churches, such as Église Sainte-Anne at Ste-Anne-du-Ruisseau, the oldest Acadian church on mainland Nova Scotia or Église Sainte-Marie/St Mary’s Church at Church Point, the largest wooden church in North America.
Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos et Centre de recherche (Acadian Museum and Research Centre)
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Acadian people through music, crafts, and food sampling, with the world’s oldest Acadian history at your fingertips. Enjoy a guided tour of an Acadian Garden or try tracing your own Acadian heritage.
Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre
Located on the campus of Université Sainte-Anne, in Clare, the site is home to numerous activities, including an artist-run gallery, visitor information centre, souvenir boutique and performance theatre. The onsite interpretive centre and museum delves into the history of the Acadian people through multimedia displays of language and music. Stretch your legs on the 5 km of trails that wind their way throughout the site. Guided tours are available.
Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie
Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie has quickly grown to become the largest cycling event in Atlantic Canada – probably because it features a lobster dinner and local music to celebrate the riders!
A variety of rides appeal to recreational riders looking for an epic adventure, those who like to tour by bike, and the avid racer. Riders are rewarded with rolling inland roads along lakes and rivers, towering wooden churches, and a panoramic coastal route that hugs beautiful Baie Sainte Marie, along with community spirit cheering them along their journey.
Les Beaux Vendredis Seafood Suppers
Enjoy fresh lobster, clams and snow crab cooked on a wharf in Belliveau Cove. Absorb the beautiful view of Baie Sainte-Marie/St. Mary’s Bay from your picnic table in Belliveau Cove and take in live music as you enjoy this authentic Acadian experience on Friday evenings from June through August.
Acadian House Museum / L’Acadie de Chezzetcook
This charming museum celebrates the history of the Acadian families who settled in the West Chezzetcook area in the 1850s. Participate in guided activities such as baking bread in the outdoor over, making pulled molasses taffy or rug hooking. The museum also houses La Cuisine de Brigitte tea room, specializing in homemade soups, sandwiches, and scrumptious desserts.
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