Experience Arts & Culture in Nova Scotia this Winter
Create unforgettable memories with friends and family this winter through vibrant arts and crafts, UNESCO World Heritage sites and more!
With more than 13,000 kms of coastline surrounding our province, it’s no surprise Nova Scotia’s rich heritage is heavily influenced by the sea. From stories of the fishing industry to insights into historic shipbuilding and even geology, these nine museums are the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Nova Scotia’s coastal history.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: Halifax
Located in our province’s capital, in the heart of the historic Halifax waterfront, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic features an abundance of exhibits focused on Nova Scotia’s strong connection to the sea. From the popular Titanic exhibit to the displays on the Halifax Explosion, the museum if overflowing with takes of our history. Be sure to check out the the ongoing exhibit Ta’n me’i Tel’keknuo’ltiek: How Unique We Still Are, which shares experiences of how Mi’kmaq people remain connected to the waters of Mi’kma’ki.
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic: Lunenburg
After you’ve explored Lunenburg’s colourful downtown, continue your journey through Lunenburg’s history at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. What was once the home of a fish processing plant, now features galleries and artifacts that tell stories of a diverse fishing heritage. Explore what lies beneath the waves at the Marine Life Gallery, then tour the museum to discover the Mi’kmaq Fishery, Inshore Fishery, the Banks Fishery and Spin-Off Industries. Further down the waterfront, learn about boatbuilding at the Museum’s Big Boat Shed, the former site of Smith & Rhuland—the shipyard that built the iconic Bluenose schooner.
Ross-Thomson House & Museum: Shelburne
When in Shelburne, make sure to plan a trip to the Ross-Thomson House & Museum. Here, learn about the day-to-day lives of the Ross brothers, who were known for carrying international trade to the town’s residents. Take a trip back in time to the 1780’s and experience candle making, wool spinning and other activities that would be part of daily life in 18th century Shelburne.
Dory Shop Museum: Shelburne
After your trip to the 1700’s, journey to the next century at the Dory Shop Museum. Join Master Dory Builder Milford Buchanan and his assistants as they demonstrate how a Shelburne Dory was built 200 years ago. At that time, this was known as the “Banks Dory” and was suited for use on fishing schooners, eventually becoming the workhorse of the inshore and offshore fisheries around the world.
Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse: Lower West Pubnico
Nova Scotia is home to a rich Acadian culture and Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in this vibrant history. Explore the grounds of this immense 17-acre site, visit a variety of historic buildings, including original homes and a lighthouse, explore a cemetery, and learn about historic farming and fishing traditions in this seaside village. Still inhabited by descendants of the village’s founder, this museum showcases the industrious and joyful spirit of the Acadian people, while celebrating a language and culture that has thrived for more than 250 years.
Fundy Geological Museum: Parrsboro
Travel back millions of years to when dinosaurs roamed the earth and experience ancient Nova Scotia at the Fundy Geological Museum. Explore the region’s rich geological timeline to learn about the Parrsboro area’s internationally significant fossils. From Jurassic reptiles and dinosaurs to 300-million-year-old footprints of ancient amphibians, see how the world’s highest tides breaking have eroded these once hidden fossils to the surface. Parrsboro is also famous for gem and mineral treasures, which can be found throughout the museum exhibits.
Black Loyalist Heritage Centre: Birchtown
Located in Birchtown, on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, learn the story of the Black Loyalists – the free men and women who fought for the British during the American Revolution and won their freedom. In the late 18th century, Birchtown was the largest free Black community in British North America and was the centre of the Black Loyalist experience in Canada and its founding represented a turning point in the history of persons of African descent in Canada. While here, take a guided tour of the historic site and discover this vital story in the settling of Canada from staff, many of whom are descendants of the Black Loyalists.
Lawrence House Museum: Maitland
Travel to Maitland, on Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy, to learn about our province’s Golden Age of Sail in the home of William D. Lawrence. Known as a strong supporter of the province’s 19th century capabilities, Lawrence secured his place in marine history by constructing the largest wooden-hulled, fully rigged ship ever built in Canada, eventually securing Nova Scotia’s critical role in the shipbuilding industry. Visit his home to view photographs, exhibits and tours of this historic period.
Fisherman’s Life Museum: Oyster Pond
Journey to Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore and discover the Fisherman’s Life Museum. Located in Oyster Pond, the building was originally built in the 1900’s and belonged to Ervin Myers, his wife Ethelda, and their 13 daughters. Experience rug hooking, learn how to cook meals on a wood stove, and discover how an inshore fisherman made a living off the land and sea in the early 1900’s.
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