Skip to Content
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Your Guide to Nova Scotia’s Coastal Museums

6 min Read

Your Guide to Nova Scotia’s Coastal Museums

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.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

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.

Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, Lunenburg
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

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.

Ross-Thomson House & Museum

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.

Dory Shop Museum

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.

Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Lower West Pubnico
Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse

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.

Fundy Geological Museum

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.

Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, Birchtown
Black Loyalist Heritage Centre

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

Set along Cape Breton’s rugged coast, the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site immerses you in French colonial life between 1713 and 1758. Explore the reconstructed waterfront town, walk coastal trails, and take in sweeping ocean views alongside original ruins. With costumed interpreters, exhibits, and hands-on programming, it’s a place where history and landscape come together at the largest historical reconstruction in North America.

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

Hector Heritage Quay

Located on the Pictou Waterfront, Hector Heritage Quay tells the stories of the Ship Hector‘s voyage from Scotland and the Scottish settlers who established the first permanent Scottish settlement in Nova Scotia. Don’t miss the working forge, rigging room, and carpentry shop during your visit and walk the decks of the recently re-launched Ship Hector replica.

Four people walk past the exterior of the Hector Heritage Quay on the Pictou Waterfront in Nova Scotia.
Hector Heritage Quay

Learn From the Locals

Tag your travel photos to be featured.

#VisitNovaScotia

Back to top