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Drone view over the town of Bridgewater on Nova Scotia's South Shore

Bridgewater

Patio dock at the Lighthouse Motel & Cottages in Bridgewater
Lighthouse Motel & Cottages

Learn More About Bridgewater

Centrally located along Nova Scotia’s South Shore and known as the Main Street of the South Shore, Bridgewater is the largest town in the region and a hub for services and shopping. Nestled along the historic LaHave River, the town is also home to a variety of internationally inspired and delicious local restaurants and craft breweries with live music. Pick up a picnic and relax riverside in the beautiful Pijinuiskaq Park or Shipyards Landing, enjoy a walk at Woodland Gardens Park, and discover local history at DesBrisay Museum.

Explore over 125 kms of trails connecting Bridgewater’s Centennial Trail to Mahone Bay and Lunenburg and enjoy the expansive white sands at nearby Rissers Beach Provincial Park and Crescent Beach. Whether you stay for the weekend or longer, Bridgewater is a great home base to experience Nova Scotia’s South Shore.

Don't Miss Activities in Bridgewater & Area

Music on the Riverbank

  • Enjoy free riverside, local, live music every Tuesday night from June to September
  • Pick up take-out dinner or snacks to dine along the river and enjoy the show
  • Located in Pijinuiskaq Park, overlooking the LaHave River, where you can also learn about the river’s importance to the Mi’kmaw people through onsite interpretative panels
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Riverside Craft Brews

Walk along Bridgewater’s King Street for an easy pub hop of local flavours.

  • Relax in the outdoor courtyard at King Street Beer Company, part of the Saltbox Brewing Co. family, and enjoy craft beer, cider, and wine on tap
  • Head to FirkinStein Brewing for creative craft beer and local live music
  • Enjoy local craft beer perched on the deck at River Pub, overlooking the LaHave River

DesBrisay Museum

  • Discover Mi’kmaq heritage, including an 1868 porcupine quill cradle
  • Explore the history of Bridgewater through photographs and marvel at colourful folk art
  • Bring a picnic and walk the trails of the surrounding Woodland Gardens Park. Kids will also love the duck pond and onsite playground.
  • Get local insights on what to do in the area and pick up a souvenir from the onsite gift shop, featuring locally made artisan works and locally authored books about Lunenburg County
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Parks & Trails

  • Bring your bike, or borrow one from the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre (LCLC), to explore the Centennial Trail , connecting over 125 kms of trail along former railbed, part of the Trans Canada Trail
  • Relax in King Street Court, a downtown hidden gem along the river’s edge
  • Pick up a picnic lunch and head to nearby Miller Point Peace Park for a 3-km loop under towering red pine trees with beautiful views of the LaHave River.
  • Wind your way along nearly a kilometer of paths to discover one-of-a-kind artwork at Canada’s first art maze, BernArt Maze, just outside of town.

Water Fun – River to Sea

  • Launch your kayak or SUP at Shipyards Landing Park to paddle the LaHave River – or enjoy an afternoon watching the boats pass by
  • Paddle among the historic LaHave Islands with Cape LaHave Adventures to experience pristine beaches and quintessential fishing communities
  • Beach hop between wide white sand beaches, including Rissers Beach Provincial Park and Crescent Beach

Trip Ideas for the Bridgewater Area

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