Clare / Baie Sainte-Marie

Situated on the shores of Saint Mary’s Bay in in the Yarmouth & Acadian Shores region, the Municipality of Clare is home to the largest Acadian community in Nova Scotia where over 75% of its residents speak both French and English.

Clare is renowned for its joie de vivre and its vibrant Acadian culture, from the popular Musique de la Baie kitchen parties, Le Festival acadien de Clare, Les beaux vendredis seafood suppers, and more recently, the Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie cycling experience.

Unplug and connect on the shores of la Baie Sainte-Marie and dig for clams with a local, go on a Stella night hike, and visit the Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park for panoramic vistas that overlook the magnificent Mavillette Beach Provincial Park recreational hotspot.

The Clare Visitor Information Centre, located in the Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre, is located a short walk from Église Sainte-Marie Church, the largest wooden church in North America.

Don't Miss Activities in Clare / Baie Sainte-Marie

Festival acadien de Clare

Celebrate Acadian culture and heritage when you participate in Festival acadien de Clare, the oldest Acadian festival in the world.
The festival ends each year on August 15th, National Acadian Day, with a Tintamarre, a traditional celebration where participants go from one end of the region to the other while making the most noise possible!
Experience delicious food, artistic expositions, traditional activities and the natural beauty of our region while celebrating Acadian culture.

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Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park

Enjoy the scenic ocean views and sunsets year-round while overlooking the dramatic cliffs of St. Mary’s Bay at the Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park.
Located a short drive from popular Mavillette Beach Provincial Park and home to monument commemorating those lost at sea in the Municipality of Clare.
Site amenities include picnic tables, accessible picnic shelter, restrooms, a viewing scope, and bilingual interpretive panels.

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Beaux Vendredis seafood suppers

Enjoy fresh lobsters, steamed clams and snow crab suppers at the Belliveau Cove wharf alongside Baie Sainte-Marie/St. Mary’s Bay.
Held every Friday evening between late June and late August, learn the “real” way to eat a lobster, which comes served with fresh rolls and melted butter.
Share in the laughs and storytelling and enjoy live music throughout the evening.

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Belliveau Cove Municipal Park

The park, also known as Parc Joseph et Marie Dugas, is located in the village of Belliveau Cove, features a 5-km (3-mi) interpretive trail, visitor information centre, craft centre (open seasonally) and a lighthouse.
The park hosts a weekly Farmers’ Market on Saturdays between May and September.
Don’t miss Beaux Vendredis Seafood Suppers on Friday evenings in July and August, where you can feast on lobster, crab and/or clams while taking in the fresh sea air.

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Clam Digging – get your hands in the sand!

The Acadians (and the Mi’kmaq before them) have dug delicious clams along the tide-washed shores of Saint Mary’s Bay for centuries
Enjoy getting your hands in the sand as you learn this age-old art from a local expert with supplies provided
Reserve your spot! Select dates available between early June and September.

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