Heritage in Your Hand

Welcome to the Historic District Sea Captain’s Homes and Mercantile Heritage Walk—a vibrant glimpse into a bygone era! Stroll through streets lined with stately homes, each one a living story of sea captains’ adventures and bustling trade.

During the 1800s, Yarmouth was one of the largest ports on the Eastern Seaboard, and the concentration and quality of the Sea Captains’ homes remaining in the town are a testament to this wealth. The tour includes the Collins Heritage Conservation District, Main St., and Water St.

Feel the history in the air as you wander among cobblestones, discovering the intricate details of these majestic homes. Often the most interesting features of our older building are around the roof levels. Design ideas and materials came to Yarmouth from ports around the world, and the stops on the tour represent the best of the best. Architectural styles featured on the tour include Eclectic, Second Empire, Greek Revival, Queen Anne Revival, Gothic Revival, Georgian, Italianate and Vernacular.

This walk isn’t just a stroll—it’s a journey back in time, where every corner holds a piece of history waiting to be uncovered and even the seagulls seem to join in the tale. So, put on your explorer’s hat and get ready to uncover the charm and stories woven into the fabric of this captivating heritage walk!

The time required to complete the tour is between 1 and 3 hours. Pick up a free copy of the map at the Yarmouth Visitor Information Centre, at local accommodations, or download from YarmouthandAcadianShores.com.