Attractions and Activities

Bear River slideshow

BEAR RIVER	Located within the UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve, Bear River has been known variously as "the Switzerland of Nova Scotia" and "the Village on stilts" but neither of these titles really does justice to the diversity of life and culture in this amazing area. To experience the true nature of Bear River in its many guises, a visitor must wander through our past to reach the essence of who we are today. Local trails centre on the river and its peripheries while the proximity of the village to the National Park ensures that nature buffs are well catered for. A relatively new attraction for the visitor to Bear river is the increasing number of vineyards. To learn more about the village visit THE BEAR RIVER WEBSITE.
	THE BEAR RIVER FIRST NATIONS HERITAGE AND CULTURAL CENTRE casts light on the lives of the Mi'kmaq people of the area from past to present.
	For a truly representative view of local arts and crafts visit THE FLIGHT OF FANCY in the heart of Bear River. In the historic building that is his shop. Rob Buckland-Nicks manages to showcase a huge array of talent from Bear River, Nova Scotia and further afield. Rob's own stunning paintings of birds on stone are reason enough to call in.
	The village is home to a close-knit community of professional and casual artisans that can give any art lover a run for their money: taking the self-guided STUDIO TOUR covers a wide variety of media and artforms.
	Set in the rolling hills of the Bear River Valley, BEAR RIVER VINEYARDS is a popular and productive local winery just a short stroll from Barnwood Inn. Open during the summer months for wine tasting and vineyard tours, the winery now boasts seven varieties of wine and ample room for a picnic lunch.
	A more personal glimpse into the natural world of the Bear River First Nation can be had during a visit to the STONE BEAR RETREAT AND WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE. Multi-day packages will take you a step closer to where we all come from and silence the rush of the world. Take part in traditional crafts and walk the trails of the Mi'kmaq.

DIGBY	With 2008 being the 225th anniversary of the Loyalists landing in Digby, it's a great time to visit Digby and sample the delights of 'The world's most romantic town'. Settled in 1783 by United Empire Loyalists, Digby has a long history of trade and fishing and is the source of the world-famous Digby Scallops. Digby is a good base for exploring Digby Neck, the French Shore and whale watching. The attractive boardwalk and bandstand by the wharf are a great place to enjoy an ice-cream and take in the sights. Easy access via the Ferry and its own airport helps keep Digby at the forefront of Nova Scotia tourism. To learn more about the town visit THE DIGBY WEBSITE.
	THE WHARF RAT RALLY is already Atlantic Canada's largest motorcycle rally and is growing every year. The festival takes place in Digby and this year runs from 1st to 6th September. Enjoy shows, demonstrations, stalls and competitions in the company of other motorcycle enthusiasts.
	The natural beauty of the seascapes around Digby has always been a tremendous draw. Combine this marvellous scenery with sightings of whales, porpoises and seals and you have the makings of a great day out. To shorten travelling time out to the sighting grounds, it is a good idea to begin your trip from Brier Island. MARINER CRUISES is operated out of Westport by Penny Graham and offers an outstanding experience while remaining ecologically responsible. Be sure to allow sufficient time for ferry crossings to the islands.
	THE ADMIRAL DIGBY MUSEUM houses a large collection of artefacts and archives in the property know locally as the "Woodrow/Dakin" house.

ANNAPOLIS ROYAL	Originally called Te'wapskik by the Mi'kmaq, named Port Royal in 1604 by the French, and renamed Annapolis Royal in 1710 by the British, this is one of the country's oldest permanent European settlements. Annapolis Royal recently won the "World's Most Liveable Small Community" International competition (endorsed by the United Nations), and was named one of the five Cultural Capitals of Canada the following year. With a population of approximately 444 residents, Annapolis Royal is the smallest incorporated town in Nova Scotia, but with 131 registered heritage properties, it is one of the largest National Historic Districts in Canada. The weekly Farmers' Market should definitely be at the top of your 'To Do' list. To learn more about the town visit THE ANNAPOLIS ROYAL WEBSITE.
	FORT ANNE is set high on a grassy mound overlooking the Annapolis River. The French built the first fort here around 1643. Since then, dozens of buildings and fortifications have occupied this site. You can visit the 1708 gunpowder magazine (the oldest building of any Canadian National Historic Site), then peruse the museum located in the 1797 British field officers' quarters.
	Annapolis Royal is home to the first and only modern tidal power plant in North America. THE ANNAPOLIS TIDAL GERNERATING STATION employs the largest straight-flow turbine in the world and is capable of producing more than 30 million kilowatt-hours per year, enough electricity to power 4,500 homes. The Station attracts more than 35,000 visitors a year
	The O'Dell House museum and the Sinclair Inn National Historic Site can both be viewed in Annapolis Royal's main thoroughfare, St. George Street. Visit the THE ANNAPOLIS HERITAGE SOCIETY to learn more about these museums and get a glimpse of the town's colourful past.
	The national historic site of PORT ROYAL features a reconstruction of early 17th- century buildings representing the former colony of the French who settled for a time along the Nova Scotia coast. Costumed interpreters and period demonstrations help recreate the look and feel of Port-Royal, one of the earliest settlements in North America.
	KEJIMKUJIK NATIONAL PARK lies just off Route 8, between Annapolis Royal and Liverpool. 381 km2 (147 sq mi) of scenic inland wilderness country. 'Keji' abounds with wildlife, including rare Blandings turtles. During summer, park interpreters conduct nature talks, walks and canoe excursions. 14 hiking trails, up to 6 km in length, wind through woodlands and along waterways. Canoe & bicycle rentals available.
	Great for children and adults alike, UPPER CLEMENTS PARK lies just a few kilometers outside Annapolis Royal. The Adventure park, with thrill rides and attractions, offers something for all ages. A fantastic family day out.
	Although it has only been open since 1981, the THE ANNAPOLIS ROYAL HISTORIC GARDENS displays a mature collections of themed gardens allowing the visitor to view a range of gardening styles from the early French settlers' potager to the Innovative Garden showcasing modern and alternative horticultural methods.

And Further Afield... Read unbiased opinions about Barnwood Inn, other hotels and holidays at TripAdvisor.
The largest in Nova Scotia, OAKLAWN FARM ZOO is situated just outside Aylseford and houses a wide variety of wildlife, both Exotic and Native. Home to the largest lion in the world, the zoo's daily feeding time is a memorable experience. Take exit 16 from Highway 101 and follow the blue zoo signs. A drive along the FRENCH SHORE between Digby and Yarmouth takes the visitor through small fishing villages and past spectacular churches, giving a real flavour of the Acadian life in Nova Scotia. YARMOUTH is a day out in itself. The beaches, fresh seafood and salty seascapes lure visitors from far and wide. The TOBEATIC WILDERNESS AREA lies adjacent to the Kejimkujik National Park. With its limited access and partially protected status, the best way to discover the Tobeatic is by canoe. Explore the dozens of remote lakes and the rivers, streams and old portages linking them following routes that have been known to the Mi'kmaq for centuries. FOX HILL CHEESE HOUSE is situated in Port Williams on the Minas Basin. Specialising in quality cheese products, they take production from seed to grass to milk to cheese to YOU. For a short break at the beach, visit RAVEN HAVEN family park. With a great beach, free public access, supervised swimming, a well-stocked canteen, campground and picnic sites, all on beautiful Sandy Bottom Lake, Raven Haven appeals to families and singles alike. Conveniently located about 25km from Barnwood Inn.

And Further Afield...

Read unbiased opinions about Barnwood Inn, other hotels and holidays at TripAdvisor.

The largest in Nova Scotia, OAKLAWN FARM ZOO is situated just outside Aylseford and houses a wide variety of wildlife, both Exotic and Native. Home to the largest lion in the world, the zoo's daily feeding time is a memorable experience. Take exit 16 from Highway 101 and follow the blue zoo signs.

A drive along the FRENCH SHORE between Digby and Yarmouth takes the visitor through small fishing villages and past spectacular churches, giving a real flavour of the Acadian life in Nova Scotia. YARMOUTH is a day out in itself. The beaches, fresh seafood and salty seascapes lure visitors from far and wide.

The TOBEATIC WILDERNESS AREA lies adjacent to the Kejimkujik National Park. With its limited access and partially protected status, the best way to discover the Tobeatic is by canoe. Explore the dozens of remote lakes and the rivers, streams and old portages linking them following routes that have been known to the Mi'kmaq for centuries.

FOX HILL CHEESE HOUSE is situated in Port Williams on the Minas Basin. Specialising in quality cheese products, they take production from seed to grass to milk to cheese to YOU.

For a short break at the beach, visit RAVEN HAVEN family park. With a great beach, free public access, supervised swimming, a well-stocked canteen, campground and picnic sites, all on beautiful Sandy Bottom Lake, Raven Haven appeals to families and singles alike. Conveniently located about 25km from Barnwood Inn.

More recreation possibilities...
More recreation possibilities...	Golf ~ ANNAPOLIS ROYAL GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB DIGBY PINES GOLF RESORT AND SPA Wellness ~ ANNAPOLIS ROYAL WELLNESS CENTRE AND SPA DIGBY PINES GOLF RESORT AND SPA PLUS...birding, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, lighthouses, graveyard tours, tides, theatre, picnics, lobster, fall foliage, fossils, farms, and much much more.