Naturally spectacular! The scenic peninsula between the great tides of the Bay of Fundy and St. Mary’s Bay is rich with rare species of wildflowers, seabirds, shore birds, seals and whales. Now famous for excellent whale and seabird excursions, Digby Neck is a nature-lover’s paradise. This unique ecosystem sustains migrating birds traveling along the Atlantic Flyway. Rugged coastlines, dense marshland and striking basalt formations offer plenty of phenomenal views…and sunsets. Our marine heritage can be experienced in traditional fishing villages, and our environmental treasures explored on our many hiking/walking trails.

Unique, Innovative, Independent Community

1895 - 1914  

The New France settlement, situated beside the Silver River, is a unique part of local history that was home to French, Acadian, African Canadian and Mi’kmaq cultures. They lived and relied on each other in this isolated wilderness community.

The story of New France begins in France with the Stehelin family, an aristocratic and industrialist people caught between the French and German conflict in their homeland. After the Franco Prussian war of 1870, the Stehelin’s land was under the control of the Germans. The Germans forced the French inhabitants to speak German and adopt their customs. Concerned for their future, the Stehelin family moved to the outskirts of Paris, but a looming war with the Germans was inevitable. The oldest son, Jean Jacques, was sent to Canada to find a safer and better life for the family.

Bear River First Nations has embarked on an ambitious, exciting group of projects based on turning their new community building into a cultural and heritage center which will attract locals and visitors alike, and lead to economic development in the community and the area. The center will become the focal point for not only community recreation and other activities, but also for a number of small, independently run businesses based on cultural and eco-tourism. This will include a heritage display area; hands on workshops teaching traditional Mi’kmaq arts and crafts, such as basket and wooden flower making; demonstrations of drumming, singing, and dancing. Also, historic reenactments; an arts and craft outlet; a café featuring traditional Mi’kmaq fare; and a varity of outdoor workshops and activities, from canoe trips along the river to wilderness hikes and camping in wigwams.

Located just 13 kilometers south of the Town of Digby along the Ridge Road in Hillgrove is one of this area’s most unknown natural attractions, the Acacia Valley Trail.

To find this trail take the Mill Road to a parking area at the starting point for the wheelchair path. This trail is one of only two in the province that has wheelchair access to brook fishing, and also provides an opportunity for all ages to experience an important ecosystem. During an interview with Project Leader, Martin Kaye, he stated, “In 1997, the Digby East Fish and Game started a restoration project which revitalized part of the Acacia Valley Brook to make it more habitable for wildlife. The second phase of the project involved the creation of the wheelchair trail. This one and a half kilometer trek is covered with slate and offers access over boggy areas and large platforms over the brook, so wheelchairs can easily maneuver. Each platform has benches and tables that are wheelchair accessible.”

In addition, there are 18 kilometers of trails that have been surveyed but not yet developed for use. This unique trail, when completed, would guide the hiker through a natural watershed system from the headwaters to a salt-water estuary. The different ecosystems and plant life would give an education and appreciation for how important and fascinating watershed environments can be.