In southwest Nova Scotia, Mavillette Beach Provincial Park on the Bay of Fundy offers nearly a mile (1.5 kilometers) of smooth, sandy beach that’s perfect for sun lounging, walking or jogging. Observe fragile marram grass covering dunes as you walk along a boardwalk with interpretive signs. Look for numerous bird species that live here for all or part of the year.
Although the bay is rather cool year-round, sandbars near the beach let high-tide water warm in the summer to allow comfortable swimming. The park’s popularity is evident from the presence of a lifeguard on summer weekends, but there’s always plenty of beach space, even on the sunniest days. The beach is equipped with changing areas, restrooms and fresh water. Take time to discover the nearby Bay of Fundy, famous for having the world’s highest tides.
Nutrient-rich waters attract whales here. Join a boat tour leaving from the area to observe these incredible animals.
Many French-descendant Acadians settled on the province’s southwestern shore, with a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. Visit the nearby town of Church Point, 18 miles (29 kilometers) away, where the main campus of Nova Scotia’s only French post-secondary institution, Université Sainte-Anne, was founded in 1890 by priests from France.
Discover North America’s tallest wooden church, Saint Mary’s Church, built in 1905 and also near the university. Its steeple rises 185 feet (56.4 meters) above the ground, making it taller than the Statue of Liberty. It’s weighed down with tons of rock to counteract the region’s occasional fierce winds. The church is also a registered museum and open for tours from mid-May to October.
Travel to Mavillette along the picturesque Evangeline Trail by road from western points of Canada or by ferry across the Bay of Fundy from Canada and the U.S. While in the area, check out other attractions, such as Smugglers Cove, just over 5 minutes’ drive from Mavillete. The cove was said to have been used by rum runners in the early 19th century.
Numerous inns, hotels and a resort make it easy to enjoy the area’s attractions and refreshing sea breezes.
