If you've ever driven the Glooscap Trail in its entirety, you've definitely passed through what I would call one of the most photogenic places in Nova Scotia. I'm talking about Five Islands. My favourite view of Five Islands would have to be from the descent of Economy Mountain when the islands and Minas Basin comes into view. The view from the look-off at Five Islands Provincial Park is nothing to scoff at either as Moose Island, the largest of the five, dominates the landscape.
The area surrounding the Glooscap Trail is steeped in Mi'kmaq legends and Five Islands is no exception. I spent a good portion of my younger years in Five Islands with my grandparents and I remember my grandmother telling me of the Mi'kmaq's interpretation of how Five Islands came to be. I have heard different variations of the legend but the version that I was told went as follows:
Glooscap was a giant god-like man who lived in Cape Blomidon, overlooking the Bay of Fundy. He was created by Gisoolg, the Great Spirit Creator, from a bolt of lightning. A giant beaver, one of Glooscap's enemies, had built a large dam which caused the flooding of Glooscap's garden in Advocate. Angered by this, Glooscap threw handfuls of mud at the beaver in order to break his dam and drive him away and these handfuls became the five islands: Moose, Long, Diamond, Egg and Pinnacle. It is also believed that the water released from the dam created the historic Bay of Fundy tides.
Five Islands has been a bustle of activity and development recently due to Dick Lemon's presence in the community. Since his arrival in Five Islands in 2003, he has done wonders for the community including but not limited to; the development of a retreat on Long Island, which has purchased; the Five Islands installation of Masstown Market; and Mo's: a sort of cafe/hostel/restaurant/art gallery among other things. He can also be credited for initiating "Not Since Moses": a charity run which in previous years has consisted of a course around Long Island at low tide. This year, however, the course has been changed and will commence and end at Five Islands Provincial Park. "Not Since Moses" helps raise money for local charities and proves to be a fun day for everyone.
There's plenty to see and do in Five Islands! Whether you're out for a scenic Sunday drive, got a hankerin' some fresh seafood, or just need to get away for a while, Five Islands has an experience in store for everyone.
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