Digby Neck in southwestern Nova Scotia is an obvious place to go for whale watching. It's not the only place to see whales in the province, but it is one of the best. Did you know it also has some great lighthouses?
Some of the lighthouses themselves may not be spectacular, but their settings, perched on the basalt rock columns that line the entire length of the Neck, certainly are.
There are five of them located between the town of Digby, at the start of Digby Neck, and Brier Island at the other end. The best part, is that all of them, except the one on Green Island, a stone's throw from Westport on Brier Island, are accessible by car and there are great paths to walk around to see them from many different angles.
One of the big attractions of the Peggy's Cove Lighthouse near Halifax has always been the ability to roam the huge expanse of granite on which the lighthouse sits. Same thing with the lighthouses of Digby Neck, except the rock is not granite, but basalt, a rock that rises vertically out of the ground and offers an endless variety of shapes and interesting features. The best example is the Balancing Rock near Tiverton, a solitary column of basalt that stands beside a cliff face like a giant tree trunk. (more about this on another occasion)
So let's take a look at these Digby Neck lighthouses.
The Northern Light on Brier Island sits on basalt rock at the Bay of Fundy end of Grand Passage, a channel of water that separates Westport on Brier Island from Freeport on Long Island at the end of Digby Neck. A small car ferry connects the two islands.
The Western Light is at the far end of Brier Island and is one of the oldest and tallest lighthouses in Nova Scotia, although you'd never know it from this photo dominated by yours truly in the foreground. A radio controlled camera is great when you want to include a human figure in your photo and there's nobody around to commandeer. A self timer works too, but be careful you don't stumble in the 10 seconds you have to get into place before the camera shutter fires.
The Green Island Lighthouse sits on a tiny island at the opposite end of Grand Passage from the Northern Light. The island is a protected bird sanctuary and is off limits to foot traffic.
The Boar's Head lighthouse sits on a bluff at the Bay of Fundy entrance to Petit Passage that separates the mainland of Digby Neck from Long Island. It is within walking distance of the fishing village of Tiverton, which also lays claim to the Balancing Rock.
The Point Prim Lighthouse is located at the entrance to the Annapolis Basin a short drive from Digby, known far and wide for its scallop fishery. This photo was taken just before sunset. But don't pack up your photo gear too soon. Wait until a half hour or so after sunset and scene will have undergone a dramatic change. Bring your tripod.
So you haven't visited Digby Neck. Well! What are you waiting for ...
good afternoon Wally, im writing from a small town in B.C. and am looking to relocate in about 6 months to Nova Scotia. I would like some resources concerning job market, apt rentals(cost, availability etc), I understand N.S. is a large area but I need to start somewhere,lol. From what I understood about your site, your knowledge trumps anyone I know out here. I was hoping for some sites i could look up for some of the average size towns close to the ocean, I lived in Vancouver B.C. for over twenty yrs and sure miss the ocean. Thank you so so much in advance for any information you can help me with, I really apppreciate you taking time out of your day to read this. Deanne Kennedy
Hi Deanne,
I just noticed your comment on Wally's Blog. I would recommend this site as a place to start when thinking about moving to Nova Scotia.
http://www.novascotialife.com/
They can help to answer your questions. They also have a link to job postings etc. Most towns are quite close to the ocean. Some are right on the ocean and some are a short drive away.
Best of success with your journey!
Cynthia
Hi: My mom is from Freeport, Long Island (beside Brier I) N.S. but my favorite spot is Brier Island - it's just so beautiful there and I really enjoy the natural setting. It's like an escape to walk along the coast on one side of the island & not see hardly any signs of human existence - just nature, birds, seals, rocks, lighthouses, & coast. I really do love it & the friendly, nice people, fresh seafood, wish I was there.The Brier Lodge is also a great place to stay & eat (wonderful views from the dining room or grounds, you don't really need an ocean view room as step outside & it's all around you. Lavena's Catch Restaurant (spelling?) on Long Island where ferry docks from Brier I. is especially good and enjoyed by both locals & visitors. I suggest Whale watching from Harold Graham's boat - Brier I. - as you never seem to have to travel far or wait long to see the whales. Sometimes the local activity is to go sit at a lighthouse in the evening & watch the whales off shore. Hope to get there again next summer. August & September are usually the best months for weather, but I've had good in July also. It's a spot worth seeing but plan on spending time (days) & not just 1 day to go whale watching & leave - you would miss too much! I used to go fishing there with my Grandfather when I was very young and he still had his boat, what great memories 1965-? Enjoy exploring & the sea., Ruth