Anne-Charlotte PasseraThe town of Yarmouth is located on the southwestern coast of Nova Scotia and offers many possibilities to enjoy in one day with a dog in tow.
One main attraction the town has to offer is its heritage district showcasing well-preserved victorian homes.
Being on the coast, it is commercially known for the harvesting of rockweed. It is gathered using small hand-held cutter rakes. Then, it is processed to extract alginates used to stabilize and thicken foods such as ice cream, pudding, chocolate milk, salad dressing, and cosmetic products such as lipstick. This is exported worldwide.
Moreover you can catch a ferry that will take you to Maine in the United States.
While a short layover in Yarmouth should be added to your itinerary, don’t miss out on other dog-friendly sites from a lighthouse to the beach.
Cape Forchu lighthouse
While driving to the Camp Forchu Lighthouse, you’ll know that you are on fishermen territory. You’ll be greeted by colourful walls of buoys that do make for a nice photo op. It’s a great less than half a day trip from Yarmouth.
It is a smooth 15 minute ride from Yarmouth or at least it was until we ran over a duck.
Parking at the lighthouse is free.There is no real beach access due to the strong waves but there is a tiny possibility for your dog to dip its tiny paws.
At the feet of the lighthouse, on the southern tip, there is a small trail that does a loop (800m). It was designed by Leif Ericson and the access is free. Ample information is provided so that you can learn about the lighthouse and the history of the area.
At the entrance of trail free poop bags are provided.
The Interpretive look-offs allows you to explore, discover and enjoy the spectacular views of both land and sea.
The rocks you’ll see at the base are the result of ancient and violent volcanic eruptions around 444-419 million years ago.They are made of basalt which was produced from the melting of the earth’s mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions in ancient rift basins
At this time, an ancient ocean sea narrowed and southern Nova Scotia, which was under this ocean, emerged to sea level.
You’ll also see many tidal pools along the trail and learn about edible plants. Unfortunately, you can’t access the tidal pools.
The rock formations provide a rigged backdrop to Cape Forchu’s scenic lighthouse.
History of the lighthouse
This lighthouse has an “Apple core” shape as the tapering shape is thought to resemble an apple core. The one you see was built in 1962 in concrete and automated in 1993. It is the second lighthouse to stand there as the first one, made of timber, was built in 1839 but demolished in 1940. It had been severely damaged Cape Forchu’s fierce winds and waves.
The new tall and slender shape allows it to be resistant to wind as the wind travels around it instead of against it. The wide base provides support for the lantern house which throws a flashing beam of light about 16km out to sea. The core of the lighthouse is only 1.5m (5 feet) in diameter.
The role of the light-keeper during the 19th century and first half of 20th century was to:
- maintain the light, fog alarm;
- Record the weather;
- Aid those shipwrecked or stranded.
It was hard work in extreme weather conditions. The lighthouse needed continuous upkeep and repair.
The residence of the lighthouse keeper was formerly the home of two families. It has been converted into a museum, shop and café. You’ll even find toilets.
Outside of the café you’ll find a water bowl for dogs.
(…) watching the waves crash around Cape Forchu provides a small glimpse of the awesome and terrifying power of the sea.
Lighthouse access
You can climb to the top of the lighthouse.
Cost: $10 adults, $5 children under12.
Hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily (summer).
You have to weigh less than 250 lbs and only 5 people per tour.
While walking around with our dogs we spoke to a local dog owner. She mentioned a beach to go to with them called Port Maitland. We did not stop there as we had other plans.
Mavillette Beach
Mavillette Beach is located25 minutes away from Yarmouth and is the perfect place to spend they day with dogs.
Of course, you’ll appreciate it more when it is at low tide.
There are showers and you’ll find toilets at the main parking lot. Park in the parking lot in front of the RV campground of motel. Then, go all the way to the left of the beach. You’ll have more privacy. There are some rocks that you can use to sit on and tidal pools. They are perfect for small dogs or kids to lounge and play in.
Our dogs loved this beach and so did I. The sand was very soft and the water warm.
Yarmouth
Finally, spend the day or half a day exploring Yarmouth.By 1870 Yarmouth was the second largest port of registry in Canada
Yarmouth was settled in 1761 by planters from Massachusetts. The settlers fished along the coast and harvested lumber from the forest to build homes, businesses and sailing vessels.
By mid-19th century, Yarmouth blossomed into a prosperous fishing and shipbuilding centre and became the second largest port of registry in Canada. Nowadays, it is Canada’s most lucrative fishery.
Samuel de Champlain visited the area in 1604 and named it Cap-Fourchu (forked cape). It was later called Port Royal or La Cadie, a name derived from « L’Acadie » that an Italian explorer had given the region one century earlier. That’s how the first French pioneers got their name from and became know as Acadiens.
The Acadianshave their own flag which you’ll see a lot the region along as on the Cabot Trail near Chéticamp. The star on the flag symbolizes the Virgin Mary, patron saint of the Acadians who guides by her light.
Heritage district
The Heritage district of Yarmouth showcases well-preserved and colourful homes of the 1800s. They used to belong to prominent captains of industry and sailing ships.
You can easily park by the water, and then walk around main street to see the heritage houses. Most of them are located on Alma, Clements and Collins streets.
Grab lunch
We stopped by Rudders Bar + Grill by the port. Since we had the dogs, we got take out and sat at the picnic table located just under their terrace. There is a huge parking lot and we had no problem leaving our car there while we walked around town after lunch. The food was ok, nothing to rave about.
Shop local
I usually don’t mention shopping as part of an activity to do with dogs, but I’m making an exception here.
While walking back to our car, the owner of Seahags and Scallyways grabbed our attention. It was very hot outside and she wanted to offer our dogs some water in bowls provided outside the store. Then, she offered us to come inside with our two big dogs to cool off. We weren’t sure at first, as we didn’t want our dogs to break anything but she assured us it was ok. So we obliged.
This store is all about showcasing locals artisans, 39 to be exact. You’ll find a lot of different things there from beach glass, dog collars, paintings, jewelry, etc. A lot of the pieces have been upcycled. There is only one artist for each type of work.
Judy has been the owner of this store for 14 years. She finds artist at local fairs and is also the president of the Yarmouth society.
Judy is an artisan as well. She makes earrings out of porcupine quills. Don’t worry, no porcupine is harmed in the process. Judy is often visited at home by porcupines. She swooshes them away with a coat in the garden and then collects the quills left by them as they scatter away.
You’ll find an original gift to bring back home if you stop by this store.
So as you can see, there is quite a few things you can do in one day in and around Yarmouth. If you want to explore the coast further down, check out our article on Shelburne.
