Smiths Cove combines several beaches with a maritime and architectural history. The Bear River Lighthouse recalls shipping on the Annapolis Basin and the Bear River; the Smiths Cove Baptist Meeting House and Temperance Hall offers a different historical perspective. Beachcombing, lighthouse history and architecture offer distinct focuses for planning your trip.
Lighthouse History and Heritage
The Bear River Lighthouse was built in 1905 and was the first and only beacon at this location. Its role was to guide ship traffic in the Annapolis Basin and into and out of the Bear River; this function ended when it was decommissioned. The lighthouse is designated as a municipal Heritage Property. Since February 2015, it has also been designated a Heritage Lighthouse under the Federal Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.
The Smiths Cove Baptist Meeting House and Temperance Hall represents an earlier chapter in the area’s built history: it was built between 1834 and 1837 and is among the earliest Temperance Halls in Nova Scotia. Its Gothic Revival and Neoclassical features have made the building a local landmark.
The Smiths Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum, housed in the Old Meeting House dating to around 1834, displays historical artifacts from the Smiths Cove community, as well as genealogical records of residents. Alongside architecture, local history and family research are also themes here. A municipal Heritage plaque was also unveiled at the ceremonial opening of Smiths Cove Lighthouse Park.
Beaches, Railbed and Lighthouse Park
Smiths Cove has several beaches where beachcombing is a popular activity. The beaches offer a different way to experience the area alongside its historic sites: here, beach finds take centre stage, while elsewhere the focus is maritime history or architecture.
In Smiths Cove, the Annapolis Valley Trail System follows the abandoned Dominion Atlantic Railway railbed. In the broader destination of Digby County, hikers, cyclists and ATV riders use this trail system. The former railbed gives the route a distinct historical connection; it is a separate attraction from beach activities and historic buildings.
Smiths Cove Lighthouse Park is at the eastern terminus of the Digby Trails System. A route description from September 2024 places the park’s parking lot across from the Highway 101 exit, between Highway 1 and the Digby Railbed Trail. From there, it is about a ten-minute walk to the park. Check local conditions before travelling.
More to Discover in the Broader Destination of Digby County
Digby Neck leads into the Bay of Fundy to Long Island and Brier Island. The route from Digby via Digby Neck to the islands includes two short ferry crossings for vehicles and foot passengers. If you plan to take this route, check ferry operations in advance.
In the broader destination of Digby County, the Smiths Cove Old Temperance Hall Museum is next to the Digby County Rail Trail; the museum’s exhibits date back to the 18th century. This adds a look at older artifacts to the local collection without conflating the museum’s contents with the construction date of the Old Meeting House.
Mariner Cruises has offered whale- and bird-watching tours off Brier Island in the Bay of Fundy since 1994. They last approximately three hours; check the duration and whether tours are operating again before making plans. In the waters around Brier Island, fin whales, minke whales and porpoises are among the first to arrive in spring, although the timing can vary depending on sea conditions. Another natural feature of Digby County is the rare Eastern Mountain Avens: it is found on Brier Island and only one other place in the world.
Digby Scallop Days also takes place in the broader destination of Digby County: the annual festival runs for four days, from Thursday to Sunday. The program includes demonstrations of shucking scallops and rigging boats; visitors can also shuck a Digby scallop themselves. Check the event dates for your travel year before planning your stay around it.
Explore more destinations: Digby, Clare, Weymouth, Little Brook, Mavillette.
View the broader travel overview: Digby County.
