Port Medway brings together lighthouse history, distinctive local history and outdoor activities. The harbour lighthouse was built as a navigational aid; the Port Medway Meeting House features an unusual architectural detail. Lighthouse Park has walking trails and boardwalks, as well as picnic facilities. Visitors can paddle on the Medway River. These themes offer different focuses for trip planning: historic buildings, community-rooted local history or time outdoors.
Two lighthouses, different points of reference
The Port Medway Lighthouse was built in 1899 as a navigational aid in Port Medway harbour. Another point of reference is the Medway Head Lighthouse at the entrance to Port Medway. Its current tower was built in 1983: a 29-foot-tall wooden pyramidal tower. The two descriptions highlight different details: the year it was built and its navigational function are central to the Port Medway Lighthouse, while the height, material and shape provide a more precise description of the current Medway Head Lighthouse tower.
Local history and an unusual seating arrangement
The Old Port Medway Cemetery was the first public cemetery in the community of Port Medway. The Port Medway Meeting House was built in 1832 as a timber-framed building by the Port Medway Free Will Baptist congregation. Its pews are an unusual feature: they face away from the walls and run parallel to the centre aisle. This brings together two distinct historical references: the history of the community’s first public cemetery and a precisely describable feature of the Meeting House. The pew arrangement adds a specific architectural detail to the information about the building’s construction and year of construction.
Walking trails, picnics and paddling
Port Medway Lighthouse Park has walking trails and paths along boardwalks. Picnic facilities are available at a pavilion or in the gardens. The park and river offer different activities: trails and picnic facilities shape a visit to the park, while visitors can paddle on the Medway River. Trail conditions may change, so check them before your visit. When paddling, it is also a good idea to check water conditions and practical access options locally.
A volunteer-run festival
The Port Medway Readers’ Festival was founded in 2002 and continues to be organized as a volunteer-run community project. It adds a cultural focus to the area’s historical themes. As event plans may vary, check the dates if the festival is important to your trip planning.
Queens County as a regional context
In Queens County, the Shelburne River Wilderness Area protects almost 3,500 hectares of remote wilderness in the lower Shelburne River watershed. The Kejimkujik Scenic Drive, Highway 8, connects Liverpool with Annapolis Royal and passes through Milton, Middlefield and Caledonia. Kejimkujik Seaside is a free day-use park where visitors can explore trails and a beach. Its trails include the Harbour Rocks Trail and the Port Joli Head Trail.
The Queens County Museum features exhibits on Mi’kmaq history, early medicine, maritime history and wartime memorabilia. Visitors can also step aboard the recreated deck of the famous privateer ship “Liverpool Packet” and learn why Liverpool was known as the “Port of the Privateers.” These nature and cultural themes complement Port Medway’s local history with distinct perspectives on Queens County.
Discover more destinations: Greenfield, Hunts Point, Port Mouton, Mill Village, Liverpool
Return to the main travel overview: Queens County.
