Digby, Nova Scotia, is a charming coastal town in the western part of the province, known for its rich maritime history, stunning natural beauty, and delicious seafood. It sits at the entrance of the Bay of Fundy, one of North America's seven natural wonders, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

One of the top attractions in Digby is the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, a must-visit for garden lovers. The gardens feature a variety of themed areas, including the Victorian Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Acadian Garden, showcasing the region's cultural and horticultural heritage.

For those interested in local history, Digby is home to the Memorial Park, a fitting tribute to the county's fishermen lost at sea. The park offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a family picnic, and features a play area for children.

Another must-see attraction is the Make Memories of Maud Lewis Memorial Park, which is dedicated to the famous folk artist Maud Lewis. The park features a beautiful garden, picnic tables, panels explaining Lewis' history, and a steel memorial for Maud and her husband, Everett.

 

Digby is also known for its delicious seafood, particularly its scallops, celebrated during the annual Wharf Rat Rally and Scallop Days festivals. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants, such as the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, which offers stunning views of the bay and various dining options.

 

For outdoor enthusiasts, Digby offers a range of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and rock collecting. The Acadia Valley has trails for all skill levels, and the Provincial Annapolis Basin Lookoff lookoff provides a picturesque view of the surrounding area.

 

Digby is also home to several lighthouses, including the Prim Lighthouse, which offers beautiful views of the bay and is surrounded by picnic tables and paths down to the tide pools.

 

Digby is a charming coastal town that offers something for everyone, from stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities to rich cultural heritage and delicious seafood.

 

History of Digby Nova Scotia, Canada

Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada, has a rich history dating back to 1783 when it was settled by a group of United Empire Loyalists led by Rear Admiral Sir Robert Digby, Captain of the HMS Atalanta. The town was named in his honor and has since been an active fishing and lumber-producing community.

 

Digby's location on the western shore of the Annapolis Basin led to its declaration as a Port of Entry, which helped hasten the development of a strong shipping industry. 

 

The town's shipping industry was further supplemented by the building of the Dominion Atlantic Railway in the late 19th century, which allowed for the growth of the fishing industry and tourism.

 

Fishing has been a significant industry in Digby, with scallops being one of the town's major draws for tourism, celebrated yearly during Scallop Days. The town's history is preserved at the Admiral Digby Museum and several community museums.

 

The county's history is also marked by the arrival of Black Loyalists, who settled in the Annapolis and Digby Counties. Approximately four thousand Black Loyalists arrived in Nova Scotia, along with thousands of enslaved people who came with their masters.

 

In addition to its rich maritime history, Digby is also known for its stunning natural beauty. Its clear, crisp air is complemented by spectacular vistas of The Annapolis Basin from its waterfront and the incredible tides (28 to 35 ft.) in its harbor. 

 

The town's history is also closely aligned with the French, with native settlements throughout the area, including a Mi'kmaq encampment in Freeport and native settlements in Digby County.

 

Digby's history is marked by its rich maritime heritage, stunning natural beauty, and cultural diversity, making it a fascinating place to explore and learn about.

 

Geography of Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada

The geography of Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada, is characterized by its diverse and picturesque landscape. Situated on the western shore of the Annapolis Basin near the entrance to the Digby Gut, which connects the basin to the Bay of Fundy, Digby offers a stunning natural setting that attracts tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

 

The county of Digby features a varied terrain, including mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers, making it an inviting destination for tourists and pleasure seekers. 

 

The North Mountain runs along the Bay of Fundy to Grand Passage, while the South Mountain passes through the center of the county, creating a fertile valley known for its abundant fruit production, including apples, cherries, pears, and plums.

 

Digby County is also known for its well-watered plateaus, such as the Peninsula Basin, Bear River Basin, Sissiboo Basin, Meteghan Basin, Tusket Basin, and Salmon River Basin, each offering unique landscapes and natural features. The county's proximity to the Annapolis Basin and the Bay of Fundy provides a beautiful and tranquil setting for residents and visitors alike.

 

Digby, Nova Scotia's geography showcases a harmonious blend of mountains, valleys, waterways, and plateaus, creating a truly inviting environment for tourists and residents to enjoy the natural beauty of this coastal town.

 

Economy of Digby Nova Scotia, Canada

The economy of Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada, is closely tied to the fishing industry. A significant portion of the labor force is employed in Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting. The town is known as the "Scallop Capital of the World," its scallop fishing fleet significantly contributes to the local economy.

 

Digby's economy has faced changing conditions, with a decline in the fishery and challenges in the fish processing sector. The town also has a low birth rate and an aging population, which has complicated economic growth.

 

The Digby Neck/Islands, a sub-area of Digby County, is highly dependent on the fishing industry as a source of economic activity. The total employment impact of a quarry project in Digby County is estimated to be 51.8 person-years of employment annually and 4,550 person-years over 50 years, with direct employment estimated at 43 person-years and spin-off employment at 8.8 person-years.

 

The GDP impact associated with operations is estimated to be $6.3 million in Nova Scotia, with direct GDP adding $2.2 million and spin-off GDP adding a further $4.0 million to the provincial economy.

 

The quarry's operation will also generate tax revenue for the municipal, provincial, and federal governments. Annual municipal taxes payable in Digby County will be $400,000, which would significantly increase the municipality's commercial tax revenue.

 

The average salary in Digby is $34,960, which is 35.8% lower than the Canadian average salary of $54,450. A person making $0 a year in Digby makes 100% less than the average working person in Digby and will take home about $0.

 

Overall, Digby's economy is closely tied to the fishing industry, with a significant portion of the labor force employed in Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting.

 

The town is facing changing economic conditions, with a decline in the fishery and challenges in the fish processing sector. 

 

However, the quarry's operation and other economic activities are expected to generate employment and tax revenue for the local economy.

 

Demographics of Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada

Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada's demographics reveal exciting insights about the population composition of this coastal town. According to the sources provided:

• The population of Digby is approximately 7,269, with a population density of 668 people per square kilometer.
• The median age in Digby is 55.4 years, which is higher than the national average of 40.9 years.
• The male-to-female ratio in Digby is 1.3:1, slightly higher than the national average of 1:1.
• Around 64% of couples in Digby are married, and 26% of families have children at home.
• The majority of the population in Digby speaks English only, with a small percentage of the population identifying as Black and having multiple visible minorities.
• Digby has a diverse ethnic background, with residents of Canadian, French, English, Scottish, and other backgrounds.

 

Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada's demographics reflect a population with a higher median age, a predominantly English-speaking community, and a mix of ethnic backgrounds, contributing to the town's cultural diversity and unique character.

 

Transport system in Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada

The transport system in Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada, is well-connected through various ferry services that play a crucial role in the local transportation network. These ferries are integral to the provincial highway system and provide essential links for residents and visitors. 

 

The Department of Public Works operates seven ferries, connecting different parts of Digby County and beyond. 

 

These ferries include routes like LaHave to East LaHave, Little Narrows, Englishtown, Tancook Island, Petit Passage at Digby Neck, Grand Passage at Digby Neck, and Country Harbour.

 

Additionally, Bay Ferries operates services like the MV Fundy Rose, which offers crossings between Digby, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick, providing a convenient and scenic transportation option across the Bay of Fundy. 

 

The transport system also includes services like The CAT high-speed car ferry between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, offering efficient travel options for passengers and vehicles between different regions.

 

The transport system in Digby, Nova Scotia, is well-served by a network of ferry services that connect various parts of the region. These services provide essential transportation links and contribute to the local economy and tourism industry.

 

Living in Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada

Living in Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada offers a unique experience with its picturesque setting, rich maritime history, and friendly community. The town is known as "The Scallop Capital of The World" due to its significant scallop fishing industry. The population of Digby is approximately 2,001, with a median age of 55.4, making it an attractive destination for retirees or those looking for a peaceful lifestyle.

 

The town has a mix of English, French, Scottish, and Canadian residents, contributing to its cultural diversity. The cost of living in Digby is relatively low compared to larger towns, with a median income of CA$ 38,284. The town is well-served by a network of ferry services that connect various parts of the region, providing essential transportation links and contributing to the local economy and tourism industry.

 

Digby has a range of amenities, including a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) station, a general hospital with emergency care, primary care, inpatient care, restorative care, ambulatory care, day surgery, renal dialysis, and a variety of retail outlets, including a department store, large hardware store, and two supermarkets.

 

The town is surrounded by extensive rural areas, offering plenty of outdoor activities and scenic beauty. The area is mainly English, but Clare County has a sizeable Acadian population immediately to the west. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for families and individuals looking for affordable housing and a peaceful lifestyle.

 

However, some challenges exist, such as a shortage of family doctors, which can impact access to healthcare services. The area is also facing inflationary pressures on housing, particularly in Halifax, but the farther from Halifax, the more affordable housing tends to be.

 

Digby is a beautiful spot with a small-town atmosphere, scenic beauty, and many amenities. It is an attractive destination for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle and affordable housing in a picturesque setting.

 

Education in Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada

Education in Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada, is well-supported, with various educational institutions catering to different age groups. The town offers educational opportunities from preschool to post-secondary levels. Some vital educational institutions in Digby include:

• Digby Regional High School: Serving grades 7 to 12, providing secondary education to students in the region.
• Digby Elementary School: Catering to grades K to 6, offering primary education to young learners.
• DALA (Adult) Learning Grove: Providing preschool education for children in the community.
• Nova Scotia Community College: Offering post-secondary education and vocational training opportunities for students in Digby.

 

These institutions play a vital role in shaping Digby's educational landscape, providing a foundation for learning and skill development for residents of all ages. Additionally, the town's educational facilities are complemented by various recreational activities and facilities, enhancing residents' overall quality of life in Digby.

 

Tourist places in Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada

Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada, offers various tourist places and activities that cater to various interests. Some famous tourist destinations in Digby include:

• Balancing Rock: A unique geological formation located on a scenic trail in Tiverton, NS.
• Digby Tidal Clock: A clock that displays the tide's current time and height in Digby Harbour.
• Lake Midway Provincial Park: A beautiful park with a freshwater lake, picnic areas, and a sandy beach.
• Replica of Maud Lewis House: A replica of the famous folk artist's house, converted into a museum and gift shop.
• Boar's Head Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse located on the coast of Digby Neck, offering stunning views of the Bay of Fundy.
• Van Tassel Lake Trails: A network of hiking trails that lead to a beautiful lake and scenic views of the surrounding area.
• Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens: A beautiful garden that features a variety of plants and flowers, as well as historic buildings and structures.
• T.R.'s Falls (aka Lake Brook Falls): A scenic waterfall near Digby accessible via a short hike.

 

In addition to these tourist destinations, Digby also offers a range of outdoor activities, such as whale watching, kayaking, and hiking. The town is also known for its seafood, particularly its scallops, celebrated during the annual Scallop Days festival. Visitors can also explore the town's rich history and culture by visiting the Admiral Digby Museum, the Heritage Centre, and the Fishermen & Soldiers Memorials.

 

Traditional dishes of Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada

Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada, is known for its rich maritime history and delicious seafood. Some of the traditional dishes of Digby include:

• Digby Chicken: Despite its name, Digby Chicken is not chicken but cured herring. It is available in grocery stores in the deli department and is also a popular dish at pizza shops and pubs, where it is deep-fried and served with honey mustard.
• Rappie Pie: Rappie Pie is a traditional Acadian dish made from grated potatoes, chicken or beef stock, and meat. It is a time-consuming dish but a staple in many Acadian households.
• Blueberry Grunt: Blueberry Grunt is a unique Nova Scotian dessert made from stewed blueberries with sweet dumplings. It is a popular dish during the blueberry harvest season.
• Oatcakes: Oatcakes are a traditional Scottish dish brought to Nova Scotia by early settlers. They are thin and crispy in Cape Breton and thick and chewy in Halifax. They are often served with tea or dipped in chocolate or peanut butter.
• Fish Cakes: Fish cakes are typical in Atlantic Canada, including Nova Scotia. They are made from salt cod and mashed potatoes and are often served for breakfast with baked beans and eggs.
• Digby Scallops: Digby scallops are known worldwide and are a must-try dish in Nova Scotia. They can be pan-seared, bacon-wrapped, deep-fried, or raw.

These traditional dishes showcase the rich maritime history and cultural diversity of Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Digby is also known for its friendly people and strong sense of community. The town has many festivals and events all year, celebrating everything from seafood to folk music. These give tourists many chances to learn about the local culture and traditions.

Digby, Nova Scotia, is a great place to visit whether you're interested in its beautiful scenery, fascinating history, or delicious seafood. Everyone there is made to feel welcome and has a fantastic experience.

 

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