The History and Culture of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Vikings, Acadians, Ferries, and Lighthouses on Canada’s East Coast
Nov 11, 2009
Every community has its own unique attractions, but some places can seem especially interesting. Many towns and cities in Canada’s Maritime Provinces are known for their historical significance, fascinating sights, and distinctive way of life. Yarmouth, a port on the Gulf of Maine joining Canada and the United States, is one such place, and it is an ideal place to visit for its festivals, water activities, museums, and more.
The History of Yarmouth
Yarmouth’s history is long and diverse, as the Yarmouth website records. Leif Erikson and his band of Vikings may have visited the site as he travelled across the ocean in 1007; a runic stone found nearby in Overton may be a relic of this visit. In later centuries, the growing community shared New England’s prosperity as traders would use the town as a port between the northern and southern colonies. Samuel de Champlain visited the site in 1604 and named the new French fishing settlement Cap Forchu; the town was renamed Yarmouth in 1759.
Yarmouth is a major connecting point between Maine and Nova Scotia, and ferries regularly carry passengers and vehicles back and forth. The town has two marinas, where locals and tourists can find whale and seabird cruises, ocean exploration tours, and other water-related activities. Sandy beaches are a major attraction, as are visits to sites on the Lighthouse Trail, which starts from just south of Yarmouth.
Museums and Historic Houses in Yarmouth
Museums in Yarmouth celebrate the town’s varied history. The Yarmouth County Museum features ship paintings, artifacts recovered from the Titanic, and household items used by early pioneers, while the Acadian Village north of town is a good place to see how early settlers lived and worked.
Many other sights make a visit to Yarmouth worthwhile. The Argyle Township Courthouse and Archives is a fascinating example of elegant architecture, while the Golden Horse and Lewis Fountains are good places to relax. Ste. Anne Church and commemorative Chapel, built in 1784, still stands near the larger church built in 1808, while the Killam Brothers Shipping Office shows the history of Yarmouth’s trade in the office where one of the largest fleet of ships in the area was managed. Frost Park and the Yarmouth War memorial are also worthwhile places to visit.
Festivals and Special Events in Yarmouth
Festivals are a part of Yarmouth’s life no visitor will want to miss. Events take place throughout the year, celebrating the town’s Acadian history, its early prosperity, and its growth and change over the years. One of the most popular in the area is the Festival Acadien de Wedgeport, featuring a children’s fishing competition, displays on Acadian history, musical presentations, dance performances, and more.
Visiting Halifax, Moncton, and the United States from Yarmouth
The areas around Yarmouth are accessible and well worth visiting. The town is in an ideal location to visit the United States, St. John, Halifax, and Moncton. According to the town’s website, Yarmouth is also a business and community centre for over 70,000 people in the area, and it has a wide variety of amenities and attractions. Often called the “Gateway to Nova Scotia,” Yarmouth has long been a centre of activity, with government offices, a major hospital, and more.
Despite its relatively small size, Yarmouth has many attractions for visitors and residents alike. With festivals, historic sites, memorials, and much more, the town is an ideal place to visit on any tour of Nova Scotia.
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