Some Excursions Close to Home
You can base your entire vacation at Milford House — canoeing, swimming, hiking or relaxing with a good book or socializing in your cabin with friends. But on a rainy day, or just for a change of pace, you may want to explore the many nearby attractions. Virtual Nova Scotia describes many in this part of the Province. Here are some that are within a 30 minute drive from Milford House:
Milford & Area Community Centre
Just down the road is the Community Centre. This is also the home of the Milford & Area History Group. Call to view their extensive archives of local history and ongoing genealogocial research. The collection includes photographs, stories, letters and a variety of publications about the Milford area and surrounding communities. The centre can be opened upon request. Ask us!
Bear River
A visit to Bear River (first left turn off Route 8 heading north) is a must. Aptly named the little Switzerland of Nova Scotia, it is a picturesque village at the head of a tidal river. It is home to quirky artisan's shops, restaurants and a small heritage museum and visitor information centre. The unique Solar Aquatics Municipal Waste Treatment Facility is also a fascinating landmark and one of international environmental interest.
Let the beat of the Mi'kmaq drums awaken your soul with a visit to the Bear River First Nation Heritage and Cultural Centre. Spend the day at the centre. Interpretive displays celebrate the heritage, culture and traditions that endure and flourish among the Mi'kmaq of Bear River and surrounding area of Nova Scotia's Western Valley Region. The Centre is open from May 15 to October 15. A small entrance fee for admission to the centre is required. Phone 902 467-0301.
Rte 1, 6 km (3.5 mi) west of Annapolis Royal. This 10-hectare (25-acre) amusement park is the largest of its kind in Atlantic Canada. It combines Nova Scotia's heritage and culture with modern-day fun and excitement for all ages. Enjoy a variety of rides and attractions, including a flume ride, pedal boats, carousel and roller coaster. Restaurants on site. Season: June to Sept (STC), 11am-7pm daily. Phone 902 532-7557.
Travel about 23 kilometers along route 8. Pick up a map of hiking trails and canoe routes at the Information Booth at the park entrance. This renowned 381 sq km (147 sq mile) wilderness preserve of forests, lakes and streams attracts paddlers and nature lovers from around the world. It offers excellent camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, canoeing and cycling opportunities amidst Nova Scotia's interior. Regular talks and slide shows are presented on summer evenings at the outdoor amphitheatre. Don't miss Mill Falls. Spectacular white water in the Spring and a very popular swimming spot in July and August. An entrance fee to the park is required.
Mickey Hill Pocket Wilderness
Built and maintained by Bowater Mersey Paper Company, the Mickey Hill Pocket Wilderness is a compact picnic park on Lamb's Lake with a trail along the forested banks of Ten Mile River. The trail, with interpretative signs, is a mixture of wooded paths with boardwalks and staircases over rough or hilly terrain. A great spot for a family to spend an hour or two. The sandy beach is a wonderful swimming spot for young and old and well worth the walk through the woods.
Annapolis Royal is a charming town of gracious large homes, colourful gardens, shops, inns and artists studios. The town, much of it designated the Annapolis Royal Historic District, boasts the Kings Theatre, the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens and Fort Anne National Historic Site, The O'Dell Museum and wonderful weekly famer's market.
Located on the main street leading into town, the gardens encompass ten intensively cultivated acres containing several theme gardens and more than a mile of pathways. Visit the Acadian thatched homestead or walk out along the salt marshes. Luncheon is available during the summer.
Farmers Market, Annapolis Royal
The market offers fresh local produce, baked goods, local handicrafts, antiques and a flea market. Enjoy performances by local musicians. The best time to visit is in the morning right after breakfast.
Tidal Power Exhibit Centre
This famous tidal power generating station and interpretive centre is a fascinating spot to view the tides and learn about the harnessing of the river's power.
Some Other Points of Interest
If you are more ambitious and want to drive a little further away, thr following locations are about 45 minutes from Milford House:
Built by the French in 1605, the reconstructed Port Royal Habitation was the earliest European settlement in North America north of Florida. Costumed interpreters bring to life the daily existence of some of the earliest adventurers to this part of the world.
A three-trail system, the shortest a 2km (1.5mi) loop through mixed woodlands and along the Bay of Fundy shoreline; total 9.5km (6Mi) for all trails. Special features include natural and historical interpretation sites, boardwalks, bridges and a small picnic area. The shorter Bohaker Trail leads to a spectacular 12-m (40-ft) waterfall and to the Bay of Fundy Shore. Charlie's Loop Trail includes several look-offs and old stone foundations.
Located in Granville Ferry, this museum is part of the Nova Scotia Museum system. Enter this simple 200-year-old farm house and be amazed at the elegant Georgian decor created by antiques collector Robert Patterson, who lived here among his fine collection of 18th-century paintings, furniture and furnishings. Imagine living a comfortable life surrounded by beautiful things, like the dresser filled with New Hall dishes from the1700's, rare Worcester and Spode china, and superb glass.
Here is the home of the famous scallop fleet and nearby championship 18-hole golf course at the Digby Pines.
Digby Neck and the Islands.
This is a good day trip from South Milford. Take highway 217 off the 101 highway a few miles from the Digby turnoff. Sandy Cove is a picturesque village nestled between Saint Mary's Bay and the Bay of Fundy. It is a good spot for a day at the beach, the Saint Mary's side being the warmest. You can take two short ferry rides to Brier Island — to see the striking rock formations. Brier Island is a favourite spot for rock hounds. This area is also well known for its many species of birds and whale watching excursions.
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