Caledonia (Nova Scotia)
Caledonia is a town in the South Shore (Nova Scotia) of Nova Scotia.
In 1798-99, forty years after the founding of Liverpool, settlers began to look toward the "North District", an area rich in timber, waterways and potential farmland. A century of settlement and development in this once primarily Mi'kmaq area ensued and the early 1900s farming, lumbering and gold mining were flourishing.
Caledonia was settled in 1817 by six Scots and two Irishmen who were attracted by the good farmland on the drumlins.
A mainstay of the area for almost two centuries, the health of the lumbering industry was attributed to the variety and abundance of timber available. Farming is still very important in the area and the establishment of the Queens County Farmer's Market in the summer is a popular draw for locals and visitors alike.
A gold rush in the late 19th century, caused a boom in the area of which evidence can still be seen today in some of the storefronts and buildings.
Get in
Caledonia is about 45 minutes north of Liverpool and about an hour from Annapolis Royal on Highway 8, also known as the Keji Scenic Drive.
Get around
Calendonia is very much a rural community, with no public transport. A fantastic base for touring the inland of Nova Scotia, a car is required to get around to all the sights and activities.
See
- Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site of Canada. is one of the main attractions of the area. With 381 square kilometres of protected forest, Keji provides the ultimate wilderness experience for the naturalist. 80% of the park is only accessible by canoe or hiking trails. Deer, porcupines, beavers, coytoes, martens and black bears are among the many species of wildlife you will find. Dynamic interpretive programs are offered all summer long. Pack a copy of The Tent Dwellers by Albert Bigelow Paine in your knapsack and relive the tale over 100 years later. Paine started his journey from Jakes Landing, which is still a point of departure at the heart of the National Park.
- North Queens Heritage House Museum, ☎ +1 902-682-2989. Situated in an 1854 farmhouse, this museum houses a wide variety of artifacts from North Queens as well as published and unpublished genealogical resources. Open May 15 - September 15
Do
Events
- Take in one of the many events at the fairgrounds including the Queens County Fair held every year in mid-September. First held in 1800, the fair is a popular event, with ox-pulls, equestrian programs, concerts and vendors.
Buy
Eat
Drink
- Enjoy locally made Blueberry Juice at the Caledonia Visitor Information Centre on Hwy 8.
Sleep
- Caledonia Country Hostel, 9960 Hwy 8 Caledonia, ☎ +1 902 682-3266. Check-in: 5:00, check-out: 11:00. A small home-style hostel 10 mins from Kejimkujik Park, 45 mins from Liverpool/Bridgewater, and 55 minutes from Annapolis Royal. $25 per person.
Go next
| Routes through Caledonia |
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→ Liverpool → END |