Visit the largest town in Lunenburg County’s South Shore region and discover some fascinating history and beautiful countryside and waterways.
Bridgewater is a coastal town on the LaHave River surrounded by woods and countryside. Sail across waterways, explore the scenic area on foot or by bike and learn about its early origins.
Learn about the area’s heritage with a visit to DesBrisay Museum located at the southern end of town. An assortment of sculptures brings Bridgewater’s agricultural roots to life along with exhibitions of paintings and fabric work by local artists. Among the museum’s highlights is a collection of rare old photos of the town and its inhabitants.
A short stroll northwest will lead you to Wile Carding Mill Museum, where you can experience more of the town’s history. See a 19th-century waterwheel in operation and watch a demonstration of carding, a process that helps prepare wool for spinning.
With its riverside location, outdoor lovers have a lot of choices of things to do at Bridgewater. Go kayaking, fishing and sailing on the LaHave River. Stroll, play sports and relax in the town's wooded parks, which total approximately 100 acres (40 hectares) of land. During the summer, hike and cycle along the 5-mile (8-kilometre) Centennial Trail, which passes through woods, meadows and by the river. During the winter, cross-country ski along the same route.
If you are here toward the end of July, put the South Shore Exhibition on the schedule. Known locally as the Big-Ex, this is a huge agricultural fair with lots of animals, amusement rides and live music. One of the highlights is the International Ox Pull, a race featuring teams from across the world.
Bridgewater is just over a 1-hour drive southwest of Halifax and 12 miles (19 kilometres) west of Lunenburg. In between museum trips and outdoor adventures, stop in one of the cafés and restaurants for a local delicacy known as Lunenburg pudding, a type of pork and beef sausage.
