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Aspotogan Harbour - Nova Scotia
This picturesque village located on Aspotogan Harbour, and first settled in the 1830's, derives its name from either the Mi'kmaq word "Ashmutogan," meaning "block the passage way," or "Ukpudskakun," which means "where the seals go in and out." It was formerly known as Sandy Beaches.
Originally used as a fishing port, the cove still has a couple of small wharves used for fishing. Nestled among steep rolling hills, the cove and its fishery make for a delightful spot to take photographs from its high vantage points.
Black Point - Nova Scotia
Black Point is the closest community in the Ten Beaches area to Metropolitan Halifax, just 30 minutes away, on Highway 3.
Black Point is believed to have been given its name because its land mass appear black from outside of St. Margaret's Bay. Original land grants were given in 1786, but it wasn't until the 1800's that the community began to take shape. Black's Point first post office opened in 1867. A new school opened in 1879. And, United Baptist Church was dedicated in 1898.
Today, the fire station and community hall are focal points of the community, where community suppers and social events are held. The village also boasts some antique and craft shops, and has two sand beaches, the Black Point Beach and The Puddle Beach.
Blandford, New Harbour - Nova Scotia
A fishing community that formed one of the first settlements on the Aspotogan Peninsula prior to 1767, Blandford may have derived its name from Dorsetshire, England. Its first settlers, though, were Irish.
Located along Highway 329, Blandford is still a fishing community, but it has also become a community of choice for artists and artisans. The Blandford Community Hall is home to the Blandford & Area Historical Society and its summer exhibit, which runs from May through September each year. The exhibit includes a wide-range of historical artifacts, from tools and household goods to fishing and whaling equipment.
The whaling exhibits date back to 1940's, and through to the early 1970's, when the whaling industry was active along this coastline. Over growing concern for the conservation of whales, the whaling trade was banned by the province in 1972, and the last whaling station located here was forced to close. Nearby New Harbour was home to that whaling station, from where whale meat and oil was produced.
The Blandford Historical Society also maintains some of the area's best genealogical records from which to trace family ancestries. The Society currently sells two history books on the area, "The Rooster Crows at Dawn," by the late Lee Zinck, and "Echoes of Deep Cove," by Lilly Zinck. The Society is scheduled to release a new book, "A Pictorial History of Blandford," this year.
Deep Cove, Nova Scotia
Deep Cove is fast becoming a popular spot for gorgeous waterfront homes. With a sloping land mass that includes Deep Cove Mountain - the highest point of land on the South Shore - Deep Cove is a wonderful passage from the ocean that leads into waters that will shelter mariners from any kind of storm.
Deep Cove is located on Highway 329, just west of Blandford.
East River, Nova Scotia
East River sits on the eastern side of Mahone Bay. Settled around the turn of the 19th century, East River was known for some farming, but mostly fishing. Today, East River is home to one of the region's largest employers, Louisiana Pacific, which makes wood siding products, but has an excellent reputation for recycling and environmental practices.
East River can be accessed off Exit 7, by turning left on Highway 3, and then right on Highway 329. It is the first community you come to when traveling east on the Aspotogan Peninsula. Just a short distance before turning on to the peninsula, you can stop at a pretty little waterfront picnic park along Highway 3.
Once on the peninsula, you will come to the first of our Ten Beaches, the East River Beach, as you take your first sharp left bend on highway. There is plenty of parking on a side road that runs parallel with the ocean. East River Beach is growing in popularity, but still remains a peaceful spot where you can enjoy plenty of wide open space and fresh ocean air.
Hubbards Cove, Nova Scotia
The 'Hub' of the Ten Beaches area, Hubbards is Ten Beaches busiest destination spot for accommodations, entertainment, festivals and events. Hubbards is also home to one of the loveliest of our Ten Beaches. Located just off Exit 6, Hubbards was originally known as Hubbards Cove, but the word Cove was dropped from the name in 1805. Prominent builders of the community included the Shatford family, after which both the local elementary school and the community's library are both named.
Hubbards, known for its many waterfront cottages, has been a long-time destination for people from Halifax and surrounding communities. Both the Hubbards Beach and the nearby Queensland Beach make Hubbards a popular area to visit and vacation. There are many local activities to enjoy such fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking on the ocean and biking or hiking along the nature trails. The Hubbards is also a hot spot for dancing and lobster boils.
Wonderful waterfront access from oceanfront cottages, docks and public areas allow you to enjoy magnificent sunsets, breaking waves, soaring sea birds, and in the autumn, brilliant fall colors. All this makes Hubbards a great place for relaxation and fun.
Mill Cove, Nova Scotia
Mill Cove, located six kilometers (four miles) west of Hubbards on Highway 329, is a growing residential area and home to one of our Ten Beaches. Settled around 1832, the community was named after an old lumber mill. But in 1967, Mill Cove became known as the site of Canada's newest naval communications base.
The area was selected at the time as a relatively isolated area, known more for its rabbits, beavers and deer, and generally free from any industrial activities created by humans that could interfere with coastal communications.
CFS Mill Cove employed almost 200 naval personnel and civilians when it first opened, and operated for nearly three decades. On June 1, 1995 the base was closed, and later sold, due to military budget cutbacks. Today the former base has been converted for both residential and commercial uses, and its vast acreage is the proposed site for an 18-hole golf course, resort and housing development.
Northwest Cove, Nova Scotia
A scenic and sheltered cove in the middle of the Aspotogan Peninsula, the quaint little fishing port is a photographer's delight. Brightly colored fishing boats, buoys and fish sheds decorate the waterfront in this wonderful little cove, nestled among curvy hills that wind their way to the water.
Northwest Cove was settled in the early 1800's. A chapel-school house-which later became St. Cuthbert's Anglican Church-was built in 1882. A new schoolhouse was built a year later. Northwest Cove is home to the Ocean Swells Community Centre, a popular spot for community dinners, and a place where local artists and artisans often gather.
Southwest Cove, Nova Scotia
Next to Northwest Cove, traveling west on Highway 329, Southwest Cove is a residential area with a few surprising and fascinating sights along its coastline. Sure to amaze onlookers is the $20 million, still unfinished, oceanfront Sea Spa. The 125,00 square-foot, five-storey Sea Spa Resort was meant to be a magnificent spot for the rich and famous to undergo unique health treatments. However, the project, started by a German company, ground to a halt more than a decade ago.
Another wonderful sight, built right on the waters of Southwest Cove, is a whimsical fairy tale castle, sure to capture your imagination. Both Southwest and Northwest Cove are home to many of the area's local artists.
© Copyright 2010 Colwells By The Sea Nova Scotia Oceanfront Cottage Hoidays & Vacations
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