LONG ISLAND

Long Island is separated from Digby Neck by 'Petit Passage' and from Brier Island at the west end by 'Grand Passage'. You cross by a short ferry ride from Digby Neck at the village of East Ferry.

One road (Hwy 217) is the only road and runs the length of Long Island from the ferry crossing at Tiverton, to the ferry crossing to Brier Island at Freeport, the western end of the island. Don't worry, it will all make sense when you get here!

Long Island is approximately 15 kms. long and 5 kms wide and is primarily basalt rock of the North Mountain range. The southern coast (St. Mary's Bay side) of the island is mostly faced with steep cliffs; the north side (Bay of Fundy) features smaller cliffs and round-rock beaches. There are several coves along both sides with Bear Cove (Tiverton), Israel's Cove (also known as Pirate's Cove), Flour Cove (central on the island) and Beautiful Cove (Freeport) being the best known and easily accessible.

There are two shallow lakes located together in the centre of the island with a small brook leading in both directions and ending on either end of the island, one in Tiverton and one in Freeport. A tidal bore occurs on the outgoing (ebb) tide in St. Mary's Bay just south of Petit Passage that is commonly referred to as 'The Bull'.

Long Island was first discovered by Europeans by the explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1604, but was not settled until the late 18th. century, when the land was granted to British loyalists after the American Revolutionary War.

The primary industry is lobster fishing with a season running from the end of November until the end of May. A second, growing industry is tourism. The Bay of Fundy is world famous for whale watching and there are boat tours throughout the summer months. Another attraction is Balancing Rock, a large basalt column that appears to be teetering on its end on the southern shore just outside Tiverton.

There are deer, sea birds and, as of 2013, a bear which hadn't been seen in a century! Sometimes you can see whales from the water's edge!

(Amy Tudor)

ACCOMMODATIONS

BEAUTIFUL COVE COTTAGE.  The panoramic view of the Bay of Fundy is mesmerizing. The Cottage offers all the comforts you'll need for your stay, including terrific cooking facilities. 

WHALE OF A TIME, TOO!  Cozy little house with beautiful view of Freeport ! Wonderful outdoor space with flowers , berry garden , fire pit and hammock! accommodation

GRAM'S HOUSE! A wonderful hideaway for those looking to rest and relax or a family to enjoy a rural vacation with the sea a short walk away. 

YOGA, SMOOTHIE & BED!  Comfortable cottage style, lots of light, 5 minute walk to the ocean, amazing sunsets, fresh ocean air, quiet, restaurant just a few minutes drive or twenty minute walk, whale watching nearby, bird watchers paradise, yoga available, smoothie option 

TRANQUIL WATERFRONT RETREAT.  This is a waterfront heritage property, circa 1787.  Original art, antiques, ocean view and solitude are just a few of the features of this property.  

THE LOOKOUT. Need precious peace and total privacy? One-level hilltop home is set back from the road on 10 wooded acres above Beautiful Cove on the Bay of Fundy.  

SWEET SEA VIEW. Newly Renovated. New Furniture. Bright Cozy House. 2 Super Large Spacious Bedrooms . Lobster included!

HEMLOCK HOUSE. Large 'cabin' in remote area.

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WHALE WATCHING

OCEAN EXPLORATIONS.   Zodiac Whale Cruises is Nova Scotia's ORIGINAL 'ocean rafting' whale/seabird adventure. Widely regarded/reviewed as 'one of the best', owner biologist Tom Goodwin is one of the most qualified/experienced whale guides, in the world.

WATCH THIS VIDEO THAT WENT VIRAL INTERNATIONALLY!                                          https://youtu.be/XhHXTiCbOAM

FREEPORT WHALE & SEABIRD TOURS.  Our boat is the MV “Georgie Porgie”. She is a 45-foot Cape Island. We are Transport Canada inspected annually and compliant with all safety regulations. It has a washroom, comfortable seats and is wheelchair accessible. 

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GALLERIES & GIFTS

GALLERY 217. Freeport. Representing art from Brier Island, Long Island, and Digby Neck, running through August and September in Freeport. A broad range of mediums, styles, and artistic experience will be showcased.  

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RESTAURANTS. 

JUST ABOVE WATER CAFE. At the ferry dock in Tiverton. Fun place! Eat there or take away. Seafood, burgers, chicken, ice cream, kids menu.  Opening May 24th from 12:00pm - 7:00pm until June14th and then we will open from 11:00am -9:00pm for the rest of the season! tourist information

THE LONG ISLAND TRADING COMPANY IN TIVERTON. Sandwiches, snacks, convenience items and cooked meals. Call first to see what they're serving today! Not fancy...but really good! Mon-Sat 8:30 am - 7:00 pm. Sun 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. (902) 839 2399

SCHOOL STREET MARKET, FREEPORT. Offers a daily lunch special from Mon-Fri starting @ 11:30am. Menu changes weekly, often rotating customer favorites with new recipes. Some of the community favorites are our “Coconut Curry Chicken” and “Beef Chili”.  Call for daily menu.  (902) 839-2053 M-S 8:30 - 8:00. Sun 1:00-5:00

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WALKS/HIKES

WORLD-FAMOUS BALANCING ROCK.  Well-groomed 2.5-km trail and 235-step staircase lead to a platform with view of St. Mary's Bay and the Balancing Rock; interpretive panels, rest areas, picnic tables.  

 FUNDY VIEW TRAIL.  This trail is moderately easy for hiking, but a good portion of it is uphill as you ascend to the top of the tail end of North Mountain where it tapers into the mighty Bay of Fundy. Two lookoffs provide incredible marine vistas. tourist information

DIGBY TRAILS. There are many trails and walks on The Neck and Islands for all levels of experience...

GAEL TOURS.  Explore the spectacular rocky shore while we take a close-up view of the flora and fauna and discover the effects of the giant tides of Fundy. tourist information

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DIGBY NECK FERRIES.  

Regular ferries make the short hop from the end of Digby Neck to Long Island and Brier Island. The boats run hourly and around the clock. Fares are cheap – free for foot passengers and just $7 return for vehicles.