Town of Mahone Bay

Settled at the same time as neighbouring Lunenburg in 1754, Mahone Bay today is a small picture postcard waterfront town and considered one of Canada’s most attractive and charming destinations.   Built upon a thriving tradition of boat building, that heritage is celebrated every summer with the Wooden Boat Festival, the only one in Atlantic Canada.  The seafarers honoured by this festival were also known for the high quality craftsmanship of their homes which define the character of the town today.  Mahone Bay also had its rugged edge as the word “mahone” is derived from the French and refers to a low lying small craft used by pirates.  With piracy the lore of the past, October’s Halloween Scarecrow Festival is about as scary as it gets today.  The small town (pop. 904) attracts visitors from within and outside the province, all drawn to this quiet and peaceful corner of the South Shore. (Photos courtesy of H. Holm, http://www.NovaScotiaPhotoAlbum.com)