St. Mary’s

Liscombe Lodge is a must see. The Lodge and associated cabins are nestled along the river from waterfalls to where the sea meets the river. The dining is wonderful with an overlook of the river estuary, complete with birds flitting about at the window as you enjoy your meal. The Lodge’s trail system is designed to accommodate hikers of all experience levels and is open to free access by the public. If you are looking for a challenge, you can try the more difficult trails like the Liscomb River and Mayflower Trails. The Liscomb River Trail (9.6km) is a birders delight and includes scenery of forested streams with water cascading through glacial boulders towards the sea. It also has a fish ladder for salmon and a suspension bridge over the river which offers a wonderful vantage point for photos. The Mayflower Trail (2.9 km) is a rugged coastal hiking trail that winds along the mouth of the Liscomb River. Scenic lookouts exist on the trail and there are many opportunities to meet plants and wildlife. Additionally, Liscombe Lodge itself is a great place for short hikes, birding, and nature experiences, including on their pontoon boat tour of the Liscomb River estuary.

Enjoy the great forest and avian diversity of the St. Mary’s River watershed and watch for signs of otters and beavers on the waterways, and eagles and ospreys above. This is a place that wildlife calls home, and you can readily enjoy the area by visiting the many marked lands protected along the river by the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. You are welcome to explore these wonderful places.

After your stops, carry-on to the Waternish bridge, a green one-lane bridge over the river takes you to a gravel road that hugs the river all the way to Melrose. This area is a red maple flood plain with many uncommon and rare species of plants and birds. It is a nature enthusiasts delight. The birding is fantastic, and eagles are always to be found nearby. You are welcome to explore the lands marked as conserved by the Nova Scotia Nature Trust – all they ask is to leave only tracks.

A great stop is at Port Hilford Beach, which is at a sharp bend at the mouth of the Lake. There is a freshwater marsh at the conjunction, often busy with waterfowl and blackbirds. The beach is comprised of white sand and is a great place to refresh and experience the sea. Looking out, you can overlook the area for the future whale sanctuary. The harbour always has waterfowl, loons, and seabirds, and is frequented by Bald eagles too.

Continuing on Highway 211, you encounter Forgotten Shore Farm and By the Tides Kitchen/Knickle’s Studio & Gallery. These are must-stops to gather local produce, great baked goods, wonderful arts and crafts, and most of all, great conversations. Then, it’s on to Port Bickerton.

The Port Bickerton Lighthouse walking trails system is made up of seven trails totalling about 3 1/2 km over a range of coastal terrain. The trails are maintained by volunteers and open to the public from July 1st through to the end of September each year. During the remaining months the trails are not maintained but still open to the public. A trail map is available online or at the interpretive centre.