The ocean, rivers and lakes shaped the region and contributed to the development of marine-based industries. Its highly ingenuous residents use their creativity not only in their work but also to entertain themselves.
Artists representing all artforms can be found throughout these communities.
The presence of Acadians in the region, which they called Cap-Sable at the time, goes back to the 17th century and there are still descendants of these original settlers in these communities today. Following the Deportation, the region of Clare received a larger Acadian population than anywhere else in Nova Scotia, which gave it a concentration of population that contributed to the development of French-language institutions and organizations, such as Université Sainte-Anne.
Today, the region’s fishing industry is one of the most important in Nova Scotia, with more than 25% of Canada’s lobster catch and it has a flourishing francophone music scene, which has seen the emergence of nationally and internationally renowned artists, such as the electro hip-hop band Radio Radio.
Getting to the Host Region
You can get to Nova Scotia by air via Halifax Stanfield International Airport, by ferry from Bar Harbor, Maine, or from St. John, New Brunswick, or by car. Regardless of the means of transport chosen, some travel by car will be necessary.
By Car
- From New Brunswick: Take the Trans-Canada Highway from New Brunswick towards Nova Scotia and continue until Truro. Take Highway 102 and then choose between Highway 101 via the Annapolis Valley or Highway 103 via the south shore.
- From Prince Edward Island: Take the Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick and take Highway 16 to the Trans-Canada Highway towards Nova Scotia and continue until Truro. Take Highway 102 and then choose between Highway 101 via the Annapolis Valley or Highway 103 via the south shore.
- From Halifax Stanfield International Airport: Take Highway 102 heading south and then Highway 101 via the Annapolis Valley or Highway 103 via the south shore.
By Ferry
There are two ferry services to Southwest Nova Scotia:- The CAT – from Bar Harbor, Maine, to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
- The Fundy Rose – from St. John, New Brunswick, to Digby, Nova Scotia
By Air
The closest airport to the host region is Halifax Stanfield International Airport, located in Goffs, near the city of Halifax, in Nova Scotia.ACCOMMODATION IN THE HOST REGION DURING THE CMA 2024
Places of Interest
The Acadian regions of Clare and Argyle have a number of places of interest to visit during your stay during the CMA 2024, such as:
- Pubnico, the oldest Acadian community still inhabited primarily by Acadians, founded by Philippe Mius d'Entremont in 1653
- Université Sainte-Anne, the only French-language university in Nova Scotia and its Acadian archives at the Centre acadien, Rendez-vous de la Baie cultural and visitor centre and Père-Léger-Comeau art gallery
- The Historical Acadian Village of Nova Scotia, where you can see various aspects of Acadian life from the past recreated by interpretive guides in period costume
- the village of Meteghan River (known as La Butte by locals) and its impressive A.F. Thériault & Sons shipyard and dry dock, one of the largest private shipyards in Atlantic Canada, with buildings dating to the First World War
- the community of Wedgeport, famous for its Tuna Tournament & Festival
- and much more!
For more information on places to visit, go to the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores and Baie Sainte-Marie Tourism websites.