So unspoiled and so unique, Antigonish and the Eastern Shore truly exemplifies the sheer beauty of Nova Scotia in every sense.

This is a nature lovers paradise, complete with picture-postcard backdrops for you to capture and explore. Here, the congestion of modern life gives way to dense virgin forests, wide-open spaces and an endless ribbon of pristine shoreline that has resisted human development and redefinition for centuries. Whatever your preference, from the mighty tides of Lawrencetown Beach to the tranquil waters of Pomquet Beach, come experience the uncommon beauty of Antigonish and the Eastern Shore. Its only natural.

Watching Wildlife
There are many prime locations to explore the rich diversity of wildlife here in Antigonish and the Eastern Shore. Some of the best include Taylor Head Provincial Park, Shubenacadie Wildlife Park and the trails around Antigonish Harbour.

Beautiful Birds
There are more than 236 species of birds that live in or pass through Nova Scotia on a regular basis. Many of these birds both common and rare can be found along the marshes, mudflats, valleys, islands and shores of Antigonish and the Eastern Shore. All of the islands along the Eastern Shore offer great vantage points for birding. Half Island, just north of Canso, is home to a gull colony, which you can visit by making arrangements with local fishermen in the area, while the The Bay of Islands, between Beaver Harbour and Ecum Secum, is an important nesting area for colonies of seabirds. Youll also find bald eagles around the region, particularly in the salt marshes near the communities of Three Fathom Harbour, Seaforth, Grand Desert and West Chezzetcook. Osprey, heron and other shore birds are also commonly sighted around these communities.

Populated by many fields and marshes, Antigonish is another great birding destination, especially for merlins, kestrels, northern harriers and red-tail hawks. The bird sanctuary behind Martinique Beach is a winter home for Canada geese and black ducks, and the beach is an important nesting area for the endangered piping plover. Other birding highlights around the region include Liscomb, for Spruce Grouse, and the bogs along Tor Bay, where sandpipers feed on cranberries and blueberries in late summer.

Just for the Views
From the lush valley interior of Antigonish to the colourful fishing shacks and harbour vistas of Fishermans Cove in Eastern Passage, the vast and unspoiled beauty of Antigonish and the Eastern Shore has long been an inspiration for artists, and a balm for those in search of rest and relaxation. Bring your brush, or bring a camera, but be sure to explore all of the splendour of this region.

There are several great spots to experience the sheer beauty of Antigonish and its majestic coastline. The Antigonish North Shore Look-offs are three scenic look-offs on Arisaig Hill, Cape George and Ballantynes Cove, all with unparalleled views of the Northumberland Strait. You can explore Arisaigs fascinating geology at Arisaig Provincial Park. Beaver Mountain Provincial Park has a great view of Antigonish and Cape Breton, while the bluffs of Ballantynes Cove offer magnificent panoramas of the rocky cliffs of Cape George and St. Georges Bay. Be sure to bring your camera, particularly for snapshots of the panoramic coastal scenery. Youll also find a great vantage point for St. Georges Bay at the Cape George Day Park lighthouse. Set 1000 feet above the Bay, the view is simply beautiful. And if conditions cooperate, youll also have a spectacular view of Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton. ]