Musquodoboit Valley - Rest and Relaxation

Sometimes a person just needs to get a way from it all. There’s no better place to lose your stress than in the Musquodoboit Valley. People here remember simpler times. Their relaxed attitude allows them to enjoy the little things in life that bring the greatest joy.

Walking/Hiking Trails

A pleasurable walk down a tree-lined back road, a deep breath of sweet-smelling country air is sometimes all it takes to begin to relax.

Established hiking trails at the McCurdy Woodlot, Dollar Lake Provincial Park, and the Rails to Trails that begins in Musquodoboit Harbour, offer great opportunities to catch glimpses of many bird species.

Fishing

When planning your visit to the Musquodoboit Valley, consider taking some time to cast a fishing line into the Musquodoboit River or one of the many babbling brooks along our back roads.

Be sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy! There are several “pocket parks” to enjoy between Meagher’s Grant and Upper Musquodoboit.

Picnic Parks

Dollar Lake - Situated on a large lake not far from the Musquodoboit Valley, Dollar Lake Park is the perfect escape. The quiet woodland setting offers a wide range of outdoor opportunities, including camping, boating, canoeing, water-skiing, and fishing. A beautiful sandy beach at the north end of the lake offers fresh water swimming.

Meagher’s Grant Pocket Park – Located alongside the Meagher’s Grant Fire Hall: includes an asphalt tennis court, playground equipment and picnic tables.

Elderbank Pocket Park - A river access point for canoeing the lower Musquodoboit River. Parking, picnic tables. 29 km (18 mi) north of Musquodoboit Harbour.

Moose River Gold Mines - Located in one of Nova Scotia's earliest gold mining regions, the park marks the site of the 1936 Moose River Mine Disaster. Three men were trapped in the collapse. Their rescue story was widely chronicled in the media carried by over 700 radio stations across Canada, the US and England. Download the brochure for more info.

CornerStone Park – Located in Middle Musquodoboit on Route 224. This pocket park features a variety of shrubs and flowers maintained by the Musquodoboit Valley Weeders Garden Club and Musquodoboit Valley Tourism Association.

Upper Musquodoboit Wooden Playground – Located in Upper Musquodoboit: Ample space to pull over and take a well-deserved break from it all.

Musquodoboit Valley River Park - On Route 224, 42 km (26 mi) north of Route 7. Located in a field bordering the Musquodoboit River. Tables are scattered throughout the area; many are shaded by large hardwoods. Good access point for canoeing or kayaking.

At the Musquodoboit Valley Provincial Park in Middle Musquodoboit, visitors can stroll along the river bank and observe nature at its finest.

From early spring to mid-fall, this open expanse is ideal for family reunions and celebrations.

Picnic tables, washroom facilities and a playground make this park an ideal destination for families or a quiet getaway afternoon.

Country Church Suppers

Enjoy one of the many church suppers offered throughout the year. There are no strangers at the dining tables - only friends you haven’t yet met!

Musquodoboit Valley boasts some of the best-tasting home-cooked meals ever!

Turkey dinner with all the trimmin’s, baked beans with freshly baked brown bread, casseroles and taste-tempting desserts attract hungry diners from all regions.

Refer to the "Calendar of Events" in the most recent TownCryer News for a schedule of upcoming delicious feasts in the Musquodoboit Valley.

Birdwatching

Nowhere in the Musquodoboit Valley will you hear background noises of city traffic, sirens or experience the hustle and bustle that goes along with life in large urban centres. Instead, you’ll have the chance to listen to robins and chick-a-dees greet each day. Periodically, throughout the year, arranged bird-watching excursions are available.

But, there’s nothing stopping interested individuals from heading out on their own. A variety of birds commonly found throughout Nova Scotia live here. As well, there have been sightings recorded of the not-so-common species to our region.

Camping Getaways

Dollar Lake Provincial Park offers over-night camping, a sandy beach with supervised swimming, a boat launch along with a multitude of other features to anyone interested in re-connecting with nature.

Whether you enjoy a leisurely boat ride or a stroll in the woods, this park has it all.

Take in a Theatre Show

If it’s been a while since you’ve allowed yourself to enjoy live theatre, the Musquodoboit Valley Bicentennial Theatre and Cultural Centre is the place for you.

This 225-seat venue presents shows year-round.

Many of the top East-Coast musicians have appeared on this stage along with respected theatre groups like Neptune and Mulgrave Road Theatre.

Golf Courses

Golfing is a growing leisure activity for many people. The Musquodoboit Valley is fortunate to have a number of courses within our area.

Green fees vary, but each course offers golfers what they’re looking for…a day in the fresh air, a few challenges and the satisfaction of improving their game!

River and Lakes for Canoeing / Kayaking

		The Musquodoboit River is an ideal waterway, a scenic Class II canoeing river suitable for novice paddlers. There are five portages, with areas of heavy whitewater not suitable for the average whitewater canoeist.
When you’re ready to take a break, cleared areas along the river are available for overnight camping. It is advised to consult Canoe Waterways Maps before heading out.

Where to Access the Musquodoboit River

When you come to Musquodoboit Valley, be sure to bring the kids along. In Elderbank there is a boat launch, a green space with plenty of room to play games of chase, and a tennis court that includes basketball nets to enjoy. You are encourage to take time to have a bite to eat from your picnic basket and explore the banks of the Musquodoboit River.

Scenic Drives

No matter what time of year you visit the Musquodoboit Valley, the scenery is breathtaking. Consult our Google map for scenic roadways throughout our Valley.

It’s understandable why the early Irish and Scottish settlers chose this place as their new home. Reminiscent of what they left behind in the old country, the familiar landscape assured them of a happy and prosperous future.

Middleton United Church, Middle Musquodoboit

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Waddya know...?

While canoeing the Musquodoboit River, look for the wild cucumber, which is a riverbank species.

Wood turtles enjoy the slow meandering waters and riverbanks for basking in the sun. This habit earns them the local name of mud turtle.

photo by Wendy Holman

Refer to "Species Threatened" article in July 2009 TownCryer News for more info about wood turtles.