5 Best Sights in Barrington and Cape Sable Island, South Shore and Annapolis Valley

Archelaus Smith Museum

This museum, named for an early settler from New England, is worth a visit. It recaptures late-1700s life with household items such as quilts and toys, plus fishing gear and information about shipwrecks and sea captains.

915 Hwy. 330, Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, B0W 2G0, Canada
902-745–2642
sights Details
Rate Includes: Free, Late June–late Aug., Mon.–Sat. 10–4:30, Sun. 1:30–4:30, Closed late Aug.–early July

Barrington Woolen Mill

Built in the 1800s, with a heyday around the turn of the 20th century, this historic water-driven mill provided the raw material for woolen clothing. It was eventually preserved as a museum in the late 1960s, and today visitors can view the interior and learn about the process.
Barrington, Nova Scotia, B0W 1E0, Canada
902-637–2185-Cape Sable Historical Society
sights Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Oct.–May

Old Meeting House Museum

The oldest meeting house in Canada, retaining its sturdy box pews and pulpit, was built by "Planters" from Cape Cod during the 1800s. Guided tours include stories of the early settlers and their lifestyle.

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Seal Island Light Museum

It may be a replica and only half the height of the original, but this 35-foot red-and-white lighthouse looks authentic enough, and the light on the top still carries out the original purpose. In addition, it contains a display of fascinating seafaring artifacts, including the Fresnel lens used between 1902 and 1978. The view from the top is worth the climb.

Western Counties Military Museum

Dating from 1843, Barrington's old courthouse now houses this museum, with an impressive collection of military memorabilia ranging from 17th-century cannonballs to items from the two world wars and the Korean War. It includes uniforms, medals, and a large collection of photographs. Most evocative of all are the personal stories of local people who served.