6 Best Sights in Tatamagouche, The Eastern Shore and Northern Nova Scotia

Wander among the rows of fragrant lavender at this gorgeous farm, then stop at their farm store to pick up all manner of lavender-infused items including tasty oatcakes, bath goodies and soaps, honey, skin care, and aromatherapy oils.

Wander the acres of fragrant lavender at this beautiful farm and pick up a range of homemade lavender products including tasty oatcakes, skin care products, soap, honey, and bath goodies at the farm store. 

Built in 1874, this is one of the few water-powered mills still operating in Nova Scotia, now serving as the centerpiece of a small museum. You can observe milling demonstrations and walk the site's 1-km (½-mile) trail.

The Jost winery produces wines from an astonishing number of varietals, consistently winning awards for its ice wine, a sweet affair made from grapes left on the vines until frost has "iced" them. You can taste wines year-round at the store here, roam the scenic vineyards, and enjoy a delicious lunch at the on-site Seagrape Café which specializes in fresh, local produce that compliments their wines perfectly.

Creamery Square is the hub of activity in Tatamagouche, and this waterfront heritage center on the square has gathered together several museums that were previously dotted around town. Located in a former dairy facility, the center appropriately includes the Creamery Museum, with butter-making equipment and related displays. The Sunrise Trail Museum traces Tatamagouche's Mi'Kmaq, Acadian, French, and Scottish roots through interactive displays. The Anna Swan Museum relates the story of local giantess Anna Swan (1846–88), who grew to the height of 7 feet 11½ inches. Finally, the Brule Fossil Centre preserves 290-million-year-old fossil tracks that were discovered nearby in 1994. Demonstrations on boatbuilding and butter making are regularly staged. This is also the site of a Saturday-morning farmers' market from February through December.

Dating from 1894, this mill participated in the transition from water to steam power. Steam engines allowed greater flexibility about location—mills no longer had to be near a river or other water source—and provided more raw power to run factory machinery. Workers at the Sutherland mill manufactured useful wooden items ranging from carriages and sleds to wooden bathtubs, and you'll see hundreds of examples displayed inside, along with tools of the trade, some of which were ingeniously repurposed from other uses. Interesting demonstrations and hands-on activities sometimes take place in July and August.