Explore the Area
There is so much to see and do near Amherst. These are some of our favourites, and we are happy to make additional suggestions!
Town of Amherst
There’s plenty to see and do in and around town. Restaurants, shopping, and historic buildings are practically at our doorstep.
Deanne Fitzpatrick Rug Hooking Studio
33 Church Street
Stop by the studio for a free rug hooking lesson and enjoy tea and homemade oatcakes while you browse the beautiful rugs, pattern kits, fine wool, yarns and accessories.
Amherst Point Migratory Bird Sanctuary
6km SW on Route 6
Providing habitat to over 200 species of birds, this area appeals to birdwatchers and nature lovers with a 2.5 km interpretive hike that meanders through forests, fields and along gently sloping hills encircling a lake.
Amherst Golf Club
487 John Black Road
Boasting views of the Tantramar marsh, this 18 hole open course attracts local and visiting golfers with a challenging open course boasting fast greens and lush fairways.
The Sunrise Trail
Route 6 from Amherst to Pictou (135 km), along the Northumberland Shore, is a spectacular scenic drive with coastal views and quaint seaside villages. In addition to warm water beaches, there are many cultural and historic attractions along the way.
Thinker's Lodge National Historic Site
Pugwash, NS
In 1957, visionary industrialist Cyrus Eaton hosted 22 scientists from both sides of the Iron Curtain to discuss the threat of nuclear weapons.
This conference and its spiritual leader, Joseph Rotblat, were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995.
Jōst Vineyards
Malagash, NS
Nestled in the hills and coastal inlets of the Northumberland shore, Jōst is the longest operating and largest winery in Nova Scotia.
Offering daily wine tastings, tours and dining at the Seagrape Café. Browse wines and wine merchandise in the boutique.
Balmoral Grist Mill
Tatamagouche, NS
Discover this mill tucked away in a wooded gorge on Matheson’s Brook.
See grains being ground, sifted and turned into flour just as they have been since Alexander McKay opened this mill in 1874.
Sutherland Steam Mill
Tatamagouche, NS
In the 1890’s steam power was the way of the future, and innovators like Alexander Sutherland realized its importance.
From designs and patterns to homemade, working machines, over 60 years of ingenuity and productivity is here for you to discover.
The Glooscap Trail
Route 2 from Amherst to Parrsboro (70 km), via Springhill.
Tour a Mine
Springhill, NS
Tour the depths of a Springhill coal mine to get a sense of what life was like for the men who worked underground. Knowledgable guides share the history of the significant disasters and tragedies that occured here.
The Miners’ Museum displays unique artifacts of the history of the town and its remarkable industrial heritage.
Anne Murray Centre
Springhill, NS
Showcasing the humble beginnings, flight to fame and enduring musical contributions of Canadian icon, Anne Murray.
Create your own “duet” in Anne’s mini recording studio, browse the award-winning exhibits, memorabilia, video theatre, and gift shop.
Fundy Geological Museum
Parrsboro, NS
Located on the Bay of Fundy’s northern shore, this museum boasts Canada’s oldest dinosaurs, where the world’s highest tides constantly reveal new evidence of an ancient past.
Visit a working fossil lab where scientists reconstruct the past. See what the area was like 200 million years ago, when the dinosaurs roamed, and learn about the unique geology of the area.
Chignecto Bay
Where the Bay of Fundy divides New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
Fort Beauséjour - Fort Cumberland
National Historic Site
10 min
History buffs and culture lovers will enjoy touring the ruins of a star-shaped fort that was vital to the 18th-century struggle between France and Britain over Acadie. Learn poignant stories of resilient settlers, soldiers, and American sympathizers, through fascinating artefacts and exhibits.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs
UNESCO World Heritage Site
30 min
Explore one of nature’s most inspiring creations, where the highest tides in the world reveal the most complete fossil record of the “Coal Age,” 100 million years before the dinosaurs.
Cape Chignecto
Provincial Park
90 min
One of the top coastal trails in Canada, this wilderness park offers over 53 km of hiking trails, pristine coastline, deep valleys, sheltered coves, rare plants, and remnant old-growth forests.
Visit the day-use park with an accessible trail system, viewing platforms, and picnic areas. Back-country camping and sea kayaking trips are also available.
Confederation Bridge
Visit the Northumberland Strait and Prince Edward Island.
Tidnish Area
20 min
Drive the isthmus of Chignecto, the land mass connecting the peninsula of Nova Scotia to the mainland, and you will reach the Northumberland Strait.
Visit the Tidnish Bridge art gallery, walk across the suspension bridge over the river, and follow the trail to the keystone bridge: a testament to one of Nova Scotia’s most ambitious engineering projects, the Chignecto Marine Transport Railway.
Cape Jourimain
40 min
This national wildlife area has hiking trails, birdwatching, a 19th-century lighthouse and an observation tower with views of Confederation Bridge.
The nature center has a café and offers a variety of guided tours.
P.E.I.
50 min
We are close enough for a day trip to P.E.I., and conveniently located if you are heading to the island or returning to the mainland.
Popular attractions may be closer than you think. Cavendish Beach & the Anne of Green Gables house or Charlottetown are only a 90 minute drive away.