Exploring The Small Towns of Canada

Yarmouth is a small coastal town located in southwestern Nova Scotia at the entrance to the Bay of Fundy, about 339 km west of Halifax. It is an important port and service centre for the region, with a history rooted in fishing, shipbuilding, and trade. Today, Yarmouth is known for its harbour, fishing industry, historic Victorian homes, and cultural attractions like museums and lighthouses. The town was founded in 1761 and played a major role in shipbuilding during the 1800s. As of the 2021 Canadian census, Yarmouth has a population of about 6,829 people.

Things to do in Yarmouth

Visit Cape Forchu Lighthouse

Cape Forchu Lighthouse is one of the most famous attractions near Yarmouth, located about 10 minutes outside the town. Built in 1840, it sits high above the ocean and offers amazing views of Yarmouth Harbour and the Atlantic coastline. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse, walk along scenic trails, and explore the museum inside the old lightkeeper’s house to learn about maritime history.

Explore the Firefighters’ Museum of Nova Scotia

The Firefighters’ Museum of Nova Scotia is a unique museum located in Yarmouth that showcases firefighting history from the past three centuries. It displays old fire trucks, equipment, uniforms, and tools, including horse-drawn steam engines and early fire pumps. The museum was established in 1962 and is the official firefighting museum for the province.

Visit the Yarmouth County Museum

The Yarmouth County Museum is a large museum that tells the story of the area’s history and culture. It contains over 20,000 artifacts, including old clothing, vehicles, ship-related objects, and even a mysterious stone believed by some to be from Viking explorers. The museum is located in a historic building and gives visitors a chance to learn about Yarmouth’s shipbuilding, fishing, and community life.