No. 4
|
The online Touring Tantramar Series: Discovering the Marshes of Tantramar
Discovering the Waterways of Tantramar Discovering the Wildlife of Tantramar Discovering the History of Tantramar Discovering the Beaches of Tantramar
Download a map of Tantramar in Adobe Acrobat (.PDF) format (360 K).
Click here to get the free Adobe Acrobat Reader if you don't have the plug-in. |
DISCOVERING THE WATERWAYS OF TANTRAMAR
Shepody Bay
A day trip beginning on the Memramcook River near Dorchester, travelling east across Shepody Bay to Cape Marigouin, offers opportunites to observe rugged cliffs, inter-tidal shoreline and a large variety of seabirds. Grindstone Island, an active quarry site for the 19th century grindstone industry can be seen in the distance. Be sure to consult local tide tables before embarking on this trip.
Baie Verte
The relatively sheltered waters of Baie Verte near the Village of Port Elgin and the community of Baie Verte provide novice paddlers access to a unique coastal ecosystem.
Monash Point Water Trail follows the northern shore of the Gaspereau River Estuary, passing Rusty Cove Marsh and Timber River on the way to Monash Cove sand dunes. Harbour seals, Opsprey, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons and a variety of waterfowl and seabirds are plentiful. Canoes and kayaks can be launched from the Port Elgin Wharf (Station St.) and Centennial Park (Shemogue Rd.) in Port Elgin.
Baie Verte Marsh Water Trail travels along Baie Verte Creek near Fletcher's Island. The crystal clear waters of the Baie Verte Salt Marsh allow easy observation of underwater aquatic habitat. Launch canoes and kayaks from the beach at Baie Verte Park (Rte. 970).
The Chignecto Shore route begins in Port Elgin, following the Gaspereau River Estuary past Fort Monckton Point, then travels east along the coast to Irvines Point and the Tidnish River at Tidnish Bridge. Launch from the Port Elgin Wharf (Station St.), Centennial Park (Shemogue Rd.) and Baie Verte Park (Rte. 970).
During low tide, water levels drop significantly, limiting access to the Gaspereau River Estuary and Baie Verte Creek. It is important to consult local tide tables before embarking on a canoe or kayak trip in this area.
Northumberland Strait
Tidal flow (1-3 m) in the Northumberland Strait should not be underestimated. Incoming tide branches around Prince Edward Island, then meets near Cape Tormentine. Prevailing winds favour movement from east to west.
An interesting two-day kayak trip begins at Little Shemogue Harbour (Rte. 955), traveling east along the Northumberland Coast to Cape Tormentine, then south to Baie Verte ending at the Port Elgin Wharf on the Gaspereau River. The route passes Murray Beach Provincial Park, Confederation Bridge and Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Area while exploring the local sand beaches, coastal salt marshes and sand dune formations. Seals, Osprey, seabirds and migrating waterfowl are numerous. Lobster boats hauling in traps are common (Aug-Sept). Campgrounds and Bed & Breakfasts are in close proximity to the shore.
Wilderness routes & tidal information:
Mark Spence
Local tidal information:
Aulac Visitor
Information Centre
Cape
Tormentine Visitor Information Centre
Dorchester Village Square Tourist Bureau
Port Elgin Visitor Information Centre
Sackville Visitor Information Centre
To download a printer-friendly Adobe Acrobat version of this file — many are complete with photos and maps — visit the Touring Tantramar home page and click on the appropriate thumbnail. The Touring Tantramar Series is ©2000 The Tantramar Tourism Association TantramarTourism.com.
