Bear River, Nova Scotia
Encyclopedia
Bear River is a small village situated at the head of the tidewaters of the Bear River. The river itself is the border between the Annapolis
and Digby
counties of Nova Scotia
and thus, splits the village so that half the village is in one county and the other half in the other.
The village is adjacent to the Bear River First Nation
which administers the Bear River 6
, Bear River 6A
and Bear River 6B
reserves.
Bear River is noted for its picturesque old buildings on stilts along the riverside. The scenery has made it popular with photographers and a tourism destination. Bear River is affectionately known as "the Switzerland of Nova Scotia" because of the steep hills which surround the village.
Bear River was an important shipbuilding
location in the late 19th century. One of many large vessels built in the village was the brigantine Dei Gratia
, the vessel which discovered the famous mystery ship Mary Celeste
in 1872.
The climate and soil conditions in the Bear River area are conducive to the growing of grapes and several vineyards have emerged.
Bear River is home to the first solar aquatics waste water management facility in North America; however, for reasons unknown the facility was altered by the Municipality of Annapolis in 2004 and, regrettably, is no longer fully utilizing solar aquatic technology.
The community is known for its thriving artistic community, the largest per capita in Nova Scotia. There are many artist studios, shops and galleries in the downtown and immediate area. Crafts produced include clothing, woodwork, pottery, quilts, fabric arts, and an assortment of painted media.
The village is run by volunteers as there is no town government. The Bear River Board of Trade is the primary organization to pursue economic development and also maintains the waterfront park and Visitor Information Center.
The Bear River Historical Society operates the Bear River Heritage Museum which is open through the summer and early fall with displays of historical photos, archival materials and artifacts of the rich history of the area. . The Digby County Exhibition is held in Bear River every year.
The village is working to become an eco-village in its determination to remain low-tech, with no fast food, malls or box stores, and the exploration of alternative energy sources.
Annapolis County, Nova Scotia
Annapolis County is a county in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia located in the western part of the province on the Bay of Fundy. The county seat is Annapolis Royal.-History:...
and Digby
Digby County, Nova Scotia
Digby County is a county in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.Taking its name from the Township of Digby , which had been named in honour of Rear Admiral Robert Digby who dispatched HMS Atlanta to convey loyalists from New York City in the spring of 1783 to Conway, which became known as Digby,...
counties of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
and thus, splits the village so that half the village is in one county and the other half in the other.
The village is adjacent to the Bear River First Nation
Bear River First Nation
Bear River First Nation is a Míkmaq First Nation located in both Annapolis County and Digby County, Nova Scotia. It is also known as Muin Sipi...
which administers the Bear River 6
Bear River 6, Nova Scotia
Bear River 6 is a Mi'kmaq reserve located in Annapolis County and Digby County, Nova Scotia.It is administratively part of the Bear River First Nation....
, Bear River 6A
Bear River 6A, Nova Scotia
Bear River 6A is a Mi'kmaq reserve located in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia.It is administratively part of the Bear River First Nation....
and Bear River 6B
Bear River 6B, Nova Scotia
Bear River 6B is a Mi'kmaq reserve located in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia.It is administratively part of the Bear River First Nation....
reserves.
Bear River is noted for its picturesque old buildings on stilts along the riverside. The scenery has made it popular with photographers and a tourism destination. Bear River is affectionately known as "the Switzerland of Nova Scotia" because of the steep hills which surround the village.
Bear River was an important shipbuilding
Shipbuilding
Shipbuilding is the construction of ships and floating vessels. It normally takes place in a specialized facility known as a shipyard. Shipbuilders, also called shipwrights, follow a specialized occupation that traces its roots to before recorded history.Shipbuilding and ship repairs, both...
location in the late 19th century. One of many large vessels built in the village was the brigantine Dei Gratia
Dei Gratia (brigantine)
Dei Gratia was a Canadian brigantine built in Bear River, Nova Scotia in 1871. The brigantine was named after the Latin phrase for "By the Grace of God". Dei Gratia became famous in 1872 when, under the command of David Reed Morehouse, she discovered the mystery ship Mary Celeste found sailing...
, the vessel which discovered the famous mystery ship Mary Celeste
Mary Celeste
The Mary Celeste was an American brigantine merchant ship famous for having been discovered on 4 December 1872, in the Atlantic Ocean unmanned and apparently abandoned , despite the fact that the weather was fine and her crew had been experienced and able...
in 1872.
The climate and soil conditions in the Bear River area are conducive to the growing of grapes and several vineyards have emerged.
Bear River is home to the first solar aquatics waste water management facility in North America; however, for reasons unknown the facility was altered by the Municipality of Annapolis in 2004 and, regrettably, is no longer fully utilizing solar aquatic technology.
The community is known for its thriving artistic community, the largest per capita in Nova Scotia. There are many artist studios, shops and galleries in the downtown and immediate area. Crafts produced include clothing, woodwork, pottery, quilts, fabric arts, and an assortment of painted media.
The village is run by volunteers as there is no town government. The Bear River Board of Trade is the primary organization to pursue economic development and also maintains the waterfront park and Visitor Information Center.
The Bear River Historical Society operates the Bear River Heritage Museum which is open through the summer and early fall with displays of historical photos, archival materials and artifacts of the rich history of the area. . The Digby County Exhibition is held in Bear River every year.
The village is working to become an eco-village in its determination to remain low-tech, with no fast food, malls or box stores, and the exploration of alternative energy sources.