Day Trip from Digby

Just up the road along the main highway you can’t miss the majestic Église Saint-Bernard Church. The impressive architecture and art expo makes this a worthwhile stop. Take a walk around the back for impressive views of the bay. 

The village of Grosses Coques was named after the large clams that the first Acadian settlers discovered on the tidal flats. Turn left onto Major’s Point Road and discover the first Acadian chapel and cemetery at Pointe-à-Major, the site of the first Acadian settlers in 1758. The Acadian Historical Society of Saint Mary’s Bay celebrates its 50th anniversary at Pointe-à-Major on August 15th from 3 pm to 5 pm. 

In Church Point you cannot miss Sainte-Marie Church Museum, reputed to be the largest wooden church in North America. Although the interior is closed, the impressive architecture, an interpretive panel and a great photo opp makes this a worthwhile stop. The main entrance to the Le Petit Bois trails is behind the church. 

In Church Point, be sure to stop in to Université Sainte-Anne, the only French language university in Nova Scotia and home to one of the world’s best French immersion programs. Get informed at the Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre, also home to an impressive Acadian Museum and Le Trecarré art gallery.

Discover your Acadian genealogy at the adjacent Centre acadien. Be sure to pick up a map and explore the Le Petit Bois wooded and coastal nature trails on campus including the Church Point Lighthouse.

Driving through Comeauville, you will notice Clare’s community radio headquarters, Radio CIFA at 104.1 FM, as well as signs leading to the modern 18-hole Clare Golf Course & Country Club.

The Église Sacré Coeur Church comes alive during an annual quilt expo in late July. By turning inland onto Eustache Comeau Road before the yellow church, follow the signage that leads you to the 19th-century water-powered turbine Bangor Sawmill Musuem.

The port at Meteghan evolved around Clare’s most important industry: fishing. Scallop draggers, trawlers, herring seiners, and ground fish and lobster boats land their catches at the Meteghan Wharf, where nearby fish plants and lobster pounds provide employment for many workers. A visit to the wharf will give you an opportunity to observe the different types of boats and feel the pulse of the region’s most important industry.

Continuing in Meteghan, be sure to enjoy the sweeping sea views and learn about rum running at picturesque Smuggler’s Cove Provincial Park. If you have children, the Meteghan Family Park overlooking St. Mary’s Bay located just up the road is a perfect stop to stretch your legs.

On Highway 1, you’ll drive by Église Saint-Alphonse Church. Drop in and admire the beautiful murals.

Turn right onto Cape St Mary Road to the fishing wharf at Cape Saint Mary, guarded by houses perched on the hill overlooking the sea. During the summer, fishermen share their village with summer residents who return each year to bask in the beauty of the sea and the scenery.

Enjoy panoramic ocean views over Saint Mary’s Bay and the Gulf of Maine from Clare’s newest park: Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park. In July 2018, a granite monument was installed to commemorate those lost at sea in the Municipality of Clare. Other amenities include an accessible picnic shelter, viewing scope, interpretive signage and portable toilets. A great place to sit and watch waves break!

Explore the peacefulness and tranquility of the villages of Mavillette and Cape Saint Mary. You will find one of Clare’s most precious natural treasures, Mavillette Beach Provincial Park, a 1.5-km-long sandy beach backed by fragile marram grass-covered dunes protected by boardwalks.

Discover its countless little treasures—driftwood, stones, shells, beach glass and more! And a great place to birdwatch.