The coastal water trail is divided into five sections: Lunenburg to Mahone Bay, Mahone Bay to New Harbour, New Harbour to Peggy's Cove, Peggy's Cove to Sambro and Sambro to Halifax. Travel information is given in this direction since the prevailing summer wind along the Atlantic coast is southwest and boaters may want to take advantage of this on their journey.
Each of these areas has its own unique natural and cultural features. Overnight facilities range from campsites to cozy bed and breakfasts. Paddling conditions vary from sheltered bays and inlets to fully exposed coastline.
- Landscape History - Safety Considerations - Ethical Travel -
Nova Scotia has an exceptional diversity of landscapes compared to its size. Think of Nova Scotia as a kind of crossroads where two ancient continents met millions of years ago, where now continent and ocean meet, and where southern climates and ocean currents meet northern conditions. This position results in a wide variety of distinct rock formations, ocean conditions, climates and plants and animals that have had a direct bearing on Nova Scotia's human history and land use. In 100 km of Atlantic coast for example, a boater can encounter lush rolling farmland, fog-bound villages huddled against barren headlands, arctic plants and tropical fish. About midway through the pilot project area, you can see the coastal rocks change from slate to granite and a marked difference in population density.
The retreat of the last glaciers, about 10,000 years ago, significantly shaped the Atlantic coast and later human settlement. Some areas were scraped bare of soil while in other areas fertile glacial till was deposited in mounds called drumlins. Out at sea, glacial deposits along the continental shelf formed productive fishing banks. Rising sea levels, since the glacial retreat, has drowned the scoured valleys creating numerous natural harbours which are relatively ice free due to the warmer air generated by the Gulf Stream.
This same air flowing across the colder Scotian Current condenses as fog in summer. Indeed, the waters of Atlantic Canada are reputed to be among the foggiest in the world. In late spring and summer, when the difference in temperatures between the land and sea is greatest, coastal areas receive a sea breeze. During the day, as air over the land warms and rises, a cooler breeze moves in from the sea. This breeze is reversed at night.
Nova Scotia's more than 7,500 kms of convoluted coastline (including islands) creates a huge interface with the sea compared to it size. It is not surprising, therefore, that human history in the province has always linked closely to the sea. Ancient middens (prehistoric garbage dumps) found along the coast reveal native people's reliance on resources from the sea. Europeans settled and cleared the native forest for arable land and developed shipping centers in sheltered bays. Fishing communities on less fertile headlands tended to cluster their houses leaving large tracts of "undesirable" lands relatively free of development. These "undesirable" lands comprise most of our public lands today.
Between Lunenburg and Halifax, the boater can see our landscape history reflected in the difference between the populated agricultural, shipping and forestry based communities of Mahone and St. Margaret's Bays and the sparse villages of the granite headlands east of Peggy's Cove.
This distinction is blurring as new building technology and changing values attract more people to the coast for retirement and solitude. The wild coastal areas of exposed bedrock, twisted vegetation and fog now appeal to an increasing number of people.
Coastal development is paralleled by a new boom in coastal sea travel. Nova Scotia has always been a popular yachting destination and local residents have spent their leisure time on and around the coastal islands for generations. The popularity and relative affordability of sea kayaks and the related touring industry now adds to the recreational boating traffic.
Although more than 75% of Nova Scotia is privately owned, there has always been plenty of wild space. As this diminishes we see increasing pressure on the few protected areas and conflicts between old and new neighbours. Along the coast, we lose more than access to areas of traditional use, we lose a resource for future generations. It is for these reasons that establishing a coastal trail for public use is timely and important.
Weather and sea state
The Atlantic coast is a boater's paradise but one that requires respect. Extra caution is required when rounding headlands or crossing open bays due to wave action and currents. Cross open water at slack or low tide, not when the tide is changing. Be aware that fog can move in or out in a matter of minutes. Sea fog can form even in high winds and, unlike land fog, can persist even in strong sun. Fog is of most concern to boaters in spring and summer.
Nova Scotia feels the effects of the southern hurricanes at the end of the summer. We recommend you carry a weather radio. Small, hand-held 9V weather radios are available. Marine weather forecasts, wind warning, and sea states are broadcast continuously over various VHF radio frequencies. Environment Canada also tracks hurricane movements on their web site. See USEFUL CONTACTS for numbers and frequencies.
Nova Scotia's waters can be very cold even on a hot day. Prevent hypothermia by dressing for cold water, carrying extra dry clothes, eating, drinking and resting adequately. Even in light winds, there can be big swells generated by storms far out at sea. Pay attention to surf, which can break, unexpectedly away from shore as well as near shore due to underwater reefs and shallow water. This surf is not always visible when approaching land from seaward. When landing in the bedrock areas, be aware of slippery black algae bands at the high tide and seaweed on rocks underwater.
Sail plans
The Coast Guard recommends that boaters file a sail plan at the nearest Coast Guard Station through VHF radio or by calling the nearest traffic office. In the pilot area, contact Halifax Coast Guard Radio (see USEFUL CONTACTS). They require, at a minimum, a description of the boat, what survival and communications equipment is on board, number of people in the group, the intended route, arrival and departure times, and a contact name and number. You can also file a sail plan with someone you know and trust. It is very important to close the float plan by letting the Coast Guard or your trusted friend know that you have returned safely. It is also a good idea to tell someone near to where you leave your vehicle how long you will be away so they don't call Search and Rescue when you do not return that night to claim your car.
Equipment and navigational aids
The Coast Guard requires that boaters carry a minimal amount of equipment. A list of legally required items on various size boats is available from the Office of Boating Safety. Boaters are advised to use marine charts with regular updates (Notice to Mariners), tide tables (remember to bring a watch), and a compass. Boating and marine suppliers carry charts and other useful marine publications that explain our buoys and signal systems (Canadian Aids to Navigation Systems) and details for safe entry into ports and harbours. (Sailing Directions). See USEFUL CONTACTS for sources of other information.
Emergencies
The Canadian Coast Guard continually monitors international distress and calling frequencies to detect and assist in emergencies on VHF 16 or MF am band 2182 KHz.
Radio Operation
VHF operators must comply with an international set of marine VHF frequencies. Information is available through Radio Communication Information Circular Number 13 from Industry Canada. Radio Aids to Marine Navigation is another useful publication available to boaters.
Safe boating
The Office Of Boating Safety produces a Safe Boating Guide listing requirements for all boat types and a Sea Kayaking Safety Guide as well as a list of marine courses. Many local outfitters also offer safety courses. And please don't cruise and booze!
Health
Paralytic shellfish poisoning is the contamination of certain shellfish like mussels. To be safe, avoid collecting sea food, particularly in warm weather. Also be aware of sewage outfalls that can contribute to contaminated marine environments.
Customs
International boaters are required to report to Canada Customs before entering Canadian waters by calling CANPASS and then reporting to a designated customs port. In the pilot area Lunenburg and Halifax are designated ports.
Port traffic
Large vessels entering, leaving and moving in ports are required to report to shipping traffic. Check local information for vessel size requirements.
Be aware of the laws of the sea that explain which boats have the right of way. Remember that large ships often cannot stop quickly so stay clear. Extra attention is required in harbours where you may encounter increased ship traffic and fishing boats.
Wildlife
One of the popular aspects of self-propelled watercraft is the opportunity they provide to closely approach wildlife but the potential to disturb the wildlife is high. In any boat, avoid nesting or rafting seabirds, seals on a ledge and whales. Look for signs of distress in the animals and keep a respectful distance. Most animals will let you know when you get too close by rapidly moving away from the area, taking to the air, or making sudden noises. Nesting seabird colonies are particularly susceptible to continual and repeated disturbance. Eggs and young birds are easy prey when the parents leave the nest.
Coastal Habitats
Some coastal habitats are very fragile. Try to launch and land on bedrock or beaches. When walking in wilderness areas, stick to established trails.
Sand dunes are especially susceptible to erosion when the grasses stabilizing the surface are destroyed. Lichens are also fragile and take many years to grow back, so avoid walking or lighting fires on them as well as on wet areas or on low woody vegetation. If you have a fire, keep it below the high tide mark preferably on sand. Do not delimb, burn, or remove vegetation - even deadwood- the soil needs it more than you do. Finally, remember the low impact motto: to pack out what you pack in.
Flotsam and Jetsam
Aside form being unsightly, marine garbage posed a real threat to seabirds, mammals and even reptiles. Plastic is particularly dangerous to sea turtles whom mistake floating bags for jelly fish. The plastic blocks their digestive system and eventually kills them. Human waste is another threat to marine environment both in the intertidal zone and out at seas.
A new sewage pump-out facility is being built on the wharf in the Town of Mahone Bay and will be available for boaters to empty their holding tanks. It will be the first sewage pump-out facility established on mainland Nova Scotia and will highlight the importance of environmentally friendly boating practices to local and traveling boaters. If everyone tries to leave no trace of their journey, then everyone (including you the next time) will have a rich wilderness experience.
Artifacts
If you come across any archaeological or historical remains, please contact the Nova Scotia Museum at (902)424-7344 or 424-7374. Do not damage or disturb them under any circumstances, as they are protected by law in Nova Scotia.
Etiquette
The coast is used by a wide diversity of boaters for recreation, fishing and commerce. Local families have picnicked on these islands for generations. You may encounter kayakers from the city or yachts from around the world. As you make your way along the coast of Nova Scotia, please respect the other boaters and those who make their living from the sea. Please do not disturb any traps, nets or aquaculture pens you may see. As well, please respect the privacy of waterfront homeowners and any no trespassing signs you see. Fishing boats and vehicles take priority at all public wharves.
Another important consideration is the extreme inconvenience that a poorly parked vehicle or docked boat can cause. If you leave your car or boat for any period of time, make absolutely certain that it will not be blocking someone else's access to or from a location. In our discussions with residents and launch owners, this was their #1 concern about public use of their facilities.
We are working on establishing wilderness sites on islands. Until information is available, please camp only at designated sites or ask island owners for permission.
