Liverpool

Liverpool Nova Scotia

Liverpool: Home of the Privateers

Originally a Mi’kmaq settlement, the Town of Liverpool was founded in 1759 by the New England Planters.  During its heyday, between 1749 and 1812, the town was a hot bed of pirates and privateers.  Privateers were given permission from the crown to seize enemy ships and their cargoes. The most famous of these were the Rover, the Lucy and the Liverpool Packet.

Every Canada Day weekend (July 1st) Liverpool hosts the Privateer Days – a lively festival that celebrates the town’s “privateering” history.  Events include boat races, walking tours, a historical reenactment, a rum run, street parade, live music and fireworks.

There are a couple of interesting museums in Liverpool.  The Hank Snow Country Music Centre features some of Hanks’ personal memorabilia, including his 1947 convertible Cadillac.  The Rossignol Cultural Centre appeals to kids of all ages.  The Guide Sports, Hunting, Fishing and Mi’Kmaq Museum features images and artifacts of early guiding and native life. There are folk art, outhouse and apothecary museums. The Wildlife Museum has an 18-foot giraffe, musk ox, polar bear, wolf, caribou and other taxidermies. Outside there are teepees, an early settler’s cabin, a yurt and a re-creation of Maude Lewis’ tiny house.

Fort Point Lighthouse park is worth a visit. The park is open year-round with picnic tables, interpretive panels and a scenic view of Liverpool Harbour and Coffin Island Lighthouse. From mid-May to mid-October, costumed interpreters meet visitors, there is an audiovisual presentation by a previous light keeper’s son, as well as a gift shop, viewing binoculars, washrooms, and parking.  Guided tours of Liverpool are available from Fort Point Lighthouse Park. Brochures are available from the Queens County Museum and the Visitor Information Centre.

If you are traveling with children, Liverpool has an excellent play ground on the waterfront.

Nearest Cottages

The closest cottages to Liverpool are Moose Harbourview Cottage is about a 7 – 10 minute drive from the center of town.  Also close by are Beach Heaven and Sea Star Cottage.  

Location

The town of Liverpool is located on the Mersey River on Nova Scotia’s South Shore.  

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