Shelburne

The seaside town of Shelburne with its Historic District, Provincial Park, Osprey Arts Centre, museums, shopping and fine dining, is a favourite destination.

In the spring of 1783, over 5000 settlers arrived on the shores of Shelburne Harbour from America.  Promises of free land, tools, and provisions, along with the security of living under the British flag, encouraged people to settle in the British Colonies. In the fall of 1783, a second wave of settlers arrived. By 1784, the population grew to at least 10,000.  At the time, it was the fourth largest community in North America. Much larger than either Halifax or Montreal.

Today, Shelburne is a charming historic town set on a truly spectacular harbour. Unspoiled by industry or shipping, local town’s folk like to boast that it is the third best natural harbour in the world after Sydney and Halifax. Over 16 km long, and dotted with small communities and beaches, the harbour is perfect place to sail, canoe or kayak.

A walk through the Historic District is a trip through architectural history. The six narrow lanes and four streets retain the same dimensions and character as laid out by the original British surveyors.  With 45 of the 46 residential properties built before 1900.  Eight of the twelve dwellings facing the water were built before 1785. Because of the quantity of architectural styles present, Shelburne’s wooden heritage is considered to be the most significant in Canada.

The museum complex, with it four museums – the Muir-Cox Shipyard, Dory Shop Museum, Ross-Thompson House and the Shelburne County Museum are all worth a visit. When John Williams established his Dory Shop in 1880, it was part of a much larger dory-building industry.  During the early part of this century the shop employed five to seven men and produced 350 dories per year.  The museum workshop demonstrates dory construction.  

Shelburne hosts a number of festivals and events over the year: Lobster Festival, Dock Street Days and Pumpkin Festival.  The Lobster Festival takes place the first weekend in June. The town wide yard sale is also on this same weekend. Dock Street Days take place on the third weekend in July.  While, the Giant Pumpkin Festival takes place on the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in October.