Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to wildlife conservation and environmental education organizations. Discounts are given
for groups of three or more; tour times depend on weather and demand.
A 4km round-trip trail to the Balancing Rock starts 2km southwest of the museum.
The trail features rope railings, boardwalks and an extensive series of steps down a rock
bluff to the bay. At the time of writing, a longer but easier-to-walk trail was in the works
as an alternate route. At the end there's a viewing platform where you can see a 7m-high
stone column perched precariously just above the pounding surf of St Mary's Bay.
Near the center of Long Island, Central Grove Provincial Park has a 2km-long hiking
trail to the Bay of Fundy.
At the southwestern end of Long Island, Freeport is central for exploring both Brier
and Long Islands.
Lavena's Catch Café ( 902-839-2517; 15 Hwy 217; mains $5-15; 11:30am-8pm) is a
country-style cafe directly above the wharf at Freeport; it's the perfect spot to enjoy a
sunset and you might even see a whale from the balcony. There's occasional live music
in the evenings.
Brier Island
Westport was the home of Joshua Slocum, the first man to sail solo around the world,
and is the only community on Brier Island. It's a quaint little fishing village and a good
base to explore the numerous excellent, if rugged and windy, hiking trails around the is-
land; don't miss a trip to the West Lighthouse. Columnar basalt rocks are seen all along
the coast and agates can be found on the beaches.
The Brier Island Backpackers Hostel ( 902-839-2273; www.brierislandhostel.com ; 223
Water St; dm/ ste $20/100; ) is a tiny, spotless place about 1.5km to the left as you come
off the ferry. The common room and kitchen area has big windows with views over the
water. There's a general store, gas station and basic cafe (mains $5-8; 8am-9pm Mon-
Sat, 10am-8pm Sun) next door, owned by the same people. You can book excellent whale-
watching tours (2½ to five hours, depending on where the whales are) with eco-con-
scious Brier Island Whale & Seabird Cruises ( 800-656-3660, 902-839-2995;
www.brierislandwhalewatch.com ; adult/child $49/27; Jun-Oct) .
Atop cliffs 1km east of Westport, Brier Island Lodge ( 800-662-8355, 902-839-2300;
www.brierisland.com ; r $90-140; ) has four rooms, some with ocean views. Its restaur-
ant ( mains $8-29 ) is the best dining option, with views on two sides, perfect service and
fabulously fresh seafood. Boxed lunches are available.
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