Acadian Culture and Heritage

Meet Clare - a sweet little southwestern Nova Scotia community that is big on Acadian culture and heritage and home-style hospitality. The Municipality of Clare is home to the largest Acadian community in Nova Scotia where over 75% of its residents speak both French and English. Musique de la Baie Kitchen Parties, Le Festival Acadien de Clare, Les Beaux Vendredis Seafood Suppers, and the Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie (the largest cycling event in Atlantic Canada) have certainly caught the attention of many but recently Clare was host to a much larger event.

Congrès Mondial Acadien

On August 10-18, 2024, Clare, along with its neighbouring communities of Yarmouth and Argyle, welcomed the world to their southwestern Nova Scotian shores as they host the Congrès Mondial Acadien. This international gathering of Acadian culture is held every five years with its mission to fortify the ties among Acadian communities around the globe. Clare is definitely on the world map now after this global event. Many world travellers fell in love this charming community and you will, too!

Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre

A great place to begin your adventure is the Clare Visitor Information Centre, located in the Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre. It is situated on the campus of Université Sainte-Anne. Enjoy the local artwork display in the Galerie Le Trécarré then learn about the fascinating local Acadian history and culture in the Acadian Interpretive Centre, a state-of-the-art museum featuring bilingual display panels, captivating artifacts, and interactive multimedia exhibitions.

Belliveau Cove

Belliveau Cove is a hub of activity in Clare for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy the 5 km Belliveau Cove Boardwalk Trail. It is a coastal shingle beach walk that loops back by saltwater marshes, and Clare’s first Acadian cemetery. Beaux Vendredis Seafood Suppers is a popular event that occurs on Friday evenings at Belliveau Cove from late June - late August. Feast on lobster, snow crab or clams with residents of Clare while you enjoy live music. Meet local farmers, producers, artists and artisans at the Farmers Market every Saturday, and enjoy more of the same with more artists and artisans on Art Sundays from July to September. You can also book a clam digging adventure with an expert guide along the shores of Saint Mary’s at low tide.

Le Petit Bois Trail

Le Petit Bois Trail Network is a series of wooded and shoreline walking trails behind Université Sainte-Anne. Interpretative panels describe the natural and cultural history of the area, as well as information on the tidal and marine ecology, and the significance of the 1874 replica lighthouse. Ascend the lighthouse steps to the third floor deck for a perfect perch for birdwatching, and seal and porpoise spotting on the bay. The Stella Night Hike is an immersive nighttime exploration of the forest and shoreline along La Petit Bois Trail. Discover this unforgettable experience in the nocturnal world of the Acadian region of Saint Mary's Bay .

Historic Churches

Clare is home to many historic churches, including the Église Sainte-Marie Church, the largest wooden church in North America. It closed in 2021, so you cannot access the interior anymore but you can certainly marvel at its exterior. Completed in 1905, this grand building was built by master carpenter Leo Melanson. Its delightful design was inspired by famous castles in France. Experience its majesty through the video above, then enjoy some of the other beautiful churches you will encounter in Clare.

Art de la Baie

Clare has a wealth of talented artists. Pick up an Art de la Baie brochure at Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre, then hit the road to discover them all. I thoroughly enjoyed the studio visits I made.

Galerie Art et Minéraux

Meet artist and sculptor Claude Chaloux at La Galerie Art & Minéraux in Belleveau Cove. He is a wonderful storyteller. Discover how he uses clay and painting techniques to reveal archetypal form and ancient stories. Learn about Claude’s Gatolobo and Brut Art. Also find jewellery, crystals, minerals, fossils, and other art from around the world.

Denise Comeau - Painter/Printmaker

Acadian artist Denise Comeau gave me a tour of her inspirational studio in Comeauville. Her watercolours are sublime. She also does fascinating print work and interesting abstracts. Her artistry reflects her life along the Nova Scotia Acadian shores of Baie Sainte-Marie.

K’s Wooly Loft

Fibre artists will adore K’s Wooly Loft Rug Hooking Studio in Hectanooga. I met Katherine Dawson, talented owner, pattern designer, custom wool dyer, and rug hooking artist and was wowed by her artistry.

Mayflower Studio

Denise Robicheau’s delightful Mayflower Studio showcases her watercolours, mixed media, photography, cards, and more. Be sure to ask about her hummingbirds!

Tidal Pool Studio

Debbie Kirkpatrick’s Tidal Pool Studio in Church Point caught my eye, so I popped in, and admired her ocean and nature-inspired oil paintings. When you see a treasure like this… stop the car. There are so many unexpected delights in Clare.

Cape Saint Mary

Cape Saint Mary is the western most point on the Nova Scotia mainland and it serves up spectacular scenery. This region is also well known for its diverse and abundant bird life. It serves as a breeding and nesting habitat for certain species, and a seasonal stop for others. Head to the Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park and take in the dramatic cliff views. Interpretive panels explain the founding of the village, history of the lighthouse, the local marine ecology, and the fog experienced frequently in the area. Then visit the “Coming Home” monument dedicated to the memory of those who have been lost at sea during the 250 years since the foundation of Clare.

Mavillette Beach Provincial Park

Mavillette Beach Provincial Park is a beautiful 1.5 km sandy beach. It is edged with marram grass-covered dunes protected by boardwalks. Low tide exposes massive sand flats. The water is warm here too. Try your hand at surfing or kiteboarding, or enjoy yoga on the beach. The Cape to Cliff Beach Run is a popular event held in the area. The shoreline and nearby marshes offer excellent bird watching opportunities, too.

Smuggler’s Cove Provincial Park

Smuggler’s Cove Provincial Park sits atop breathtaking coastal cliffs. Enjoy several viewing platforms, along with a set of 80 steps that lead down to the ocean. Rum runners frequented the area. Interpretive panels explain why the cove was an ideal spot for smugglers during Prohibition.

A. F. Theriault & Son Boatyard

I am not typically a boatyard gal - but where there are boats and good water reflections - I am there. A. F. Theriault & Son Ltd. drew me in and I discovered it is one of the largest private boatyards in Atlantic Canada. It has an impressive 85 years of quality boatbuilding craftsmanship history, and since 1938 they have built over 1000 vessels including fishing boats & passenger vessels, commercial workboats, fire/patrol/pilot boats, as well as luxury pleasure yachts.

Frenchys

Joie de vivre is alive and well everywhere in Clare - even at Frenchys. Just look at those Acadian flag dressing room doors! You never know what bargains you might find here and the locals swear by it. Did you know that Clare is home to some of the very first Frenchys?

Corberrie Cider

I got the in-cider scoop on Corberrie Cider after taking an inland trip to Corberrie to meet cider-maker Denise Flynn. We walked her 5-acre apple orchard as I learned all about the art of cider making, then I enjoyed a tasting of her special limited-edition cider blends of Fresh Apple, Strawberry Rhubarb, and Cran-Blueberry Rosé (my personal fav). Love this crisp, refreshing, and uniquely dry take on cider with clever flavour combinations. Find Denise & her Corberrie Cider at the Belliveau Cove Market every Saturday.

The Wheelhouse

When you are looking to grab a bite, you can enjoy fresh local seafood, pasta dishes, as well as many gluten-friendly options at The Wheelhouse. Try their yummy appetizers. I really loved the bruschetta and the loaded potato skins. They were perfect for sharing.

Le Ptit Robicheau

Le Ptit Robicheau Take Out, is Clare's first and only food truck specializing in restaurant quality food. It is the brainchild of Chef Shane Robicheau, and it offers everything from gourmet burgers to gourmet poutines and there is heaps of seafood, too, from fish tacos to fish & chips. This is a very popular spot for locals. There may be a line, but It is definitely worth the wait. Poutine is king here!

La Cuisine Robicheau

La Cuisine Robicheau has a great reputation for good reason. Nadine and Scott Robicheau, and their son Shane (the same one that runs Le Ptit Robicheau), have a lot to be proud of. The seafood is local and fresh, the serving portions are generous, and the desserts are scrumptious. Cuisine Robicheau is hands-down the best homestyle seafood restaurant in Southwest Nova Scotia. Dinner reservations are highly recommended.

Cabane d'Horizon Luxury Airbnb

It is hard to “contain” my excitement about my luxury cabin stay at Cabane d'Horizon Luxury Airbnb in Saulnierville. Have you tried a shipping container tiny-home accommodations experience yet? These unique “sea-cans” sit on a magnificent waterfront property. This is another successful Robicheau family business and I was thrilled to be one of their first guests to try them out. Going to sleep & waking up to the sound of the waves, enjoying a cider on the deck while watching the sunset, and sipping my morning coffee curled on the couch with a view, were my favourite memories. I highly recommend Cabane d'Horizon Luxury Airbnb for an escape from it all for two, or for a small family getaway.

Clare, Nova Scotia

So, Clare, Nova Scotia should be on your radar now, and I have only scratched the surface of what is waiting for you. “Rappie pie” and other delicious traditional Acadian dishes are served at many local restaurants. The Terra Fondo - a 67 km mountain bike ride is an annual event, as is the Bluegrass Festival. Celebrate the Festival Acadian de Clare - the world’s oldest Acadian Festival and make some wild noise during Tintamarre - using everything from noisemakers to horns to pots and pans to celebrate National Acadian Day. There is so much waiting for you to discover and explore in Clare. Baie Sainte-Marie invites you to come home to Clare on The French Shore of Nova Scotia.

Discover Clare, Nova Scotia - Culinary Destination

There was so much more to discover in Clare that I was invited back a year later to enjoy its many more culinary destination delights. Clare is a fishing community privileged to have year-round access to fresh seafood. Add in a few top-notch Chefs with innovative ideas to create flavourful dishes and special events, a cidery, a brewery, a distillery, and a couple wineries, and a culinary destination is born. Discover Clare Nova Scotia - Culinary Destination.

MV Fundy Rose

Travelling to and from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia is part of the fun when you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the world famous Bay of Fundy scenic views aboard the MV Fundy Rose. Spend less time driving and more time relaxing with a variety of Bay Ferries onboard amenities. Whether you want to grab a bite, watch a movie, take advantage of the free wifi, catch some extra zzz’s, or enjoy the wide-open landscapes from the top deck - it is all possible. There is even an onboard education expert that delivers information sessions to help you identify any wildlife you might spot. Taking the ferry is so convenient and it only takes a little over 2 hours to cruise between Saint John, NB and Digby, NS. Enjoy the ride along with the saved time, fuel, and hours behind the wheel.

This post was sponsored by Baie Sainte-Marie/Clare Nova Scotia Tourism and Bay Ferries; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!