Amherst

Amherst is the first principal town encountered upon entering the province of Nova Scotia from New Brunswick. During the early 18th century it was a prosperous French settlement known as Acadie but the mid-century war between the English and the French destroyed that security when nearby Fort Beausejour was lost to the English. After the Acadian Expulsion of 1755 the rich farmlands were taken over by settlers brought in from New England and by English soldiers who were granted land for their service to the crown. A bright and attractive small city, it is noted for its abundance of Victorian era homes. The Cumberland City Museum houses ...

Amherst is the first principal town encountered upon entering the province of Nova Scotia from New Brunswick. During the early 18th century it was a prosperous French settlement known as Acadie but the mid-century war between the English and the French destroyed that security when nearby Fort Beausejour was lost to the English. After the Acadian Expulsion of 1755 the rich farmlands were taken over by settlers brought in from New England and by English soldiers who were granted land for their service to the crown. A bright and attractive small city, it is noted for its abundance of Victorian era homes. The Cumberland City Museum houses collections that tell the tale of the settlement and its industries. Visitors will want to enjoy the Amherst Point Bird Sanctuary located on an inlet of Chignecto Bay, where a series of paths lead to viewing platforms. These allow birders to see some of the more than 200 species of birds attracted here by the sanctuary of the nearby Tantramar Marsh, a large and intricate series of salt and fresh water marshes.

About the Expert

Barbara Radcliffe Rogers has written or coauthored more than 30 guidebooks, including The Portugal Traveler, Drive Around Portugal, City Spots Munich, City Spots Helsinki, City Spots Stockholm, Eating New England, and the Maine section of Thomas Cook's Independent Traveller USA.