Robert Walsh Photography
History Hikes 2022 - May 4 to october 29
Meet outside of the main entrance of the Fairbanks Centre (54 Locks Rd.) on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11am, weather permitting. Approx. 40 min tour.
The Shubenacadie Canal Commission historical guided tours program “History Hikes” will be starting up on May 4, 2022. This program is lead by volunteer, Richard MacMichael.
This unique tour begins at the Fairbanks Centre, in Shubie Park, which surrounds the section of the canal that connects Lake Micmac and Lake Charles. During the walk, you will see Locks 2 and 3 and have a chance to explore historic canal features like the Holding Pond, the Deep Cut, and the remains of stone blackhouses (temporary homes built by the canal workers during construction). The experience cannot help but impress upon you how little of this site has been changed over time.
Visitors are then invited to explore the Fairbanks Centre, where you can examine various artifacts discovered within the park itself, including Mi’kmaq tools and arrowheads, and items left over from the temporary homes of canal workers. A smaller-scale replica of Downtown Dartmouth’s fascinating Marine Railway Flume House is also on display. A main attraction at the Fairbanks Centre is the hands-on, working model of the canal’s lock system. Kids and adults alike will love transporting boats through the locks and up the canal, getting the unique opportunity to play the role of a 21st century lockkeeper.
This is a great chance to learn about history in your own back yard and take in the natural beauty of Shubie Park. Find out for yourself why the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway is “Yours To Explore”.
Stay tuned to our social media channels for more details.