Walk the Waterway

Join the Shubenacadie Canal Commission for a virtual walk of the waterway. Track your KMs from May 1st until October 31 and those who complete the full 114km will receive a certificate and will be entered into the final draw

Take a hike along the banks of the scenic Shubenacadie Canal Waterway, where you will find many trails through woodlands and historical canal works. The waterway extends from the Halifax Harbour to the Minas Basin with many multi-use trails.

Now is the time to check out our parks, docks, historical sites and much more! You may not realize it exists in your backyard or that it extends across the province.  It’s ‘Yours To Explore’!

Each week from May to October we will send participants suggested routes. The routes are just suggestions and a way to explore a new trail or area.

Sign up here today and start tracking on May 1st .

Viewing Platform at Lock 6 for all to enjoy!

In December 2020, a new wildlife viewing platform was installed along the boardwalk at Lock 6 park, in Enfield. Shubenacadie Canal Commission would like to thank our funding partner, East Hants Municipality, for making this platform possible.

The wetlands along the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway are important as they provide a rich habitat in which many species of plants and flowers thrive. Additionally, snapping turtles, the largest freshwater turtle found in Canada, can also be found here.

Wildlife viewing platforms are essential for the community and for visitors to understand the importance of the local plants, animals and habitat. We hope that the viewing platform will encourage visitors to get involved in outdoor recreation opportunities and enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of the park.

Although, there is no winter maintenance at the park, when the weather warms up visitors will find the viewing platform, located in the middle of the boardwalk, is the perfect spot to enjoy this part of the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway which is #YoursToExplore.

Thank you to our funding partner:

East Hants Municipality - Parks, Recreation and Culture Department

Transitions Project Funding Announced

 The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced on October 29 that a non-repayable Government of Canada contribution of $227,000 was made to the Shubenacadie Canal Commission (SCC) for a new project initiative called Transitions. With the Government of Nova Scotia also contributing $227,000 to this three-year project.

As highlighted in the ACOA news release the SCC will begin research and consultations into initiatives that will highlight the natural and cultural history of the Shubenacadie waterway. The project will include updates to the Fairbanks Centre in Dartmouth. New exhibits in the interpretation centre will promote cultural awareness and the historical contributions of women, Mi'kmaq, Acadian, Gaelic, African Nova Scotians and immigrants to the canal and surrounding areas.

“The SCC is honoured to receive funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia. Transitions will focus on new and innovative projects that will increase awareness, access and usage of the 114-kilometre Shubenacadie waterway. As well, the project will aim to tell the stories of more diverse peoples whose histories are intertwined with the waterway and canal system and remain to be told through the historical mandate of the SCC.” Said William McIntyre, Chair, Shubenacadie Canal Commission (SCC).

 Full news release can be found here https://www.canada.ca/en/atlantic-canada-opportunities/news/2020/10/new-cultural-connections-at-historic-shubenacadie-waterway.html

Explore Shubie Park

This September, we hosted an Explore Shubie Park event. This event celebrated the beginning of fall and was a chance for all to learn about the dynamic natural and cultural history of the park.

There were fun activities for all family members. Visitors had the chance to learn about the history of the Canal, paint a rock, see a lock demostration and kids had the chance to get free caricatures.

This event was also a fundraiser for the Shubenacadie Canal Commission. All funds that were raised go to improvements along the waterway, making it truly, yours to explore.

Thank you to TD Park People for their funding support and a huge thank you to our commission volunteers, we could not have held this event without you!