A short drive east of Advocate Harbour and Cape Chignecto Provincial Park is the town of Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. With about 1,600 residents, the buildings mostly remain from the 1800s, making this a pleasant town to wander around in.
Main Street of Parrsboro, Nova Scotia (Canada); photo courtesy of Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage.
Fossils and minerals abound in this area, evident in the Nova Scotia Gem and Mineral Show each August, the Fundy Geological Museum (162 Two Island Road, 902-254-3814) with dinosaur fossils and Ottawa House By-The-Sea Museum & Historic Site (1155 Whitehall Road, 902-254-2376).
Maple Inn Parrsboro
For hotels in town, there are a few lovely B&Bs like the Maple Inn Parrsboro (1-877-627-5346, 902-254-3735). Room one used to be a delivery room where a lot of the local resident’s families were actually born. Other parts of the 1843 house, which was once the town hospital, are furnished in bold colours.
Parrsboro Mansion
My favourite of the B&Bs is the Parrsboro Mansion (1-866-354-2528, 902-254-2585), with its long, elegant driveway and neatly trimmed yard. There is a play set outside for the kids and an outdoor pool for everyone else (not a common thing in Nova Scotia B&Bs). This is also the only small bed and breakfast I went to in NS that offered massage and spa services like Reiki and Aura Cleansing.
The rooms are fresh, modern and bright. I loved the German owners, who are extremely welcoming and make a mean breakfast.
Gillespie House Inn
This Parrsboro inn is Grand with a capital “G.” This bed and breakfast also has a long driveway, leading up to an immense mansion with seven rooms. The front garden is the place to be, with lawn chairs, a large porch and shading trees making up a quiet oasis surrounding the 1890s house.
What I Liked:
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Another place not to miss is the Parrsboro Rock & Mineral Shop & Museum at 349 Whitehall Road which is both a shop and a mini-museum. The owner, Eldon George, knows everything about everything when it comes to local fossils and minerals. Show him what you found and he can tell you what it is.
Parrsboro is a small quiet, friendly town. In the Nova Scotian tradition, cars stop for pedestrians even if they’re only thinking about crossing the street. For a comprehensive list of local businesses including local restaurants (Harbour View & Bare Bones Cafe’) and more accommodations (including Evangeline’s Tower & Hochwasser House B&Bs) go to http://www.town.parrsboro.ns.ca/business-directory.html .
Finally, as you travel to Parrsboro from Cape D’Or and other points west, don’t forget to stop at Shaw’s Country Market in Port Greville. Grab an ice cream, check out the local crafts & antiques, or at least have a friendly conversation with the gracious owners, Gail & Terry Shaw.
As the locals say, “Oh my soul, that’ll be some fun.”
Yes, Eldon at the Parrsboro Rock & Mineral Shop & Museum in Parrsboro is highly recommended!
I have,nt been down since1995 My grandfather Russel Spencer ran the light house for 42 years. my father Fred Spencer and my Aunts were born at the old LIGHTHOUSE! I,v had 2 of my 8 children down in Parrsboro. miss vistting and hope to be down in 2010. Rick Spencer Toronto Ont.
Wow, thanks for writing, Rick!
You may be able to tell by my address that I love the lighthouse. Many years as a child I spent my summer vacation in the light and in the town. We lived in Parrsboro for 2 years and have not missed a summer in returning for at least a few days. Sunshine Inn is a super place to stay. Stef and Dave are a great team. Russell Spencer was my grandfather, as well and Nana Spencer (Margaret) ran a little store called Spencer’s Variety. Blueberry raking was another summer ritual to earn back to school money for us kids.
How wonderful, Linda. Thanks for your Parrsboro memories!
Next time you are in town stop in and try us at our new location. The home of the old Stowaway Restaurant. We are sure you will like the progress.
Chef Glenn Wheaton
Will do, Glenn! For anyone else who wants to stop by, the restaurant is called BareBones Bistro.
Living now in Vancouver area, it is refreshing to see memories of Parrsboro. My family originated in Parrsboro. Many fond memories of the briney ocean coast and the Maritime (merry-time) summers and hospitality. My brother sent me your web-site. Good old “Down Home” The old post office, Eldon George’s rock shop. Our cottage is at Packet Wharf with a view of the Lighthouse. God’s country. The rest of Canada don’t know what they are missing, until they visit. Play some guitar on the beach and have a clam-bake! My dad was Osmond Yorke, famous boat builder and my sister and her husband still grow the finest blueberries around. We know the Shaws who moved there from Vancouver, and opened the country market. Viva Nova Scotia!
Ah, more memories. Thanks so much for adding them, Judy. Viva Nova Scotia, indeed!
Hi Lori and all–Thank you for your positve remarks about Parrsboro. I spent my teen years in Parrsboro and have lasting images of Saturday nights in the 60″s gathering at Wheatons restaurant,followed by “Mannings” dance hall and the diner on Long Hill with all our good friends who remain so to this day—Parrsboro has never changed it”s wonderful charm or personable people—-After 50 years away and abroad,settling in Saint John N.B,a place I Cherish ,parrsboro is in my heart–Home is home——– James Osmond Yorke
All this Parrsboro talk has me wanting to get back there this summer! Maybe I’ll have a “Travel to Parrsboro Part II” post coming up, taking advantage of all the advice given in these comments.
Thanks everyone.
Well, here’s another grandchild of Russell and Margaret Spencer. As some of my cousins above, I’ve spent many days at the old Lighthouse and also at my grandmother’s store. Parrsboro has so many memories for me. . . . I try make a visit there every summer. The Ottawa House museum is really worth viewing as well as taking a drive further along that road until you come opposite Cape Blomindon of the Annapolis Valley. It is a fantastic sight to watch the tidal current sweep past it.
David
Thanks for adding, David! I haven’t been out to Cape Blomindon, so I’ll definitely add that to my list.
LOVED your article. I live in Parrsboro. I recently started looking into my family’s background and your grandparent Margaret Spencer’s name came up as a cousin on the Aylward side of my family. Please respond if you have any info.
Marjorie, I sent you an email. Let me know if you want me to connect you.
If Marjorie gets in touch again- I have all info that Nana Spencer (Margaret) had researched if it is any help. She may contact me.
Great, thanks Linda!
Hello Lori, could you please connect me with anyone with info about the Spencers of Parrsboro. Thank You. Oh by the way I did not receive the e-mail you sent earlier this year.
Thanks,Marjorie
Absolutely, Marjorie. I’ll send you an email right now; please let me know if you don’t get it. (Maybe check your spam folder if it’s not there?)
Lori. When you go through downtown Parsboro all the way down to the water past the theatre which is on the left, and if you turn left when you get to the ocean you can get to an old lighthouse. However, if you turn right you can go several KLM’s to the end of the road where somone named Williger lives. Is the water you’re looking at down at the end of that road the Bay of Fundy or Minhas basin?
Wanda, I haven’t to Parrsboro been for a couple of years and I just don’t know the answer. Hopefully someone else will chime in here.