Barrington Passage: A Hidden Gem in Nova Scotia

Barrington Passage is a small community located in the southwestern part of Nova Scotia, Canada. It is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique experience of the province's natural beauty and rich history. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to Barrington Passage, including its attractions, natural wonders, parks, lakes, trails, roadside attractions, and festivals.

Attractions

Barrington Passage is home to several attractions that are worth visiting. These include:

The Seal Island Lighthouse: This lighthouse was built in 1832 and is located on Seal Island, which is accessible by boat. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
The Barrington Woolen Mill Museum: This museum showcases the history of the woolen mill industry in Barrington Passage. Visitors can learn about the process of making woolen products and see the machinery used in the mill.
The Old Meeting House: This historic building was built in 1765 and is one of the oldest churches in Nova Scotia. It is now used as a community center and is open to visitors.

Natural Wonders

Barrington Passage is surrounded by natural wonders that are breathtakingly beautiful. These include:

The Tusket River: This river is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the river and enjoy the views.
The Barrington Bay: This bay is home to several species of birds and is a great spot for birdwatching. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic on the beach and take a swim in the bay.
The Kejimkujik National Park: This park is located about an hour's drive from Barrington Passage and is a must-visit for nature lovers. It is home to several hiking trails, lakes, and waterfalls.

Parks, Lakes, and Trails

Barrington Passage is home to several parks, lakes, and trails that are perfect for outdoor activities. These include:

The Barrington Municipal Recreation Park: This park has several sports fields, a playground, and a walking trail. It is a great spot for a family outing.
The Barrington River Nature Trail: This trail is a 2.5 km loop that takes visitors through a forested area and along the Barrington River. It is a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
The Big Meadow Lake: This lake is a popular spot for fishing and swimming. It is surrounded by a forested area and is a great spot for a picnic.

Festivals

Barrington Passage is home to several festivals that celebrate the community's culture and history. These include:

The Barrington Woolen Mill Festival: This festival celebrates the history of the woolen mill industry in Barrington Passage. It features live music, food vendors, and demonstrations of woolen products.
The Barrington Blueberry Festival: This festival celebrates the blueberry harvest in the area. It features live music, food vendors, and a blueberry pie-eating contest.

History

Barrington Passage was established in the early 1700s by Acadian settlers. It was incorporated as a village in 1953 and became a town in 1987. The community was named after William Barrington, who was the Secretary of War for Great Britain in the 1700s.

Conclusion

Barrington Passage is a hidden gem in Nova Scotia that offers visitors a unique experience of the province's natural beauty and rich history. From its attractions and natural wonders to its parks, lakes, and trails, there is something for everyone in this small community. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to attend one of its festivals and learn more about its culture and history.

Sources

"Barrington Passage." Nova Scotia Tourism, https://www.novascotia.com/explore/regions/south-shore/barrington-passage.
"Barrington Passage." Municipality of Barrington, https://barringtonmunicipality.com/barrington-passage.
"Seal Island Lighthouse." Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society, https://nslps.com/lighthouse/seal-island-lighthouse/.
"Barrington Woolen Mill Museum." Municipality of Barrington, https://barringtonmunicipality.com/barrington-woolen-mill-museum.
"Old Meeting House." Municipality of Barrington, https://barringtonmunicipality.com/old-meeting-house.
"Kejimkujik National Park." Parks Canada, https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ns/kejimkujik.
"Barrington Municipal Recreation Park." Municipality of Barrington, https://barringtonmunicipality.com/barrington-municipal-recreation-park.
"Barrington River Nature Trail." Municipality of Barrington, https://barringtonmunicipality.com/barrington-river-nature-trail.
"Big Meadow Lake." Municipality of Barrington, https://barringtonmunicipality.com/big-meadow-lake.
"Barrington Woolen Mill Festival." Municipality of Barrington, https://barringtonmunicipality.com/barrington-woolen-mill-festival.
"Barrington Blueberry Festival." Municipality of Barrington, https://barringtonmunicipality.com/barrington-blueberry-festival.