Queens County Between Wilderness, Coast and History

Discover Queens County and its surrounding area from three perspectives: protected landscapes, experiences along the coast and river, and traces of maritime history. You can combine days in nature with cultural stops, without limiting your options to a single theme. The contrasts between large protected areas, specific trails and historic sites offer different focal points for planning your trip.

Wilderness and Coastal Landscapes

The Shelburne River Wilderness Area protects almost 3,500 hectares of remote wilderness in the lower Shelburne River watershed in Queens County. The Peppered Moon Nature Reserve offers a different focus: it protects an undisturbed coastal forest that provides habitat for rare lichens, including the Peppered Moon lichen. Together, the two protected areas represent distinct landscapes—the remote wilderness of the river watershed and the coastal forest with its distinctive lichen flora.

At Kejimkujik Seaside, visitors can explore trails and the beach in a free day-use park. The trail network includes the Harbour Rocks Trail and the Port Joli Head Trail. Those who prefer cycling can ride at Kejimkujik National Park at any age. These offer different ways to enjoy the outdoors, on foot or by bike.

Places and Routes to Help You Get Your Bearings

The Kejimkujik Scenic Drive, Highway 8, connects Liverpool with Annapolis Royal and passes through Milton, Middlefield and Caledonia. The route provides a geographic framework for planning your trip: the places named along it help you organize the region by community rather than by individual attractions alone. Caledonia is also the location of the Queens County Fair.

In the surrounding area, in Liverpool, the Trestle Trail follows a former section of railway along the Mersey River through town. The trail is flat and suitable for all skill levels. Beach Meadows Municipal Beach offers a different kind of outing: the beach is one kilometre long, with white sand and salt water, and offers a view of Coffin Island. The beach also has a picnic area, playground, restrooms, changing rooms and boardwalks. Wheelchair access is available as well.

Maritime History and Places of Remembrance

The Queens County Museum features exhibits on Mi’kmaq history, early medicine, seafaring history and wartime memorabilia. A special feature is the replica deck of the famous privateer ship “Liverpool Packet,” which visitors can board. They can also learn why Liverpool was known as the “Port of the Privateers.” The exhibits and the ship’s story offer different ways to explore the county’s past and maritime heritage.

In the surrounding area, in Liverpool, stands Fort Point Lighthouse. Built in 1855, it is the third-oldest surviving lighthouse in Nova Scotia and a rare example from the pre-Confederation period. Perkins House adds another perspective on the past: it was built for Simeon Perkins in 1766 and is the oldest house in the Nova Scotia Museum collection. The house is also home to the Perkins Diary, Simeon Perkins’ 40-year record of colonial life in Liverpool.

The Queens County Fair in Caledonia also connects the region with its history and agriculture. The fair takes place after the fall harvest; its first exhibition was held in 1886. The historic date reflects the fair’s long tradition, while its connection to the harvest highlights its seasonal character.

Discover more destinations: Port Mouton, Liverpool, Hunts Point, Greenfield, Port Medway, Mill Village, Hants County, Antigonish County.

For the broader travel overview: Nova Scotia.