Just as our license plate insists, the Sheet Harbour area is Canada’s Ocean Playground and home to approximately 5,000 people.
The two-lane route Marine Drive (Hwy 7) clings to Nova Scotia’s rugged eastern shore, passing through fishing villages from East Ship Harbour to Ecum Secum. The Sheet Harbour area is on the doorstep of the 100 Wild Islands.
Sheet Harbour is located between the East and West Rivers. These two rivers flow into the harbour. East River is a large, deep water area that leads out to the harbour and the West River is a large, fast flowing river with spectacular falls into the main harbour.
Sheet Harbour gradually widens as it travels southeastward toward the Atlantic. The harbour has an average tidal range of about 1.2 to 1.5 m (4 to 5 ft).
Sheet Harbour was the first community in North America to use a lime doser on one of its rivers, which sprays limestone into the water to stabilize pH levels. Dosing began in September 2005 in West River. It was successful in stabilizing the pH of the river at 5.5, a healthy level for salmon and other aquatic life.
The area’s climate temperature is heavily influenced by the ocean. The mean temperature of the coldest month is −3 °C (26.6 °F) or 0 °C (32.0 °F). There are 4 months with mean temperatures at or above 10 °C (50 °F). The mean temperature of the hottest month is 23.2 °C (73.8 °F).
From East Ship Harbour to Ecum Secum, all 29 communities are part of the Halifax Regional Municipality. View our community banners, displayed on the village light posts, designed by students at Duncan MacMillan High School.
With historic roots in fishing, forestry and mining we’re excited about the economic opportunities of this region and we’re open for business. For generations, Mi’kmaq people, European settlers and their descendants have made a living on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.
Learn about our history from stories told by area residents, like how Mushaboom got its name.
I think the Eastern Shore is the most underrated area of Nova Scotia. Sheet Harbour is a lovely town with beautiful and friendly people.
Tim MacLeod
Sober Island Brewing Company
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