During our east coast camping trip, we spent a week camping at The Islands Provincial Park, was is located just outside of Shelburne, Nova Scotia. It’s actually across the Shelburne Harbour, which is a natural harbour, making it a perfect place to fish and build ships.

The area was first settled in the late 1700’s but was used by the Mik’maq for generations before that as their summer fishing grounds. A town which once boosted over 10,000 people is now home to about 1800. Nearby Birchtown was one of the largest Black settlements in North America and the town of Shelburne saw Scottish, Irish and Welsh settlers come to its shores.

The town features historic buildings, dories, walking tours, museums, beaches and more. Be sure to check out the Dory Shop Museum and the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre.