How to Spend the Perfect 48 Hours in Digby, Nova Scotia

The town of Digby is one of Nova Scotia’s best kept secrets. Home to more than 2,000 year-round residents, Digby punches above its weight with fresh-caught scallops, quirky boutique shops and a proud role in Nova Scotia’s seafaring story set against the mighty tides of the Bay of Fundy. It’s a classic Maritime escape — where the pace slows down and the seafood speaks for itself.

So, if that has you craving a Maritime vacation, here’s how you can spend 48 hours in the Scallop Capital of the World. 

The perfect getaway demands the perfect accommodations, and none are more ideal than Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa. Open year-round, this stunning resort has been a Digby staple for almost a century. Here, you can tailor your stay to your preferences with a range of lodging options, from classic rooms and suites to cozy cabins. 

Play a round of golf on their award-winning course, pamper yourself with a spa day, take a dip in the heated pool or explore the surrounding wooded nature trails. Then, tie it all together with a trip on the ferry. Digby Pines offers special packages with MV Fundy Rose, meaning you can enjoy a hassle-free trip across the Bay of Fundy, transportation from the Digby terminal to the resort, complimentary breakfast and exclusive resort discounts.  
 

Point Prim Lighthouse has been guiding the Digby Gut since 1804. At one point, it was responsible for guiding vessels safely across the Annapolis Basin. Today, the lighthouse still stands, its name bringing to mind the familiar image of its iconic squat red tower with vertical red lines. It’s the perfect destination to weave into your Digby stay. While you’re there you can enjoy a short hike and if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of MV Fundy Rose crossing the Bay of Fundy between Digby and Saint John while you’re taking in the ocean views.

Maud Lewis’s original home currently sits in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, but you can find a replica of the house in Digby, not far from where it originally stood. The walls, cupboards and even the staircase are sprinkled with flowers, birds and snaking ivy. Looking around, it’s easy to be transported back to the 1960s, when she was creating her iconic paintings. 

Maud’s legacy is evident all over Nova Scotia, but it’s particularly inseparable from the region she grew up in. During your time in Digby, you’ll see Maud’s influence everywhere, from original works hung in the town’s museums, stores and inns, to charming tchotchkes available for purchase in the local gift shops.
 

Have you ever wondered how Digby got its name? 

It all traces back to Admiral Robert Digby, a Naval Officer who lived in the late 1700s. After the American Revolutionary War, Admiral Digby led a group of United Empire Loyalists to the area, where they settled and established the town. Originally known as Conway, the community was renamed in 1787 in honour of his leadership.

Today, Admiral Digby’s legacy lives on at the Admiral Digby Museum, located in the heart of town. Here, in this two-storey historical house, you’ll find genealogy resources and a collection of artifacts depicting life in the region prior to the 1900s. You’ll also find a room dedicated to artifacts from Digby’s bustling maritime history and, as a special highlight, a collection of watercolour paintings of Sable Island, made by a local resident who visited in the 1850s.

When visiting Digby, a day trip to Sandy Cove Beach is a must.

Tucked along Digby Neck, this quiet stretch of sand offers sweeping Bay of Fundy views – and keep your eyes peeled, as seals are often spotted nearby. While the Bay of Fundy isn’t known for bathwater temps, a quick dip here is as refreshing as it gets on a hot summer day.

Because of the Bay of Fundy’s cold, nutrient-rich waters, Digby scallops are famously large and sweet. For the past 100 years, commercial scallop fishing has put the region on the map. One of the best places to enjoy them is The Crow’s Nest—a true Digby classic. 

Here, you'll find a full menu of the freshest seafood around, with the scenery to match. In fact, you might just spot tomorrow’s catch being hauled in while you tuck into tonight’s scallops!

There’s only one way to start and finish your adventure in Digby, and that’s with a trip on MV Fundy Rose! 

Enjoy comfort and convenience with on-board amenities and a range of comfortable seating options. All you have to do is sit back, relax and start your vacation the right way. MV Fundy Rose’s Digby terminal is only a short drive from downtown, where you'll find a lively waterfront, fresh-caught seafood, and charming shops to explore.

No matter the time of year, a visit to Digby promises fun, relaxed activities and a welcoming environment. Book today and start planning your 48 hour retreat filled with history, art, outdoor adventure and the freshest scallops you’ll ever taste.

Hero Image: Location: Digby, Nova Scotia / Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Ryker Titus and Matt Burton