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On the beautiful, friendly Marine Drive, Port Dufferin (pop. 157), is only 145 km. from the cultural activities of Nova Scotia's capital city, Halifax and the Dartmouth area (pop. 300,000).
This drive follows one of the few remaining unspoiled ocean shorelines on the North American Continent with literally hundreds of uninhabited islands close offshore, deep protected inlets, and tiny fishing villages on secluded coves. The lack of industrial or urban development has allowed these waters to remain unpolluted. The Provincial Seaside Park System permits access to a string of outstanding public beaches providing perfect opportunity for th enjoyment of peaceful outdoor activities.
The history of the area is recorded in museums located at Musquodoboit, Jeddore and Sherbrooke. The original Indian Population, attracted here by abundant wildlife, has left us our many quaint place names. First settled by the French, and conquered by the British in 1713, the area was a hive of activity at the turn of the century. Gold mining, thriving fisheries, lobster canneries, sawmills and shipbuilding industries were served by trading vessels which plied up and down the shore.
This poem was written at the turn of the century,
and was published in The Truro Daily News on Friday, 17 May 1901.
A village on the Eastern Shore,
Where broad Atlantic surges roll,
A spot to tourists known no more
Than frozen lands around the Pole.
There hardy toilers of the deep,
Pursue their trade for modest gain,
And whilst the storms in summer sleep
Draw out the treasures of the main.
By thousand islands nestling round
In landlocked harbour’s snug retreat;
The many dipping floats are found
The hardy lobster fishers’ beat.
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With trout and salmon leaping free
A sportsman’s paradise is there;
With sea—duck, coot and cockawee,
No need the rod or gun to spare.
Evangeline’s vaunted valley fades
When Dufferin’s beauties are disclosed;
Her harbours, rivers and her maids!!!
To write no more, I am disposed
Shortfellow —
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