Waverley- Fall River- Oakfield
The Shubenacadie Canal, which extends from the Halifax Harbour to the Bay of Fundy, comprises a makeup of 115 rivers and lakes.
For centuries, the Mi’kmaq people travelled this waterway, which could be traversed with only a few short portages, and established many hunting and fishing camps along it’s shores.
In 1794, the then Governor, Sir John Wentworth, recognized the benefits of a canal system through the waterway, but not until 1824 was the Shubenacadie Canal Company founded.
Masons from Scotland and Ireland were brought in to work on the canal, but it remained unfinished until 1853, and from that time to 1870, when the railway replaced the draw bridges with fixed bridges so low, that boat passage became impossible, canal boats and rafts plied the waters, ferrying many products including lumber, pottery, bricks and iron ore.
As time advanced and industry progressed, many communities sprang up along the banks of the waterway. Just to mention a few, are Waverley, Fall River, Wellington, Fletcher’s Lake, Oakfield and Grand Lake.
Currently, many subdivisions, business enterprises, and grand homes line the banks of the waterways far as Maitland, where the river enters the Bay of Fundy.
Two major provincial parks, Oakfield Park and Laurie Park offer camping, walking trails, boating, swimming and a multitude of recreational services, and Laurie Park is currently undergoing a multi million upgrade for the 2011 season.
Oakfield Golf and Country Club has a championship 18 hole golf course, and amenities include a large clubhouse with banquet facilities, driving range and a private beach.
Several miles to the northwest, Tidal Bore Rafting Park and Cottages, has a complex of 180 acres, and includes 13 cottages, an in ground swimming pool, several miles of hiking trails, 2 luxury chalets, a Russian Sauna , and a hilltop restaurant.
A four hour trip covers 18 kilometers of river downstream, and 8 sets of rapids on the way back. Tidal Bore Rafting, can prove to be a thrill of a lifetime.
Think you might be interested in the Waverley/Fall River/Oakfield area? Call one of our Premier Service Professionals to learn more about home-buying in this area!
