Nova Scotia isn’t generally thought of as an island paradise.
But hiding just off the coast of Nova Scotia’s eastern shore are 100 wild islands that may change your mind.
This natural gem is located just an hour from the core, in what is still considered Halifax. I visited in September with a group of bloggers, journalists, and influencers.
The islands span from Clam Harbour to Taylor Head, And while many are close together, the islands are as diverse as they are numerous. Every coastal habitat in Nova Scotia, including rainforest (yes, we have rainforest here), is represented among the islands.
There is no other island group quite like this, it’s one of the last protected archipelagos of its kind.
Photo taken by Bob Guscott
That diverse habitat lends itself to lots of wildlife, including more than 120 bird species, rare turtles, porpoise, and mola mola.
The 100 Wild Islands were, until recently, a mix of crown land and private property (less than 5% of our coastal land is protected). And while there have been plans to develop over the years, the islands have remained relatively unaltered by humans since the last ice age.
Now they’ll stay that way. This year, the Nova Scotia Nature Trust acquired the last of the required fundraising to conserve the 100 Wild Islands. They’ve been working with government and land owners to protect this important area. It’s a scale the Nature Trust never imagined they’d work on, but as Bonnie Sutherland, Executive Director of Nova Scotia Nature Trust, said,
“It was something that had to happen once we knew about it. If we don’t do it, it will never happen. It will be gone.”
The islands will remain open to the public to explore, and because the land is so diverse and untouched, it will provide world class education and research opportunities.
Photo By Bob Guscott
Want to visit the 100 Wild Islands? Brian from Murphy’s Camp Ground chartered our trip. Brian runs coastal island tours through the islands from May 15 – October 15. Make it an overnight adventure by booking a night at the campground and enjoy the community vibes and evening bonfire.
You can also take a multi-day kayaking tour offered by Coastal Adventures, an unforgettable adventure for those seeking some active travel opportunities. Learn about that option HERE.
The 100 Wild Islands are still relatively unknown, so help spreading the word is needed. And while conservation funding has now been secured, the Nova Scotia Nature Trust needs help to protect the legacy of the 100 Wild Islands. Learn more about this great conservation project and become a “friend of the wild” at 100wildislands.ca
Follow our adventures live:
@GillianWesleyNS
We had a chance to hang out with some of our favourite bloggers during this trip, and they’ve created some amazing content from the day. See links to their content or blogs below!
A For Adventure:
Dave Culligan:
Short Presents:
Sick Boy Podcast: http://www.sickboypodcast.com
Seriously Alexa: nxnphotography.com/portfolio
We Are Nova Scotia: https://www.facebook.com/wearenovascotia/
