PSA- Lock 6 Park Woodland Boardwalk Construction

Woodland boardwalk prior to 2023 flooding

Public Service Announcement: Lock 6 Park Woodland Boardwalk Construction

The Shubenacadie Canal Commission is pleased to announce that repairs to the Woodland Boardwalk at Lock 6 Park will begin in mid-November 2024.

This beloved section of the 1km loop trail was damaged by flooding in July 2023. Thanks to funding from the Province of Nova Scotia, we can replace the Woodland Boardwalk which forms part of the trail loop.

Please note: the Woodland Boardwalk will be closed while construction takes place. The Marshland Boardwalk will remain closed while we seek additional funding for repairs.

The Shubenacadie Canal Commission is a registered charity established to promote and preserve the historic and natural features of the Shubenacadie Waterway from Halifax Harbour to the Bay of Fundy.

Visit Lock 6 Park online today.

 

Have questions? Send us a message below.

 

Sharing Shubenacadie Canal’s History

This summer marked my second season as a Tour Guide with the Shubenacadie Canal Commission, and it’s been as fulfilling as ever.

A highlight this year was interpreting at the beautifully renovated Fairbanks Centre, now equipped with exhibits and interpretive panels in English, French, and Mi’kmaq. These updates enriched my tours, giving guests more opportunities to explore and appreciate the canal’s story.

Our guided tours were a hit. I led a lively Shubie Stroll with a drama camp from Adventure Earth Centre, and welcomed groups like the Africanadian Empowerment Society, who returned for a tour, museum visit, and paddle.

It’s been amazing connecting with visitors from all over the world, each bringing their own curiosity and enthusiasm to our historic canal. I’m grateful for another memorable season filled with learning, connection, and discovery.

-Jon Burns, CSJ Grant SCC Tour Guide

A big thank you to the Canada Summer Jobs grant for enabling us to hire fantastic staff like Jon, who help to bring the history of the canal to life for visitors during the summer.

A Memorable Season at the Flume House

As we wrap up this season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible guests, special memories, and delightful surprises that made it so memorable. Each visitor, from local families to international travelers, brought unique stories that helped bring the canal to life in fresh, exciting ways.

This season’s guest list was especially diverse, with highlights like a family of four from the Philippines, and travelers from Australia and Indonesia. Even a few four-legged friends—two Yorkshire Terriers and an enthusiastic Golden Retriever—joined the mix, adding a touch of joy to the experience.

Flume House tours welcomed a remarkable 491 guests this year, nearly reaching the 500 mark. Our peak day was June 23, when we hosted 34 visitors, one of three days this season with over 30 guests.

As we look ahead to the off-season, a laminated sign now hangs in the Flume House window to invite inquiries for visits throughout the winter. We hope it encourages a few more people to discover the canal’s charm, even in the quieter months.

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to assist this season, guiding visitors and sharing the canal’s rich history with such an engaged and curious audience. Each interaction, whether with local families or international guests, has left a lasting impression. Here’s to a successful season and to even more memories in the seasons to come.

—Richard MacMichael, SCC Volunteer

We’re incredibly grateful for our dedicated volunteer, Richard MacMichael, who leads this programming year-round and always shares fascinating stories and history about the canal. Thank you, Richard!

Winter Hours Update

photo by Linn Atkinson

As we transition into the quieter winter season, the Fairbanks Interpretive Centre will now operate under reduced hours. Starting this week, visitors are welcome to explore the Centre from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. This adjustment allows us to keep the space open and accessible while accommodating seasonal changes.

Please note that meeting room bookings remain unaffected and are available during their usual times. If you're planning to visit or book a room, don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

We look forward to welcoming you this winter!