flora

Part of the natural beauty of the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway lies in the many species of plants that visitors will see as they explore the different habitats by trail and water.

Mixed forests of hemlock, birch, beech, maple, spruce and fir trees populate the forested areas along the Canal Waterway. Wildflowers such as Pink Lady’s slipper’s and Nova Scotia mayflowers grow along the shaded banks of the River, while wild strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are tasty treats for various birds and White-tailed deer.

Where streams flow into the Shubenacadie River system, they often carry sediment that gives rise to wetlands, creating a natural filtering system. The wetlands along the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway are important as they provide a rich habitat in which many species of plants and flowers such as arrowhead, cattails, Blue flag iris and water lilies thrive.

Further up the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway, nearing the Shubenacadie Valley, the river begins to widen and meander, giving way to agricultural lands alongside the river that support fertile fields of long grasses, hay, wheat and corn.