Tatamagouche

Tatamagouche has lots of neat little shops on its main street.

Tatamagouche is one of the largest communities on Nova Scotia’s northern shore.

Handily located about halfway between Amherst and Pictou on Route 6, the town is famous for its history of butter making.

That’s all in the past but one of the neatest things to do today is stop for the night and sleep in a caboose.

Where to stay
At the Train Station Inn, you’ll find 7 cabooses all restored as well as accommodation in the original stationmaster’s suite. It’s delightful and fun, if a little expensive compared to other B&Bs.

What to do
Creamery Square is where it all happens. Within this new complex you’ll find the Anna Swan museum, which tells the story of a local giantess who lived in the 1800s. She measured an impressive 7 feet 11 inches and toured with P.T. Barnum’s circus. There are also 290 million year old fossils to see and a farmer’s market every Saturday morning from February to December. Tuck into organic vegetables and home baking or pick up a few souvenirs from the local craftspeople selling photographs, jewellery and more.

The tourist information office is in the Fraser Cultural Centre, just southeast of the town centre on Route 6. It’s open from May to October (362 Main Street, 1-902-657-3285).

There are beaches all around Tatamagouche, perfect for a swim in the warm waters or even some windsurfing! Other nearby attractions include the Sutherland Steam Mill in the village of Denmark and the Balmoral Grist Mill, a living museum set in a wooded gorge.

Tatamagouche is proud of its German heritage and every September there’s an Oktoberfest party where you can drink beer, eat sausage and dance to oompah bands. Tickets sell out early so plan ahead for this one.