Brier Island

Brier Island is one of a few islands near town of Digby, located in western part of Nova Scotia (map), in Bay of Fundy.

Brier Island gets its fair number of visitors looking for a whale watching boat rides. While getting a glimpse of a whale surfacing may or may not happen, especially on a foggy day, there is a chance that one may spot a dolphin or two and often enough Puffin birds fishing and flying to or from their nests situated along the shores of the bay.

Drive from town of Digby to Brier island, distance of 70 km (43 miles), takes almost 2h. You may wonder why if you do not look ahead of time closely enough at the map. Drive on peninsula stretching from Digby into Bay of Fundy may be wrapped in a morning fog at any time of the year. On foggy days fog clears here and there just enough to catch a glimpse of a cove or two, but that fog alone is not the real reason for the 70 km drive to take that long.

You’ve guessed it right. Ferry ride. To be be precise, there are two ferry rides, one a few minutes long to a Long Island and another one around 5 minutes long from Long Island to Brier Island. Ferry rides you pay only in the directions of Long Island and Brier Island while getting back to the mainland is free of charge.

Give yourself enough time in the morning so you do not miss a boat if driving in from as far as Halifax, (230 km/ 2:30h long drive just to Digby). At least some whale watching boat rides are set to sail in the early afternoons. It’s always good to call and make a reservation ahead of time.

Crew with Mariner Cruises is entertaining, strait forward, educational, helpful and determined. Great time at the sea! And yes, make sure you bring a warm jacket, warm hat and gloves with you. Even in early July northern wind brings in cold air on the boat in the Bay of Fundy.