BEAR RIVER - Times & Tides, Bear River, NS (2026)

04/13/2026

13 years of Bear River "Times and Tides" posts have resulted in success due to the many that shared them, for whom we wish to thank.
Our last six posts have had an estimated total views of over 53,000 with over 900 interactions. At this point, we shall attempt to condense the highlights of our community, truly unique in its own way.
For those of you that have not made a visit, please just consider the following as a lore post-- many may not be of interest to you, however we consider that we do offer a bit of the three major tourism related products which are Outdoor Adventure, History & Culture, and What's for dinner or What's cooking?
We enjoy sharing our truly unique community of Bear River, Nova Scotia, Canada estimated in a carved out ravine of slate rock, dating back to the glacier age. The resulting formation also provided a landscape of hills and valleys divided by seven tributaries, all flowing into our Fundy Tidal River, which rises and falls at the rate of 4 feet per hour. Evidence of our uniqueness is proven by the several names given to our area, including the first by the Mi'kmaq, which was L'sitkuk, (meaning the river), followed by the Switzerland of Nova Scotia, the Tidal Village, Village on Stilts and Artisan community.
We can also boast of at least 12 published books regarding our community growth and in just industrial paths in reference to our sawmills and shipyards.
Currently, we welcome visitors to experience our Galleries, Studios, Shops and visit our Museum located in our former Oakdene School under the shade of perhaps the largest red oak tree in Nova Scotia.
A visit to our two wineries is a must, for many as it is relaxing by our Tidal river. We also offer great fall colors, soaring eagles, and massive granite boulders viewed in the flowing tributaries.
See the many homes built on the hill sides, and the steeple of the Baptist Church extending 100 feet towards the sky.
Bring your camera and step to the past as you enjoy the present and envision our future, all part of the Bear River experience.

03/04/2026

Three families and the Ethel Clarke vessel of Bear River, Nova Scotia...
Although Bear River was discovered in 1604 it was several years before settlement began.
An invitation in 1759 by the British to loyal British subjects living in New England and known as "Planters" to settle on the fertile land left vacant by the expelled Acadians resulted in thousands of arrivals to Nova Scotia. They brought livestock and equipment to areas such as Granville across the river from Annapolis Royal. Included were Marshall families, descendants of John Marshall born in 1569 in Southmark, England. W. F. Marshall was born in Marshalltown and died in Bear River. He commanded several vessels and was also involved in the ship building industry of Bear River, as well as his son, Alpheus Marshall Sr. Alpheus' wife was Tamer Hardwick and their son was Alpheus B. Marshall born in Bear River in 1870.
The next of the three families involved in this post is the Benson family (my family). Christopher Benson was born in 1720 in Devonshire, England. He moved to New York in 1759. Christopher became the Captain of the First Independant Company of New York Rangers in 1777. His two sons were also officers in the Revolutionary war. Expecting the outcome of the war, he sent Christopher Jr. with the frame of a house, their best furniture and silver to Granville, Nova Scotia, because of their involvement as loyalists in the war, they received a total of 2300 acres of land in the Bear River area. Christopher Jr. had a son, William S. Benson, who was the father of Christopher Anderson Benson, he was born in Granville, then lived in Bear River, where he was very involved in shipbuilding as was his son Captain John Henry Benson, master ship builder.
The third family involvement in this post is the Clarke family, Camas, certainly very well acknowledged in the history of Bear River. The Clarkes were descendant of Colonel William Clarke, a native of Yorkshire, England, who came to Nova Scotia with his two sons, Richard and John. Richard Clarke had a son, Richard Clark Jr., occupation Shipbuilder. The two sons of Richard were Wallace, born in 1854 and Willard born in 1857. In 1891 Clarke brothers were noted as one of the first and most enterprising business houses in the province.
These three families of English heritage certainly shared a true involvement and understanding of shipbuilding and the sea.
SHIPPING NEWS ...
• The "Alpheus Marshall", a two masted Barque was owned by Alpheus Marshall and built by Captain John Benson in 1872.
• The "Annie J. Marshall" was also built by Captain John Benson in 1877.
• The "Castano" a 215 ton Schooner was built at the Clarke shipyard owned by Clarke brothers.
• The "Harry Stewart" a 244 ton Brigantine was owned by the Clarke brothers.
The list goes on, however, the most noted of all is the "Ethel Clarke", built at the Benson shipyard by Captain John Benson. Ethel Clark was the young daughter of Willard Clarke and Annie Marshall, who drowned near the east bank of the Bear River.
The vessel "Ethel Clarke" was the pride of the Clarke fleet. She was a 434 ton Barquentine.
• In 1892, she made a record passage from Digby to Cuba in 25 days.
• In 1895, she sailed from Bridgetown, Nova Scotia to Cuba with 460,000 board feet of lumber.
So much more could be said, however, we will end with the following.
Three families with English heritage working together with a common interest and determination resulted in their community, being near self-sufficient and being recognized in many parts of the world.

02/15/2026

Heritage Day, February 16 in Bear River, Nova Scotia, a time for review... beginning just over 420 years ago. Divided by a River that can boast of several names.
First named by the Mi'Kmaq as L'sitkuk. Then known by Champlain as St. Anthony River in 1604. Captain Simon Imbert, who explored to the "head of the tide" resulted in the river be known as Imbert's River. However, Louis Hebert, who sought to cultivate the grape vines along its banks is most credited, do to a corruption of his name to Bear River.
Early settlers, included planters and loyalists, many coming from Granville and Annapolis areas. Included in those receiving land grants were families of Miller's, Clarke's, Harris', Benson's, and Rice's plus the Waldec and Hessian German soldiers.
A directory of 1867 lists two separate communities, Bridgeport in Annapolis County and Hillsborough in Digby County with the River being the dividing line.
Marsh areas on both sides of the River were filled in using oxen hauling logs, rocks and fill, enabling the first bridge to span the Bear River with the capability of opening for ships.
The first wooden bridge was taken out by ice as was the second steel bridge in 1923.
The third bridge which some of us remember, was removed by two cranes and replaced by the present cement bridge.
Also, it should be noted on this Heritage Day that in 1867 our combined village, had a total of 26 different trades and occupations.
Are we unique yet again?
• A river of four names.
• Two communities divided by a river, making one, yet sharing two counties.
• Four River bridges in the same spot.
• 26 different trades and occupations in a village of our size in 1867.

Thanks again to all who share and comment. These posts are intended to create added interest in our community for the benefit of all.o

02/08/2026

We need to relate more to you about our Bear River, Nova Scotia trees, Understanding this post may not be as popular as the previous Red Oak tree post, which has received over 14,000 views. We sincerely wish to thank all those that helped with sharing and comments. These previous posts are intended to create added interest in our truly unique community to the benefit of all.
Although we were blessed with the majority of Nova Scotia Species of trees, we can boast of at least two additional species which have been historically recorded.
The first Cherry tree was brought here by William Sutherland, in 1783. Mr. Sutherland stated, if no monument was erected in his name, all the cherry trees would have a blight and die (many did).
Second was the Lombardi Poplar, brought here by the Waldecian soldiers from their German homeland. (see photo attached).
Additional trees included the Black Locust, native to Southeastern U.S. We have locust trees near the Riverfront in Bear River, where our vessels from the past docked. I
We also have Hackmatack here also called Tamarack in Maine.
Our shipyards used to hackmatack roots as knees in the construction of vessels.
Our vast stance of trees are responsible for our very industrious past and now are noted for the great variety of beautiful Fall foliage, as well as color variations in Spring.
A very brief indication of the past importance of our trees to our community's growth is proven by the following facts. Our trees, turned into logs, then sawn into timber, enabled the building of our homes, five churches, a School and approximately 125 vessels that shipped our timber to many parts of the world.
Clarke Brother's alone had total estimated sales of $200,000 in 1897 from their 40,000 acres. (see photo)

I hope you enjoy these posts.
Please continue to like and share.

01/27/2026

In Bear River, Nova Scotia we have a living Monument, well known to all former Bear River families as a focal point of our community. Red oak trees are the only Oak species native to Nova Scotia, as is our 'Great Oak' located in our former Oakdene School yard. For over 100 years students of the past two schools enjoyed relaxing time under or around this massive Oak tree. The majority of our school photos were taken in the area of the oak.
In 1783, a military survey recorded groves of Oak on the high ground East of the river and believed to be 60 or more years old. That would make our oak tree approximately 300 years old and if not the largest in Nova scotia, certainly very close. It is certain that no other red oak tree in the province has been enjoyed and remembered by thousands of students as has ours.
In St Augustine, Florida there is a tourist attraction the 'Old Senator' tree, considered as an historic landmark.
In Charleston, South Carolina there is 'Angel Oak' tree, listed as an historic landmark, estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old.

Conclusion: We have yet another opportunity to promote our truly unique Nova Scotia community.

01/13/2026

Our truly unique landscape has over the years resulted in our river and area being given several names, the Mi'kmaq name was "Lsitkuk" meaning, flowing along between high rocks.
Our promotional name for many years was "the Switzerland of Nova Scotia", certainly recognition to our uniqueness. Promotion included a high white sign with black letters, located near our railway station.
Our land area on the west side of the river was still referred to as
Hillsborough in 1871.
In no way can we describe the creation of our special part of the world we know as Nova Scotia as did Horatio Crowell in his "Ode to Nova Scotia" of which a copy was posted in The Chronicle Herald in 1995 under a Nova Scotia banner.
Please find attached to this post, a copy of Horatio Crowell's masterpiece in which he describes Nova Scotia as God's land with much of his description very fitting for our own very special location now known as Bear River.
To all viewers: As you read this attachment, consider the last three paragraphs as the description, well suited to our own contour of hills, valleys, babbling rocks, and the murmur of the tides.
To the viewers: As you read this attachment, consider the last three paragraphs as the description well suited to our own contour of hills, valleys, babbling brooks and the murmur of the tides.
Again, we wish to thank all those that share our posts. Our last post to date has received 10,372 views with your help.

01/03/2026

The gift of the melting glacier to our Bear River, left us with a truly unique land formation. We have seven ravines plus the river itself.
The last of the seven Ravine posts is regarding Kniffen Hollow which was named in keeping with the loyalist Kniffen family that lived in the immediate area.
In the old deeds the road branching off the Chute road is the Kniffen road.
Mary Kniffen was the mother of The Clark Brothers from her marriage to Richard Clarke. Two of the brothers were Wallace William Clarke and Willard G. Clarke. Wallace married Mary Chute, daughter of Harris Harding Chute and Elizabeth Rice. Willard married and Ann J. Marshall. These family names are the most recognized families in the history of the growth of our Bear River community.
A visit to Kniffen Hollow for a first-time visitor can be considered a true experience considering the very steep decline on both the North and South boundaries and flowing water at the extreme bottom of the elevations. Note: I have descended the North severe decline twice in my life; first in a Model A Ford about 80 years ago and secondly flying on skiis 40 years ago.
A short distance from the wooden bridge over the flowing water is our Fundy Tidal River. An old roadway along the foot of the North slope covered with a forest of tall trees invites a visit to the riverbank where North and South view is offered, all part of a truly magical experience.
We cannot write about Kniffen Hollow without special reference to Mary Marvin's Panoramic memoir describing Bear River Community life including other residents Kniffen Hollow.
In reference to the 618 page book "A Far Away Place" a quote of the description "No town has ever been so lovingly recreated, supported by a cast of hundreds. Nova Scotia's past and the people in it live again, never to be forgotten.

12/22/2025

"A Step to the Past at this Special Time of Year."
The true meaning of Christmas is becoming less and less considered as the years go by. In rural communities, like Bear River, it may be recognized to a greater degree.
Those of us that are fortunate enough to remember back 70 to 80 years to Christmases of the past, are well aware of the changes.
First, however, let us consider our forefathers of the late 1700s arriving here, recognizing the most impossible tasks ahead of them, to clear land, build homes and obtain food. It is obvious they had faith in the good Lord above, that they would be given the foresight, ability and strength to accomplish these near impossible tasks ahead.
The evidence of their prayers and thankfulness is proven by the building of five churches, all within a quarter of a mile radius of each other, in the early part of the 1800s. These Christian churches were certainly the main stay of our community. This was the pattern of many rural communities in Nova Scotia. We cannot claim uniqueness in that regard. Those of us that can remember the following years after 1945 when life was much simpler and true values were recognized, can verify our Christmas activities.
Our Oakdene school Christmas concerts with all grades participating, was a community highlight proven by standing room only. Churches had special Christmas services even Sunday school concerts. All celebrating the birth of Christ. Christmas trees were cut from nearby, woodlots and trimmed sometimes with a variety of homemade trimmings such as strung popcorn and painted pinecones with one or two strings of lights.
Our village Christmas tree was where the post office now stands. Christmas parcels and cards brought standing room only in the post office as the mail was called.
Christmas day brought families together for a very special dinner that could include chicken, turkey or duck with all the trimmings. The majority of times this would be cooked on a wood-burning stove. Christmas gifts were exchanged, which often consisted of essential clothing, boots or gloves, which we were thankful. Christmas music was supplied by radio or 78 RPM records. Children played outdoors in the snow, sleighbells were often heard, and all was so special.
At this special season of the year we have opportunity to reflect on the past, enjoy the present and cherish the future.

Sent to all, with best wishes for Christmas and the New Year!

12/08/2025

Number 5 of our Bear River Ravines is recognized as being part of the Southwest slope of Chisholm's Hill, that is notably experienced by the very steep incline on the Old River road. The top elevation of the Ravine offers a view of the Annapolis basin. This steep landscape of the North Slope of the ravine was once home to an Apple orchard. The extreme slope required the wooden ladders used by the Apple Pickers to have one leg shorter than the other. My father was an apple picker in the early 1900s. Our community has from before 1900 been recognized as the Switzerland of Nova Scotia.
In keeping, enterprising residents developed the Bear River ski slope, complete with a ski tow. The ski club was formed and supported by our community in 1964. The flowing water from the Ravine was referred to as the creek. Over which a wooden single lane bridge provided the Crossing. This also was a great spot to catch Tommy cod in the late 1940s. Where the creek water and the Bay of Fundy water meet. The Creek water also supplied a community swimming pool at the bottom of the ravine.
Number 6 Ravine originally known as Roope Valley was crossed over by a single Lane Iron Bridge at the junction of the old and the New River roads. When the highway was rebuilt in 1946 the Iron Bridge was removed. A massive amount of fill was required to cover the new six foot square, poured concrete culverts buried approximately 80 ft below the highway level to the high tide mark. The length of this culvert is approximately 100 ft.
Question to all: Are there other similar structures in Mainland Nova Scotia or are we unique in yet another way?
Overtime the outpouring of water eroded land mass resulting in a point extending well out in the river, this point known originally as Roope point is now known as Raymond's point. This area is a favorite spot for striped bass fisherman and at low tide at haven for clam diggers.
The next post will be in regard to the 7th Ravine. Our previous post to date has had 5,883 views, thanks to all those who shared. This all helps with the promotion of Bear River as the truly unique Community it is.

11/16/2025

Continuing on, in regard to our unique landscape and a bit of history, as to how our forefathers made use of the gifts that mother nature gave us.
The East branch of our river has the most recent development being established in the 1950s and known as Nova Scotia Power Gulch Hydro power plant. This infrastructure was built by the Nova Scotia Power commission and generates 6 Megawatts of electricity. The West branch of our river was home to our first power plant, developing power before 1900 and providing streetlights to our village.
This tributary was also home to a Cooperage mill, it was the Cunningham's Cooperage Mill powered by steam. It operated for several years. The land area was, and is known as the flat at the 'Head of the Tide.'
The third ravine in this post has a beginning across from our Fire department with the flowing water boasting of three names, Wade's brook, Campbell's brook, and at present Cherry Brook with it's principal water source coming from Harris Lake. At the foot of Sissiboo hill, and on the west side of this ravine, a 60° slope over 100 feet in length provided passageway for the first Baptist church building to be moved down to a new location over the running water and used as a wood working mill.
At a short distance West on the old Digby Road, a Bear River furniture factory operated.
This fourth ravine is home to the Hetterick Brook, so called by the old deeds. Christian Hetterick was a Hessian soldier arriving in the Bear River area in 1784. At this time, he became a land owner and a founding citizen of lots laid out on the Hessian line. This ravine borders on the Southeast side by Mount Hope Cemetery and onto the Northwest side by the Bear River Hill, Clementsvale Road.
This water supply was utilized by a water wheel providing power for a sawmill.
Note: History also revels the story of a distant traveler who ended his journey by placing his walking stick in the ground. This stick took root and grew into a stately willow tree not to be cut down. See the attached photo showing the mill with the tree in the center.
This post is intended to be more than a history lesson.
In the late 1700s and beyond our unique landscape was utilized by industry successfully resulting in the community, becoming near to being self-sufficient.
Where there was a will, there was a way.
Thanks again for all the comments and sharing regarding these posts.
Our previous post regarding "Uniqueness" received 4704 views to date.

11/10/2025

In commemoration of November 11th
Veterans at the Bear River Royal Canadian Legion Br.22
Photo taken in the early 1970’s

10/27/2025

More in regard to the true uniqueness of our Bear River community and the Bear River.
Our geological landscape created millions of years ago by the melting glacier, blessed us with a relatively narrow river valley that extends slightly over 4 miles inland as a Bay of Fundy tidal river, running in a south to north direction.
At the head of the tide, the river is divided to the east and west branches, delivering fresh water.
In addition to the main river branches, there are five additional 'Tributaries'.
Each with their own ravine, contributing to our unique landscape.
The continual running water in many of the tributaries has exposed a great crop of large granite boulders left by the glacier.
The glacier also blessed us with a string of lakes, now catch basins approximately 500 feet above in elevation.
We also have in our backcountry a 'Drumlin' as our own monument of the glacier age.
Our landscape of hills, valleys and waterways has been and is a principal asset and draw to the area as recognized by the Mi'kmaq thousands of years ago.
The river ravine, boosts of massive slate rock banks, exceeding 45° elevation, and reaching a nearby height of 300 to 400 feet, except below the high tide mark... little of the slate rock is visible as it is now covered with topsoil and a mixture of soft and hard wood trees. Bear River Village and River has over the years been referred to as the most unique small community in Nova Scotia.
Please help us prove that — Future posts will attempt to identify added uniqueness!
All comments appreciated.
Please continue to share, thanks to all! Remember, Bear River is a step to the past.

BEAR RIVER - Times & Tides

04/13/2026

03/04/2026

02/15/2026

02/08/2026

01/27/2026

01/13/2026

01/03/2026

12/22/2025

12/08/2025

11/16/2025

11/10/2025

10/27/2025

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