Restoration of the Bear River Lighthouse
and creation of the Smith’s Cove Lighthouse Park
In November of 2021 the Smith’s Cove Historical Society entered into a Licence Agreement with the Municipality of Digby for the restoration of the lighthouse and development of the lands on which the lighthouse is located. Our vision is the creation of the Smith’s Cove Lighthouse Park, a community green space for the use and enjoyment of our residents and visitors to the area. The Society started fundraising for the Project in late 2021 and raised sufficient funds to complete Phase 1 of the project (restoration of the Lighthouse and clearing the land of 20 years of over growth) and to begin Phase 2 of the project which involves setting walking trails, landscaping and the installation of seating for visitors while visiting the park. Phase 3 of the project will see additional landscaping and installation of information boards about the Lighthouse and its keepers.
We were fortunate to receive a donated decommissioned Coast Guard Light which was installed in the Lighthouse on October 14, 2022. The Lighthouse now once again casts a light for a few hours every evening for the first time in 30 plus years!
The Park is located adjacent to the eastern terminus of the Digby Trails system which will provide access to the site for walkers, runners, cyclists, horseback riders and ATVs. Public parking is currently under construction at the Old Bear River Train Station site. From there it is a short 10 minute walk along the rail bed trail to the Lighthouse.
Come and check out the Lighthouse and the Park under development.
We are very excited!