Long Island,one of Nova Scotia's most spectacular natural regions.

The drive along Digby Neck to Long Island and Brier Island on Route 217 follows this narrow ribbon of land as it juts far out into the waters of the Bay of Fundy. The bay's great tides have created a rich ecosystem that supports an abundance of wildlife including great numbers of whales and seabirds. The area has become famous for its whale- and seabird-watching tours, and the land is an environmental treasure that offers spectacular panoramas of rocky headlands and tide-carved coastline. The road winds through timeless small fishing villages along this route such as Sandy Cove, Mink Cove and Little River. It takes two ferries to reach Brier Island. Both operate hourly, 24 hours a day, year-round; trips are less than 10 minutes. The first leaves East Ferry on the half-hour for Tiverton (pop. 261), on Long Island, an important fishing port which was settled in 1785. Tiverton offers whale-watching tours. Tiverton Islands Museum and visitor information centre is located in the village.

The world-famous "Balancing Rock," a spectacular columnar basaltic sea stack, is also on Long Island.

At the other end of the island is Freeport (pop.400), founded in 1784. Freeport Harbour has a large fleet of lobster and fishing boats, and wonderful scenery. There are several picnic spots with lookoffs where you can watch whales and other marine life. Another ferry crosses on the hour from Freeport to Westport on Brier island.