Brier Island facts for kids
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Brier Island is a small island located in the Bay of Fundy in Digby County, Nova Scotia. It is known for its beautiful scenery and important wildlife.
Contents
Discovering Brier Island's Geography
Brier Island is the westernmost part of Nova Scotia. It sits at the southern end of the North Mountain ridge. Nearby is Long Island, which is just to the northeast. Both islands are part of an area called the Digby Neck.
How Big is Brier Island?
Brier Island is about 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) long and 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) wide. The island is made mostly of a type of rock called basalt. Its shoreline stretches for about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles).
Grand Passage and Westport Village
A narrow stretch of water called the Grand Passage separates Brier Island from Long Island. This passage is only about 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) wide. The only village on Brier Island is Westport. In 2016, about 218 people lived there.
Why is Brier Island Called That?
Some people believe the island got its name from the wild brier roses that grow there. Another idea is that it was named "Bryer's" after a sea captain from New England. He was one of the first settlers to spend time on the island.
Life and Work on Brier Island
The economy of Brier Island relies on two main things: fishing and tourism. Fishing happens all year round, providing jobs for many islanders. During certain seasons, tourists visit for whale watching tours.
Local Businesses and Travel
On the island, you can find a general store called R. E. Robicheau Ltd. It has a gas pump, a gift shop, and a café. There is also a hotel, the Brier Island Lodge, and several bed and breakfasts. You can even find a used book store and other gift shops.
To get to Brier Island, you take a ferry from Freeport on Long Island. This ferry is run by the government.
Lighthouses and Shipwrecks
Brier Island often experiences fog. Because of this, there have been 57 recorded shipwrecks around the island. People sometimes say the island has "a lighthouse per mile." There are lighthouses at the northern and western ends of the island. The Peter Island lighthouse is also nearby in Grand Passage. All these lighthouses are automated and operated by the Canadian Coast Guard.
The Canadian Coast Guard also has a station in Westport. Their rescue boat, the CCGC Westport, is ready 24/7 to help with search and rescue missions in the nearby waters.
Famous People and Nature
Brier Island was the childhood home of Joshua Slocum. He was the first person to sail alone around the world! You can see a monument to Slocum and the boot shop where he worked in Westport.
Unique Plants and Animals
Brier Island is an important stopover point for migrating sea birds. Many different kinds of birds rest there during their long journeys. The island is also home to a special and rare plant called the Eastern mountain avens. This plant is considered endangered.
Images for kids
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Brier Island Lighthouse
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Looking down the pier on Brier Island, 2003
