Digby, Nova Scotia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Digby
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An aerial view of Digby
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| Nickname(s):
"The Scallop Capital of The World"
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 Digby, Nova Scotia
Location in Nova Scotia
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| Country | Canada | |
| Province | Nova Scotia | |
| County | Digby | |
| Founded | June 1783 | |
| Incorporated | February 25, 1890 | |
| Electoral Districts Federal |
West Nova |
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| Provincial | Digby-Annapolis | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Town Council | |
| Area
(2016)
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| • Total | 3.16 km2 (1.22 sq mi) | |
| Highest elevation | 152 m (499 ft) | |
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) | |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 2,001 | |
| • Density | 634.0/km2 (1,642/sq mi) | |
| • Change (2016-21) |  2.9% |
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| • Dwellings | 1,133 (1,030 occupied) | |
| Demonym(s) | Digbyite | |
| Time zone | UTC-4 (AST) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-3 (ADT) | |
| Canadian Postal code |
B0V 1A0
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| Area code(s) | 902 | |
| Telephone Exchange | 245 | |
| Median Earnings* | 28,551 | |
| Website | footnotes = *Median household income, 2005 (all households) | |
Digby is a town located in southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada. It is famous for its scallop fishing fleet and is sometimes called "The Scallop Capital of The World." The town sits on the western side of the Annapolis Basin, close to where it connects to the Bay of Fundy. A ferry service, the MV Fundy Rose, links Digby to Saint John, New Brunswick.
Contents
Discovering Digby's Past
The Mi'kmaq people, who are the original inhabitants of this land, called the area Oositookun. This name means "ear of land." In the 1760s, some settlers from New England arrived and named the area Conway.
How Digby Got Its Name
The town of Digby was officially settled in June 1783. This happened when United Empire Loyalists arrived, led by Sir Robert Digby. The town was named after him.
Shipping and Railways
In the 1800s, Digby became important for shipping. One famous ship from Digby was the Dei Gratia. This brigantine discovered the mysterious ship Mary Celeste in 1872. Later, in the 1890s, the Dominion Atlantic Railway came to Digby. This made the town a major transportation hub. Trains connected with steamships like the City of Monticello and the SS Princess Helene.
Admiral Digby Museum
You can learn more about Digby's history at the Admiral Digby Museum. It is located in the old Woodrow/Dakin home, which is one of the oldest houses in town. The museum faces the harbour.
Fun Things to Do in Digby
Tourism has been a big part of Digby for a long time. It became popular when railways and steamships made it easy for people to visit from other cities.
Digby Pines Resort
The Digby Pines Resort was built in 1905. It became a major attraction for visitors. Famous people, like early film star Theda Bara, even spent their honeymoons there. The resort has grown over the years and is still a key part of tourism in Digby. Many other hotels and inns also welcome visitors.
Scallop Days Festival
Every year, in the first week of August, Digby hosts the Scallop Days Festival. This festival celebrates the town's fishing and tourism industries. It's a great way to learn about Digby's history and heritage. You can enjoy fun activities like scallop shucking contests, a parade, and art shows.
Wharf Rat Rally
Since 2004, Digby has been the home of the Wharf Rat Rally. This is the biggest motorcycle rally in Atlantic Canada. Thousands of motorcycles and people visit the town during this event. It happens every year on the weekend of Labour Day in late August or early September.
Digby's Fishing Industry
Fishing has always been very important to Digby's economy. In the early 1900s, the town was known for its schooner fishery. Today, fishing for scallops is a main activity. Digby is famous for its delicious scallops!
Important Services in Digby
Digby has important services for its residents.
Public Safety
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has a station on Victoria Street. They help keep the community safe.
Healthcare
The Digby General Hospital on Warwick Street provides medical care. This includes emergency care, primary care, and other health services.
Where is Digby?
Digby is located about 105 km (65 mi) from Yarmouth. It is also about 230 km (143 mi) from Downtown Halifax.
Digby's Population Over Time
| Historical population | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1901 | 1,150 | — |
| 1911 | 1,247 | +8.4% |
| 1921 | 1,230 | −1.4% |
| 1931 | 1,412 | +14.8% |
| 1941 | 1,657 | +17.4% |
| 1951 | 2,047 | +23.5% |
| 1956 | 2,145 | +4.8% |
| 1961 | 2,308 | +7.6% |
| 1981 | 2,558 | +10.8% |
| 1986 | 2,525 | −1.3% |
| 1991 | 2,311 | −8.5% |
| 1996 | 2,199 | −4.8% |
| 2001 | 2,111 | −4.0% |
| 2006 | 2,092 | −0.9% |
| 2011 | 2,152 | +2.9% |
| 2016 | 2,060 | −4.3% |
| 2021 | 2,001 | −2.9% |
In the 2021 Census, Digby had a population of 2,001 people. This was a small decrease from its population of 2,060 in 2016. The town has a land area of 3.16 km (1.22 sq mi).
Famous People from Digby
- Pop Smith, a major league baseball player
- Maud Lewis, one of Canada's best-known folk artists
Local Resources
Public Library
- Isaiah W. Wilson Memorial Library; Digby
Parks and Recreation
- Annapolis Basin Provincial Park
- Central Grove Provincial Park
- Digby Campground and Fun Park
- Digby Parks & Recreation
- Lake Midway Provincial Park
Images for kids
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Main Street of Digby.
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Harbour of Digby.
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Balancing Rock near Digby.
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Tidal Boatworks, Digby 2008.
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Mist on Digby bay.
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