LaHave River facts for kids

The LaHave River is a 97-kilometer (60-mile) long river in Nova Scotia, Canada. It starts in Annapolis County and flows all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Along its path, the river goes through several communities. It separates LaHave and Riverport. It also flows past the Fairhaven Peninsula and cuts through the town of Bridgewater. The river then widens into an estuary (where the river meets the sea) before reaching the ocean.

The ocean's tides affect the river's water level for about 20 kilometers (12 miles) upstream. The LaHave River is a popular spot for tourists. Many people enjoy sailing here. You can cross the river using two bridges in Bridgewater or by a special cable ferry in the community of LaHave.

The river and nearby places were named by Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons in 1604. He named them after Cap de la Hève in France. Later, the name was changed slightly to LaHave.

River History

Early Conflicts

During the American Revolution (a war for independence), the LaHave River area saw some action. In March 1780, local groups in Lunenburg captured American prisoners and a ship on the river. They took the ship back to Lunenburg and sold it.

A month later, in April 1780, the Lunenburg militia (a group of 35 local men) and a British ship captured another American ship near the LaHave River. During this event, the leader of the militia was killed. Two crew members from the British ship were also hurt.

In September 1780, a British ship called the Brig Observer chased two small American ships onto the shore at LaHave. The crews of these American ships escaped into the woods.

Lumber and Fishing

Later, the LaHave River became a very important place for cutting timber and building ships. Many large ships were built along the river. One famous ship was the clipper ship Stag.

The river has also become a popular spot for salmon fishing. Fishermen often visit from mid-May to early July. In 2011, about 21,907 people lived in the area around the LaHave River.

Protecting the River

In 2017, scientists noticed a problem. An invasive fish called the chain pickerel was eating young salmon. This threatened the salmon fishing in the river.

Also in 2017, the government provided $12 million to help clean up the river water. This money was used to improve how sewage was treated before it went into the river. However, in 2018, a broken sewage pipe in Bridgewater caused more pollution in the river.

Images for kids

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  Fort Point Museum, LaHave, Nova Scotia

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  An intrepid at rest in Riverport

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  A postcard showing King Street