Melmerby Beach Provincial Park facts for kids
Melmerby Beach Provincial Park is a super cool provincial park located in Little Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada. It's a fantastic spot for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors.
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About Melmerby Beach
Melmerby Beach Provincial Park is found on Nova Scotia's beautiful North Shore. It faces the Northumberland Strait, which is known for having some of the warmest ocean water in Canada! The park is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) northeast of New Glasgow.
This beach is a long, sandy stretch, about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long. It connects two areas called Kings Head and Roy Island. The provincial park was officially created on July 26, 1977.
How the Beach Got Its Name
The beach got its name from a sailing ship called the Melmerby. In 1890, this ship was traveling from Quebec when it sadly wrecked at the beach. Many lives were lost in the accident. Before the Melmerby sank, the beach was actually called King's Head Beach.
Melmerby Beach was one of the first 15 beaches in Nova Scotia to have lifeguards. The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service (NSLS) has kept swimmers safe here for a long time.
Why Visit Melmerby Beach?
This Nova Scotian beach is truly beautiful! With its lovely shoreline on the Northumberland Strait, it's famous for its warm water. Many visitors say it's one of the best beaches in Nova Scotia.
Melmerby Beach Provincial Park has everything you need for a fun day. There's a lifeguard service to keep everyone safe while swimming. You'll also find clean public toilets, showers to rinse off the salt, and plenty of parking. All these things make Melmerby Beach a perfect place to visit!
Interesting Discoveries and Events
Melmerby Beach has been in the local New Glasgow newspaper quite a few times for interesting reasons!
Shark Sighting
In November 2013, a large blue shark was found washed up on the beach. Scientists from the Bedford Institute of Oceanography confirmed it was a blue shark. While blue sharks are common in Canadian waters, it's rare to see them in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in November.
Remembering the Melmerby
In August 2015, the story of the ship Melmerby was remembered. A special plaque was put up at the beach. This plaque helps people learn about the beach's history and the ship it's named after.
Big Bone Found
In October 2017, a really long bone, about 22 inches (56 cm) long, was discovered on the beach. A zoologist from the Museum of Natural History identified it. It turned out to be a cleithrum bone from a Bluefin tuna!
Winter Swim
In December 2017, an informal "polar swim" was planned at Melmerby Beach. This event was organized by the local YMCA, and everyone was invited to take a chilly dip in the ocean!
Images for kids
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Entry to Melmerby Beach
