The city is named for Sir Robert Digby, a British admiral whose command transported 1,500 Loyalists from New England in 1783. The Admiral's Well, dug in the 19th century, is on the admiral's original property near the entrance to Fisherman's Wharf. John Edison, great-grandfather of Thomas Alva Edison, was among the early settlers, many of whom are buried in the Old Loyalist Graveyard and Trinity Anglican Church Cemetery.
One of the most popular areas in the Atlantic Provinces, Digby is home to one of the largest scallop fleets in the world. It also is gateway to a region of spectacular beauty, Digby Neck and Islands. The narrow ribbon of land known as Digby Neck juts far out into the Bay of Fundy, providing breathtaking views and one of North America's best whale-watching areas.
South on Digby Neck along scenic Rte. 217 is Sandy Cove, a popular spot for painters, photographers, and whale- and bird-watchers. Farther south are the towns of Tiverton on Long Island and Westport on Brier Island; both can be reached by car ferry.
Side trips from Digby lead to the village of Bear River, Point Prim on the Bay of Fundy and St. Mary's Bay. Digby is the northern terminus of scenic Hwy. 101, which follows the coast of St. Mary's Bay south to Yarmouth.
Bay Ferries Ltd. provides year-round car and passenger service from Digby to Saint John, New Brunswick, aboard the Fundy Rose. Reservations for the 3-hour crossing are highly recommended and must be picked up 1 hour prior to sailing time; phone (902) 245-2116 or (888) 249-7245.
Visitor Centers
Digby Tourism 147 First Ave. Digby, NS B0V 1A0. Phone:(902)245-4769 or (888)463-4429