Summer 2018 NCC Magazine

BOOTS ON
THE TRAIL
Taking in the view
Incredible wildlife viewing awaits those who make the trek
to the Brier Island Nature Reserve on the Bay of Fundy
Red-necked phalaropes
It’s not a quick trip, no matter where you
leave from, but Brier Island (population
200) is worth the journey. Perched on
the westernmost point of Nova Scotia, Brier
Island is one of the top destinations in Atlantic
Canada for nature lovers. The property is two
ferry rides from the mainland and a four-hour
drive from Halifax. In summer, the island is
a whale watching hot spot. Popular boat tours
take visitors out to see humpback, finback
and minke whales feeding and frolicking in
the rich waters of the Bay of Fundy, known
for the world’s highest tides.
Brier Island is also famous for its diversity
of birds: more than 300 species have been
identified at this globally significant Important
Bird Area, due to the island’s prime location
on the Atlantic Flyway. Brier Island is one of
the most important locations in North America
for sea birds such as phalaropes — both the
red and red-necked species of this shorebird.
Shearwaters, gannets, razorbills, puffins
and kittiwakes are also common. In the fall,
thousands of hawks migrate through the area.
VIEWS FOR AGES
All this bird and marine life makes for an
unforgettable hiking spot. NCC has protected
1,200 acres (490 hectares) on Brier Island.
This is equivalent to about one-third of the
island. NCC’s nature reserve includes
a four-kilometre linear hiking trail along the
island’s spectacular, rocky south coast. Make
your way along cobble beaches, across low,
rocky cliffs and over boardwalk-covered
bogs. Vertical rock columns of basalt, formed
by ancient lava flows, add another layer to
this complex and stunning Atlantic coastline.
Western Light — one of three lighthouses
on Brier Island — can be seen from the trail.
Near Westport, at Southern Point, there is
a memorial to Joshua Slocum. Slocum spent
his boyhood on Brier Island. In the 1890s, he
became the first person to sail alone around
the world.
NCC. PHALAROPES: MARKUS VARESVUO/MINDEN PICTURES.
6 SUMMER 2018 natureconservancy.ca