Explore Central
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Explore Central is a collaborative project spearheaded by the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Downtown Truro Partnership, Municipality of the County of Colchester, Town of Truro, Town of Stewiacke, and Millbrook Heritage & Cultural Centre. The goal of this project is to promote the Central Nova Scotia region to locals and tourists from within Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Provinces.
The Town of Stewiacke encourages all visitors to not only explore our beautiful town but to be sure to see all the fun and exciting things that the County of Colchester and surrounding areas have to offer.
Check out Explore Central and the Official Town of Stewiacke YouTube channel.
History of Stewiacke
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The Meaning of Stewiacke
Stewiacke was named in the language of the local Mi'kmaq First Nations and is a word meaning "flowing out in small streams" and "winding river" or "whimpering or whining as it goes".[5] During the French and Indian War, the British built Fort Ellis in the area to protect New England Planters from Mi'kmaq raids.
In the 1900’s the chief of the Mi'kmaq First Nations at Millbrook said the native name for this place was pronounced “Ah-seed-ee-a-waac” which means “place where the sands move” which then slurred to “Stew-aack” then pronounced as we pronounce it today. Waterways were the main means of travel for long distances or transporting heavy loads until the late eighteenth century. For the ones who traveled on foot, the Mi'kmaq trails followed the ways making detours to important places. The trails were given the name “Green Road”. The Trail was due north from where the present highways now cross Main Street to the river.
“Winding River” has been a subject of great length of research. Apparently, it first appeared in a local newspaper in 1920. There does not seem to be a connection between “Stewiacke” and “Winding River”. However, it is possible that it was translated from the French from “Siktaweak” to present “Stewiacke” “River of Shifting Sands” is the first meaning.
The “Holesworth” house was built in 1839, which is the oldest standing house and is located directly across from the Guardian Drug Store.
The local phone system was owned by Alfred Dickie Lumber Company. By 1907, there were more than twenty phones in the area, which was known as the Dickie Line. There were board sidewalks, which were built mostly over the storm drains and on one side of the road. In the early years, there was a one-room schoolhouse with two teachers.
The plebiscite favourable to the incorporation of the Town of Stewiacke was held on August 11, 1906. The first meeting was held on December 15 1906 in the old Chippawa Hall. In 1912 the Stewiacke Electric Light and Power Company was given a charter to sell power to the public in the town and during 1912, the first twenty electric streetlights were installed.
The first Town Council in 1906 consisted of the following: Stipendiary G.W. Marshall, Deputy Mayor H.D. Hawbolt, Mayor Alfred Dickie, E.H. MacGregor, Fred Nelson, David Meadows, Milton Crowe, Henry Taylor and Town Clerk Harry C. Campbell.
Halfway between the Equator and the North Pole
Stewiacke is noted as being located halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. Calculations to determine this were done in 1937 by Geostat Canada.
Controversy in the past over this claim stems from the fact that the Earth is not a perfect sphere, and therefore the halfway mark lies approximately 16 km North of the 45th parallel.
A short distance from downtown Stewiacke is a marker indicating the true halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole. You might think halfway point would be at the 45th N Latitude, but because the earth is spherical, it actually lies a little further north and very near Mastodon Ridge.
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Plan a Day Trip to Stewiacke
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Relaxing Summer Fun for the Whole Family
Who doesn’t love taking a summer drive to visit a new place? If you start out on the #2 highway, with Stewiacke as your destination, you’ll find just what you need.
In addition to the beautiful countryside, you’ll see rolling hills, endless farmland, and unique spots like the Meadows Two Rivers Tidal Bore Viewing Area where you will see the confluence of the Shubenacadie and Stewiacke rivers, view eagles and see a tidal bore and so much more…
Once you arrive in Stewiacke, be sure to stop for a quick coffee and breakfast at one of the many local spots like Tim Hortons, Robins or Subway or stop in for a coffee and a treat at Big River Café.
Spend the morning strolling the many scenic trails in the area, including Stewiacke River Country Trail and the John Crawford Trail. If your four-legged friends are with you, be sure to visit the Barking Lot, located at the recreation fields as part of the River Country Trail. You can walk your dog off-leash in a fenced-in area, including a separate section for smaller dogs.
There are Many Options
After grabbing a quick lunch at one of the many options near Mastodon Ridge, at Exit 11, be sure to get in some shopping at the Stewiacke Gift Boutique and enjoy a local beverage at Coldstream Clear.
The kids are sure to love the new SplashPad located in Dennis Park in downtown Stewiacke for a wet and wild afternoon of fun and excitement. Dennis Park also has an extensive children’s playground, basketball court, workout area and a walking track.
If golf is your thing be sure to book a quick 9 or full 18 holes at the Fox Hollow Golf Course and enjoy delicious snacks or a full meal and drinks in their fully licensed clubhouse.
Be sure to book an end-of-day, relaxing spa treatment at the Abalone Retreat before having dinner off the vast, popular menu at Whistlers Pub, while enjoying some live entertainment.
And don’t forget to fill your car up with gas at Exit 11 on your way back out of town.
If you’d like to make a night of it, consider staying at the Nelson House Bed & Breakfast, or the Trinity Airbnb.
Craft Beer, Wines & Spirits
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Locally owned and operated, Coldstream Clear Distillery is excited to share with you Nova Scotia’s best-tasting spirits! Their premium products include Whiskey, Rum, Vodka and a variety of seasonal flavours. Stop by their Distillery store at Mastodon Ridge and discover their quality products for yourself. Learn more online at ColdstreamClear.com. Be sure to follow them on social media.
Hours
For more information visit Coldstream or call (902) 956-3393.
Accommodations
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The Nelson House
Beautiful Bed & Breakfast with a location that is an ideal home base for exploring many Nova Scotia holiday attractions in easy day trips.
They also offer vacation package ideas for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Bed & Breakfast was built in 1905 for Fred Nelson, a past mayor of the town of Stewiacke and is one of the oldest buildings in Stewiacke.
Check out more at The Nelson House.
The Trinity Airbnb - Former Church Converted into Open Concept Home
Located in the quaint town of Stewiacke, touted as halfway between the north pole and equator, this former church has been converted into a beautiful open concept home where century charm meets modern style.
Visit The Trinity - Airbnb
The Coach House Air B&B
Come stay at one of the oldest homes in Stewiacke! 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms Airbnb House in Stewiacke, NS, Canada.
Dining
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Whistlers Pub
A Great Place To Eat And Meet For More Than 20 Years
Whistlers feature a clean, bright, friendly atmosphere…perfect for families, get-togethers and group events. Whistlers has an extensive menu featuring great steaks, seafood, burgers and just about anything else you're craving. Pop in for a quick lunch or a full dinner.
For hours and a full menu go to Whistlers Pub.
Big River Café
"We are a small cafe in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia. We specialize in local and homemade. Our goal is to take the time to create special, meaningful moments for everyone who walks up to our window. So come enjoy a coffee, tea, baked good, or ice cream on our deck."
For hours and a full menu go to Big River Cafe.
Frank’s Pizza
Home of the Oka…the biggest donair in Nova Scotia and amazing hand-tossed pizza, Franks has been a local staple for the last 35 years.
Online Menu
902 639-2122
Robins Donuts
Robin’s offers the finest coffee, along with other specialty drinks such as our iced cappuccino. With a full breakfast, fresh handmade baked goods and sandwiches are prepared on site such as donuts, muffins, cinnamon buns and other baked goods.
Subway
Your local Stewiacke Subway® Restaurant, located at 48 Main Street brings new bold flavours along with old favourites to satisfied guests every day. We deliver these mouth-watering flavours with our famous Footlongs, 6” sandwiches, wraps and salads. And we offer a variety of ways to order—quick and easy in the app or online, convenient delivery, come into your neighbourhood shop for an in-restaurant meal, or pick up curbside. We’re proud to offer a change from the same old fast food with fresh-cut veggies and toppings with protein choices, fresh-baked bread and let’s not forget cookies! And we’re happy to help you with any catering needs as well. All Subway® Restaurants are independently owned and operated by business owners who employ talented Sandwich Artists™.
Jessy’s Pizza
Jessy's Pizza Stewiacke provides a high-quality pizza, donairs and more made to perfection. Come in and experience our unmatched service and food.
The Fox Den Restaurant
Located on the second floor of the Fox Hollow Golf Course clubhouse, The Fox Den Restaurant overlooks our 9th and 18th holes. Fully licensed and featuring a full menu of appetizers and entrees, join us for a bite after your round or enjoy a night out.
- 11 AM - 7 PM on Wednesday, and Friday.
- 11 AM - 9:00 PM on Thursday. Wing Night starts at 4 PM.
- 10 AM- 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
- Closed Monday & Tuesday
Red Wagon Local & Ice Cream Shop
Join us on the Upper Deck of Mastodon Ridge and enjoy your favourite ice cream. We have a great selection! Choose from 24 delicious flavours. Be sure to try our Atlantic Bubble-Bubble Gum ice cream!
To keep up to date, check out our Mastodon Ridge website and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Hours – 11 AM – 7 PM (Summer)
KFC/Taco Bell
A fixture in Stewiacke and Mastodon Ridge for decades, the Stewiacke KFC/Taco Bell is the largest in Atlantic Canada! Anxious to taste the Colonel’s chicken or dive into your favourite taco? The folks at KFC/Taco Bell are ready to serve you!
Visit KFC/Taco Bell or call (902) 639-2244
Tim Hortons
Located at Mastodon Ridge, the Stewiacke Tim Hortons is one of the largest in Atlantic Canada! With an extensive selection of fresh baked goods including donuts, muffins, and home-style sandwiches, they have something for everyone. Of course, no day is complete without a cup of Tim Hortons coffee.
Hours – Open 24 hours a day
Stewiacke Gift Boutique and Tea Room
Come in for a selection of tea, sandwiches and treats along with local crafts and gifts!
