Welcome Home
Congratulations on making the South Shore your new home!
This page is here as a support for you before, during, and after your move. From links to resources to testimonials from doctors who have gone through the move themselves, we hope to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Resources
Moving to a new community (or country) is hard, we are here to help! Below is a summary of information and resources you may need moving to the South Shore in one convenient location. But if you have any further needs or questions, please reach out!
Finding Housing
If you need additional support finding housing, please reach out. We often have connections with local realtors and unique renting opportunities.
Buying:
A great place to start when looking to buy a home is to find a local realtor. One place to find realtors in the South Shore is Realtor.ca.
Places to find listings:
-
- ViewPoint (their map is great)
- Zillow
- Point2 Homes (Real-Estate)
Renting:
Places to find listings:
-
- Point2 Homes (Renting)
- Facebook Marketplace (an online marketplace but you will find listings directly from owners/property managers for rentals, also a great place to find secondhand furniture, do be careful of occasional scammers though)
- Kijiji (same as Facebook Marketplace)
Utilities and Waste Collection
Electric
- All electrical is supplied by Nova Scotia Power, request a power connection online here or by calling 1-800-428-6230
Home Internet and Cellular
- Recommended Internet Providers: Bell Fibe and Eastlink
- Recommended Cell Providers: Bell, Telus (same towers as Bell), Rogers, Eastlink (only a few towers, but will piggyback off Bell and Rogers)
Tip: Get recommendations from locals/next door neighbors to avoid service dead spots
Waste Collection
- For all Communities (besides Hubbards in the HRM): South Shore – Region 6 (link for collection schedule, just scroll all the way down)
- For the half of Hubbards in the HRM: Halifax Regional Municipality (link for collection schedule and sorting guides bellow it)
Government Offices
Closest in Bridgewater
Services: Social Insurance Number (SIN) Application, Passport, access Job Bank, Employment Insurance, Benefits Finder, Canada Child Benefit, and more
Closest in Bridgewater
Services: Driver Examination & Testing, Identification Card, Land Registration, Marriage License, Registry of Joint Stock Companies, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Residential Tenancies
Health Care
MSI
From Nova Scotia’s MSI Home Page: “Nova Scotia’s Health Insurance Programs are designed to provide eligible residents with coverage for medically required hospital, medical, dental and optometric services with some restrictions. Please carry your signed Nova Scotia Health Card with you at all times. You must present it each time you need insured hospital or physician services.”
To register for a health card in Nova Scotia, you must contact the MSI Registration and Inquiry Department at 902-496-7008 or at 1-800-563-8880 (toll free within Canada), to start the application process.
For more information on the application process and required documents visit their website here.
Doctors NS
From Doctors Nova Scotia’s Health and Dental Plan page: “Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) offers its members a comprehensive health and dental plan administered by Canada Life.” For more information on this plan, see the Get to Know Your Health and Dental Plan booklet.
Other Noteworthy Benefits and Services: Physician Wellness which includes the Professional Support Program
Schools and Child Care
Tip: For public schools, reach out to the South Shore Regional Centre for Education, they are extremely helpful!
To figure out which public school catchment area you live in, you can look at the Catchment Area Map or enter your specific address in the school board website here.
Lunenburg
Schools
- Bluenose Academy (Grades P-9) Public
Childcare
- Lunenburg Day Care Centre (Ages 3m – 12yrs) Full and Part-Day, Special needs children accepted
- Family Matters – Family Home Child Care Agency Lunenburg County Ages and availability subject to change, usually ages 6m – 12yrs
Bridgewater
Schools
- Bridgewater Elementary School (Grades P-4) Public, Optional French Immersion Program
- Newcombville Elementary School (Grades P-5) Public
- West Northfield Elementary School (Grades P-6) Public
- Pentz Elementary School (Grades P-6) Public
- Hebbville Academy (Grades P-9) Public
- Bridgewater Junior High School (Grades 5-9) Public, Optional French Immersion Program
- Park View Education Centre (Grades 10-12) Public, Optional French Immersion Program
- Ecole de la Rive-Sud (Grades P-12) Public, Francophone Acadian school
- Nova Scotia Community College (Post-Secondary) The college offers Advanced Education and Job Training in the trades, technical, technological and applied art fields.
Child Care
- Bridgewater Day Care Centre (Ages 4m-10yrs)
- Lunenburg County YMCA Daycare
- Small World Learning Centre (Ages 18m-12yrs)
- Centre de la Petite Enfance – Rive Sud (Ages 18m-5yrs) French Immersion
Chester
Schools
- Chester District School (Grades P-4) Public
- Chester Area Middle School (Grades 5-8) Public
- Forest Heights Community School (Grades 9-12) Public
Child Care
- Chester Family Resource Centre (Ages 6m-School Age)
Hubbards
Schools
- Aspotogan Consolidated Elementary School (Grades P-5)
Child Care
- Through the Years Early Learning Centre (Ages 5m-12yrs)
Mahone Bay
Schools
- Bayview Community School (Grades P-9) Public
- South Shore Waldorf School (Grades P-9) Private
New Germany
Schools
- New Germany Elementary School (Grades P-6) Public
- New Germany Rural High School (7-12) Public
Pets
- Vet’s offices (inc emergency 24hr vets)
- Other info needed for owning pets (ex. Lunenburg registration)
Recreation
Clubs and activities change all the time, so make sure to double check websites if information here is no longer up to date.
There are so many opportunities that there is no way we could cover them all, so here are some places to check for more: South Shore Connect – Recreation Guide
Lunenburg
Gyms/Yoga studios
- Bluezone Wellness & Fitness – Gym, Personal Training, Strength Training, Cardio, Various Fitness Classes, Yoga
- Lincoln Street Studio – Yoga and Other Classes, Online Classes through Ely Health, Drop-In Availability, Free Running Club, Boutique
- Blockhouse Yoga and Wellness – In-person and Online Yoga Classes, Drop-In Availability, Occasional Community Classes and Events
- emOcean Wellness Center – Indoor Heated Saltwater Pool (Lane Swimming, Family Swim, Aqua Fit and Aqua Yoga Classes), Spa, Massage Therapy, Physiotherapy, Hair Studio, Infrared Sauna, and more
- Lunenburg Community Center – Weight Room, Climbing Wall, Open Gym (for Basketball, Pickleball, etc.), Studio Space with Various Privately Run Classes
Sports Clubs and Activities
- Lunenburg Community Center – Drop-In Pickleball, Women’s Pickleball, Badminton
- Lunenburg Tennis Club – Free Use of 3 Courts, Weekly Social Competitive Events, Workshops and Lessons
- Bluenose Golf Club – 9-Hole Course, Membership Options (including Junior), Public Restaurant
- Lunenburg Curling Club – Classes, Competitive Leagues, Relaxed Social Curling Events
- Lunenburg Yacht Club – Clubhouse, Various Marine Services, Membership Options, Keelboat Racing, Dinghy Racing, Women’s Sailing, Rowing (Learn-to-Row Class Available)
- Pajo’s Bowling – Men’s League, Women’s League, Mixed League
Other Activities
- Rotary Club of Lunenburg
- Lunenburg & Area Garden Club
- Wednesday Night Trivia at The Knot Pub
- The Montague Street Book Club
Bridgewater
Gyms/Yoga studios
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Sports Clubs and Activities
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Other Activities
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
- South Shore Players – Theater Troupe
Chester
Gyms/Yoga studios
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Sports Clubs and Activities
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Other Activities
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Hubbards
Gyms/Yoga studios
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Sports Clubs and Activities
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Other Activities
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Mahone Bay
Gyms/Yoga studios
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Sports Clubs and Activities
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Other Activities
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
New Germany
Gyms/Yoga studios
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Sports Clubs and Activities
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Other Activities
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Family Recreation
Clubs and activities change all the time, so make sure to double check websites if information here is no longer up to date.
There are so many opportunities that there is no way we could cover them all, so here are some places to check for more: South Shore Connect – Recreation Guide
Lunenburg
Kids Activities / Sports
-
- Summer Swim Lessons and Swim Team: Lunenburg and District Pool
- Summer Tennis Lessons: Lunenburg Tennis Club
- Sailing Lessons/Summer Camp: Lunenburg Yacht Club
- Fall/Winter Curling (Instructional Club): Lunenburg Curling Club
- Summer Community Soccer Team: West Nova Fuels Soccer Club
- Summer and Fall/Winter High Performance Soccer Team: South Shore United Football Club
- After School Programs, Dance (Recreational and Competitive), Tumbling, Taekwon-Do, and Summer Day Camps: EnPointe Studios
- Girl Guides (ages 5-17)
- Lunenburg 4-H
For more: South Shore Connect – Recreation Guide, Town of Lunenburg – Community Organizations
Local Playgrounds
For more: Town of Lunenburg – Parks, Playgrounds and Trails
Other Activities / Locations
-
- Outdoor Community Pool: Lunenburg and District Pool
- Lunenburg Library – Daily Programing for Kids and Teens, Special Events
Bridgewater
Kids Activities / Sports
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Local Playgrounds
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Other Activities / Locations
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Chester
Kids Activities / Sports
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Local Playgrounds
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Other Activities / Locations
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Hubbards
Kids Activities / Sports
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Local Playgrounds
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Other Activities / Locations
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Mahone Bay
Kids Activities / Sports
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Local Playgrounds
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Other Activities / Locations
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
New Germany
Kids Activities / Sports
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Local Playgrounds
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
Other Activities / Locations
- list options with links and quick tags of what is available
The Great Outdoors
There is so much natural beauty to the South Shore, we could never cover it all. So here are a few recommendations to get you started, but there is so much more to explore!
Lunenburg
Beaches
-
- Bachman’s (2nd Peninsula, 10 minutes from Lunenburg) Small, Not Usually Crowed, Some Parking, Dog-Friendly, Sand / Small Pebble Mix, Little to No Waves, Beach Glass (at low tide)
- Hirtle’s (Kingsburg, 20 minutes from Lunenburg) Long, Popular But Not Often Overcrowded, Parking, Bathrooms (2 Outhouses), Dogs on Leash, Sand and Sand / Small Pebble Mix, Rolling Ocean Surf, Lakeside Beach
- Sand Dollar (Rose Bay, 15-20 minutes from Lunenburg) Small, Not Usually Crowed, Little Parking, Dogs on Leash, Sandy, Calm Waters, Shallow, Best at Low Tide, Beachcombing, Lots of Sea Creatures
For more: Visit South Shore – Beaches, District of Lunenburg – Municipal Parks and Trails
Hikes
-
- Gaffe Point (at Hirtle’s beach) 6 km, Out and Back, Moderate, Hiking, Ocean Views, Forest, Beach, Suitable for Older Children, Dogs on leash
- Blue Rocks (a small fishing town 6 min drive away) 9 km, Out and Back, Easy, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Wildlife Views, Kid-Friendly, Dogs on leash, Not Busy
- Rails to Trails system (the entirety of South Shore), Bay to Bay Trail (the Mahone Bay/Lunenburg section of the trail) Point to Point, Easy, Partially Paved, Biking, Walking, Cross-County Skiing, Kid-Friendly, Dogs on leash, Stroller Friendly
For more: AllTrails – Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Lunenburg Region – Hiking, District of Lunenburg – Municipal Parks and Trails
Other
-
- Golf: Bluenose Golf Club
- Kayaking: Pleasant Paddling, Blue Rocks or Lunenburg Kayak Rentals & Tours
- Bike Rentals: Lunenburg Bike Shop
- Surf & Water Sports List: Top Surf & SUP Experiences
- Surf Lessons: Swell Time Board
Bridgewater
Beaches
- list 3 options with google maps links, approx driving distance, and quick tags of what is there / conditions
Hikes
- list 3 options with google maps links, approx driving distance, and quick tags of lenght / description / conditions
Other Activities / Locations
- list options for a few activities with links
Chester
Beaches
- list 3 options with google maps links, approx driving distance, and quick tags of what is there / conditions
Hikes
- list 3 options with google maps links, approx driving distance, and quick tags of lenght / description / conditions
Other Activities / Locations
- list options for a few activities with links
Hubbards
Beaches
- list 3 options with google maps links, approx driving distance, and quick tags of what is there / conditions
Hikes
- list 3 options with google maps links, approx driving distance, and quick tags of lenght / description / conditions
Other Activities / Locations
- list options for a few activities with links
Mahone Bay
Beaches
- list 3 options with google maps links, approx driving distance, and quick tags of what is there / conditions
Hikes
- list 3 options with google maps links, approx driving distance, and quick tags of lenght / description / conditions
Other Activities / Locations
- list options for a few activities with links
New Germany
Beaches
- list 3 options with google maps links, approx driving distance, and quick tags of what is there / conditions
Hikes
- list 3 options with google maps links, approx driving distance, and quick tags of lenght / description / conditions
Other Activities / Locations
- list options for a few activities with links
Local Food
The South Shore is lucky to have some of the best restaurants outside of Halifax, and new places are constantly popping up, we could never keep up! So here are a few local recommendations just to get you started.
Lunenburg
-
list 3-8 recommendations with links and a few words (like, lunch, dinner, coffee, sushi, bar, etc)
Bridgewater
- list 3-8 recommendations with links and a few words (like, lunch, dinner, coffee, sushi, bar, etc)
Chester
- list 3-8 recommendations with links and a few words (like, lunch, dinner, coffee, sushi, bar, etc)
Hubbards
- list 3-8 recommendations with links and a few words (like, lunch, dinner, coffee, sushi, bar, etc)
Mahone Bay
- list 3-8 recommendations with links and a few words (like, lunch, dinner, coffee, sushi, bar, etc)
New Germany
- list 3-8 recommendations with links and a few words (like, lunch, dinner, coffee, sushi, bar, etc)
Local Shopping
Local businesses are great places to find anything from unique art and jewelry to new-to-you clothing and collectables. There are so many great local shops in the South Shore and the downtown areas of many communities are welcoming new shops every year. Here are just a few cool or unique places to check out, but remember, there is so much more!
Lunenburg
- list 3-8 recommendations with links and a few words (like: thrift, jewelry, books, toys, etc.)
Bridgewater
- list 3-8 recommendations with links and a few words (like: thrift, jewelry, books, toys, etc.)
Chester
- list 3-8 recommendations with links and a few words (like: thrift, jewelry, books, toys, etc.)
Hubbards
- list 3-8 recommendations with links and a few words (like: thrift, jewelry, books, toys, etc.)
Mahone Bay
- list 3-8 recommendations with links and a few words (like: thrift, jewelry, books, toys, etc.)
New Germany
- list 3-8 recommendations with links and a few words (like: thrift, jewelry, books, toys, etc.)
Arts and Culture
Communty Engagement
Connect with your new community by attending local farmers markets, listening to local radio stations, or joining community Facebook pages.
For a calendar of events in all of Lunenburg County, go to Visit South Shore. Or check out the events calendar from The Lunenburg Barnacle.
For events, local stories, and new openings, check out the Facebook groups Upbeat News for Lunenburg County and Lunenburg County Community Board.
Lunenburg
Where to get local news and announcements for events etc.
-
- Newspaper – The Lunenburg Barnacle
- Town News
Farmers markets and other regular community events
-
- Lunenburg Farmers Market (Thursdays May-Sept)
Shared spaces like community gardens
Community Facebook groups or other forums
Bridgewater
Where to get local news and announcements for events etc.
-
- Radio – CKBW (98.1)
- Newspaper – Lighthouse Now (for all of south shore as well)
- Town News
Farmers markets and other regular community events
-
- Bridgewater Farmers’ Market (Saturdays May-Dec)
Shared spaces like community gardens
-
- Margaret Hennigar Public Library
- Bridgewater Community Gardens’ Network
- LCLC – rec center but also community space with café
- DesBrisay Museum
Community Facebook groups or other forums
Chester
Where to get local news and announcements for events etc.
Farmers markets and other regular community events
-
- Chester Farmers’ & Artisan Market (Fridays May-Oct)
Shared spaces like community gardens
-
- Community Garden (and community events by Growing Friends in Chester Municipality)
- Zoé Vallé Memorial Library (no events, just books for borrow and a garden)
Community Facebook groups or other forums
Hubbards
Where to get local news and announcements for events etc.
-
- Radio – Cove FM (88.7)
Farmers markets and other regular community events
-
- Hubbards Farmers’ Market (Saturdays May-Oct)
Shared spaces like community gardens
Community Facebook groups or other forums
Mahone Bay
Where to get local news and announcements for events etc.
Farmers markets and other regular community events
-
- Blockhouse Farmer’s Market (Saturdays, Nov-May)
Shared spaces like community gardens
Community Facebook groups or other forums
New Germany
Where to get local news and announcements for events etc.
Farmers markets and other regular community events
-
- New Germany Farmers’ Market (Fridays May-Oct)
Shared spaces like community gardens
Community Facebook groups or other forums
Local Support Resources and Societies
Youth Centers
Foodbanks
Other Resources
Safety, First Responders, Emergency
Phone Services:
Emergency, Call 911
-
- If your health, safety or property is threatened and you need help right away, call 911. The 911 operator will notify emergency responders, like fire, police or ambulance.
Health Care Questions, Call 811
-
- Registered nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide reassurance and information for non-urgent, health related issues and questions, and can help with advice on everything from bee stings and frostbite to coughs and flu.
Weather Updates and Road Conditions, Call 511 (or online at novascotia.ca)
-
- For up-to-date road conditions in Nova Scotia
Provincial Services & Programs, Call 211 (or online at 211.ca)
-
- An information and referral service that can connect you to thousands of programs and services offered by local community groups, non-profits and government departments across Nova Scotia.
Lunenburg
Fire Department:
- Lunenburg Fire Department – Phone: (902)-634-8343 (non-emergency inquiries)
- Other Fire Related Resources, see Town of Lunenburg Website – Fire
Police Station:
- The C.M.P. ( Royal Canadian Mounted Police) – Phone: (902)-634-8674 (24 – hour non-emergency inquiries)
Closest Emergency Rooms:
- Emergency Department at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital – In Lunenburg, open 7:30-10:30 but sometimes closed
- South Shore Regional Hospital Emergency Room – In Bridgewater (20 min away), open 24Hrs, often long waits
- Emergency Department @ QEII Halifax Infirmary – In Halifax (1hr 10min away), open 24hrs
Tip: check the yourhealthns app (on Google and Apple app stores) for wait times
Other Emergency Resources, see Town of Lunenburg Website – Emergency Management
Bridgewater
Fire Department:
- Bridgewater Fire Department – Phone: (902)-543-4203 (non-emergency inquiries) website
Police Station:
- Bridgewater Police Service – In Bridgewater – Phone: (902)-543-2464 (24 – hour non-emergency inquiries)
- The C.M.P. ( Royal Canadian Mounted Police) – In Bridgewater – Phone: (902)-527-5555 (non-emergency inquiries)
Closest Emergency Rooms:
- South Shore Regional Hospital Emergency Room – In Bridgewater, open 24Hrs, often long waits
- Emergency Department at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital – In Lunenburg (20 min away), open 7:30-10:30 but sometimes closed
- Emergency Department @ QEII Halifax Infirmary – In Halifax (1hr 10min away), open 24hrs
Tip: check the yourhealthns app (on Google and Apple app stores) for wait times
Chester
Fire Department:
- Chester Fire Department – Phone: (902)-275-5113 (non-emergency inquiries)
Police Station:
- The C.M.P. ( Royal Canadian Mounted Police) – In Chester, Phone: (902)- 275-3583 (non-emergency inquiries)
Closest Emergency Rooms:
- Emergency Department at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital – In Lunenburg (30 min away), open 7:30-10:30 but sometimes closed
- South Shore Regional Hospital Emergency Room – In Bridgewater (35 min away), open 24Hrs, often long waits
- Emergency Department @ QEII Halifax Infirmary – In Halifax (50min away), open 24hrs
Tip: check the yourhealthns app (on Google and Apple app stores) for wait times
Hubbards
Fire Department:
- Hubbards Fire Department – Phone: (902)-857-3753 (non-emergency inquiries)
Police Station:
- The R.C.M.P. ( Royal Canadian Mounted Police) – In Chester, Phone: (902)- 275-3583 (non-emergency inquiries)
Closest Emergency Rooms:
- Emergency Department @ QEII Halifax Infirmary – In Halifax (40min away), open 24hrs
- Emergency Department at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital – In Lunenburg (40 min away), open 7:30-10:30 but sometimes closed
- South Shore Regional Hospital Emergency Room – In Bridgewater (45 min away), open 24Hrs, often long waits
Tip: check the yourhealthns app (on Google and Apple app stores) for wait times
Mahone Bay
Fire Department:
- Mahone Bay & District Fire Department – Phone: (902)-624-8437 (non-emergency inquiries)
Police Station:
- The C.M.P. ( Royal Canadian Mounted Police) – In Lunenburg, Phone: (902)-634-8674 (24 – hour non-emergency inquiries)
Closest Emergency Rooms:
- Emergency Department at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital – In Lunenburg (10 min away), open 7:30-10:30 but sometimes closed
- South Shore Regional Hospital Emergency Room – In Bridgewater (15 min away), open 24Hrs, often long waits
- Emergency Department @ QEII Halifax Infirmary – In Halifax (1hr away), open 24hrs
Tip: check the yourhealthns app (on Google and Apple app stores) for wait times
New Germany
Fire Department:
- New Germany Fire Department – Phone: (902)-644-3301 (non-emergency inquiries)
Police Station:
- The C.M.P. ( Royal Canadian Mounted Police) – In Bridgwater, Phone: (902)-527-5555 (non-emergency inquiries)
Closest Emergency Rooms:
- South Shore Regional Hospital Emergency Room – In Bridgewater (25 min away), open 24Hrs, often long waits
- Emergency Department at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital – In Lunenburg (40 min away), open 7:30-10:30 but sometimes closed
- Emergency Department @ QEII Halifax Infirmary – In Halifax (1hr 25min away), open 24hrs
Tip: check the yourhealthns app (on Google and Apple app stores) for wait times
Not Too Far
The resources on this page are sometimes separated out by communities where each of our medical centers are located, but all are located within Lunenburg County, so please feel free to explore other community sections as well for more fun and unique activities.
Advice from your fellow doctors
When we moved to NS it was a great experience. As a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retreiver I felt instantly at home here. This website and Martha at Practice Here NOW was an incredible resource – very knowledgable and welcoming.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
PracticeHereNow.ca recognizes the support of the Province of Nova Scotia. We are pleased to work in partnership with the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment to promote our community’s culture and resources to healthcare workers.
