Brier Island

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Brier Island is an island in the Bay of Fundy in Digby County, Nova Scotia.

The island is the western-most part of Nova Scotia with Long Island lying immediately northeast; both islands constitute part of the Digby Neck. Brier Island is about 4 miles (7.6 kilometres) long and 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) wide. The village of Westport is located on the island.

Industries in the area include commercial fishing and whale watching tours. The island is also an important stopover point for migrating birds.

This area has had more than its share of shipwrecks and the island has three lighthouses. The wreck of the "Aurora" in 1908 is said to have provided the lumber for the Westport Community Hall.

The island's name is believed by some to come from the wild brier roses found there, another possibility is that the original name of the Island was "Bryer's" after a New England captain who was one of the first to spend any time there.

Beacause of all its coves the island is approximately 25 kilometres around.

This island was also the childhood home of Joshua Slocum a famous sailor who was the first man to sail around the world alone.

Coordinates: 45°15′01″N, 66°21′39″W