Amherst, Nova Scotia

Amherst's historical roots as an old Acadian town can be seen everywhere, giving it a charming atmosphere and strength of community that make everyday life a pleasure.

The downtown area is lined with beautiful old buildings. The old Customs office, built in Victorian Gothic style, dates back to the late 1800s and features detailed carvings with flourishes of red sandstone. The Christ Anglican Church, another local landmark, was built in 1830 and is noted for its exquisite adornments, including a crucifix floor plan. The oldest landmark, though, is Victoria Square. Built in 1788, it is decorated with a bronze statue and is at the center of the town's activities. But it's not just the buildings that have survived and flourished … some local companies have as well. Robb's Engineering Limited, for example, started in 1848 as a steel foundry; today it continues to produce steel for construction projects.

Natural treasures add to Amherst's charm. The nearby Northumberland Strait has some of the most beautiful beaches in Atlantic Canada, and, although the climate can be chilly, the warmest waters north of the Carolinas. The Bay of Fundy is also not far from Amherst. Known for its spectacular surging tides and its rugged shores, the bay is a unique delight – its shores are a perfect place to spot pods of whales, while the nearby saltwater marshes house a rich array of bird species.

While history and nature belie the town's attractive lifestyle, Amherst also has an excellent YMCA, two small malls, a farmers' market, an innovative new technology-oriented high school, and a popular summer theater. And Moncton, New Brunswick's hot spot, is just a 40-minute drive away.

With its rich French heritage, which Amherst celebrates at its annual Acadian Festival, and historic murals, which decorate the downtown area, this is a town that is proud of its roots – why not plant some of your own?

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