Bear River

Bear River is a small village situated at the head of the tidewaters of the Bear River. The river itself is the border between the Annapolis and Digby counties of Nova Scotia and thus, splits the village so that half the village is in one county and the other half in the other. Bear River, Nova Scotia in winter.The village is adjacent to the Bear River First Nation which administers the Bear River 6, Bear River 6A and Bear River 6B reserves.

Bear River is noted for its picturesque old buildings on stilts along the riverside. The scenery has made it popular with photographers and a tourism destination. Bear River is affectionately known as "the Switzerland of Nova Scotia" because of the steep hills which surround the village.

Bear River was an important shipbuilding location in the late 19th century. One of many large vessels built in the village was the brigantine Dei Gratia, the vessel which discovered the famous mystery ship Mary Celeste in 1872. Bear River United Baptist ChurchThe climate and soil conditions in the Bear River area are conducive to the growing of grapes and several vineyards have emerged.

Bear River is home to the first solar aquatics waste water management facility in North America; however, for reasons unknown the facility was altered by the Municipality of Annapolis in 2004 and, regrettably, is no longer fully utilizing solar aquatic technology.

The community is known for its thriving artistic community, the largest per capita in Nova Scotia.[citation needed] There are many artist studios, shops and galleries in the downtown and immediate area. Crafts produced include clothing, woodwork, pottery, quilts, fabric arts, and an assortment of painted media.

The village is run by volunteers as there is no town government. The Bear River Board of Trade is the primary organization to pursue economic development and also maintains the waterfront park and Visitor Information Center.

The Bear River Historical Society operates the Bear River Heritage Museum which is open through the summer and early fall with displays of historical photos, archival materials and artifacts of the rich history of the area. . The Digby County Exhibition is held in Bear River every year.

The village is working to become an eco-village in its determination to remain low-tech, with no fast food, malls or box stores, and the exploration of alternative energy sources.