Adventures in Off-Grid Living
Birchdale offers a unique experience in a remote area of Nova Scotia, perfect for day trips during our Birchdale Afternoons.
Situated on 58 acres, the property sits at the mouth of four connected lakes, ultimately reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounding lands are owned and protected by the Province of NS.
The Birchdale Hunting and Fishing lodge was built in 1911, by Omar Roberts, with oxen hauling felled trees across the frozen lakes. For the next 60 years, guides led visiting hunters and fishermen through pristine waterways and woods Visitors from home and abroad created a treasure trove of historical photographs and legendary signings of the guest ledger.
In the 1970s, Birchdale was purchased by Carmelite monks and became the Nova Nada Monastery. The monks added to the original buildings, with more cabins, a large two-story building housing a woodwork shop, kitchen, and large storage area, and the library/sanctuary that overlooks the lake. The monastery operated for 25 years.
Today, there are 8 cabins situated around the edge of the lake with propane hot water heaters, bathrooms with showers, wood burning stoves, and three also have fireplaces. Cabins have two-burner hot plates, but the main cooking facility is located at the lodge. There is limited electrical power provided by an on-site generator to the main lodge, and workshop.
Birchdale is located at the end of a 8-mile dirt road. Thirty-five miles (roughly an hour by car) from Yarmouth, the nearest town with restaurants, supermarkets, shops, library, etc., it can be reached by car, ferries from New Brunswick, or plane to Halifax International.
**The majority of the photos included on this website are courtesy of Brenda Bancroft and Mary Anne Campbell.
