Where is Truro Nova Scotia?

Truro, Nova Scotia | Accommodations | Hotels | History

Known as the “Hub of Nova Scotia”, Truro’s size, central location and historic downtown makes it a popular home-base for exploring the province and the world-renowned tidal phenomena of the Bay of Fundy. On the edge of town visitors flock to the Salmon River to view the tidal bore that occurs twice a day as a result of the immense incoming Fundy tide. Nearby on the Shubenacadie River, adventurers can also enjoy the one-of-a-kind thrill of tidal bore river rafting!

History of Truro, Nova Scotia

Situated at the head of the Salmon River, near the entrance to the Cobequid Bay, the area around Truro was originally called "Wagobagitik" by the local Mi’kmaq inhabitants. The name has been interpreted as meaning "end of the water's flow" or “the bay runs far up”, in reference to the world’s highest tides rising up from the Bay of Fundy. Acadian settlers, arriving in the early 1700s, transformed that name into Cobequid. It wasn’t until after the expulsion of the Acadians that settlers of Scots-Irish descent named the town after the city of Truro in Cornwall, England.

Truro had always been an important junction for travelers in Nova Scotia. However, the town’s importance increased dramatically with the construction of the Nova Scotia Railway between Halifax and Pictou in 1858, the Intercolonial Railway in 1872 and its connection to the Annapolis Valley’s Dominion Atlantic Railway at the turn of the 20th century. It became a hub not just for goods and passengers but for industry as well, such as the Truro Woolen Mills, which later became Stanfield’s. Today, Truro continues to act as the center of Nova Scotia’s travel network, situated near the junction of the Trans Canada Highway and the main highway connection to Halifax.

Must see Attractions in Truro

  • Victoria Park: In the heart of Truro lies the incredible Victoria Park with roughly 400 acres of old growth forest, two sets of waterfalls, hiking and biking trails and one dizzying, 175 step climb up Jacob’s Ladder. The park also features a playground, spray park, large outdoor pool and waterslide making it a popular family destination.
  • Historic Downtown: Truro’s historic downtown is thriving with unique shops and dining. Inglis Street is a popular destination featuring a variety of specialty boutiques, while shops like the Nova Scotia Emporium and the Stanfield’s Factory Outlet are local landmarks downtown.
  • Marigold Cultural Centre: A fantastic place to experience local music and theatre in an intimate setting. The Marigold is also home to an art gallery and local sports heritage museum.
  • Truro Farmers Market: Rain or shine Truro’s Farmers Market is a gathering place for local foods and handmade goods every Saturday morning.
  • Colchester Historeum: The Historeum exhibits a variety of local artifacts and stories and is a great place for genealogical research.
  • Truro Raceway: Nova Scotia’s largest harness racing facility plays host to regular live racing schedule.
  • Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre: Discover the legends of Glooscap and learn of Nova Scotia’s rich Mi’kmaw heritage and culture. Tour the Centre, and stand at the foot of the 40 foot statue of Gloosap for a fantastic photo-op!
  • Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park: Definitely a family favorite! As Nova Scotia’s premier wildlife destination, the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park is home to 26 species of mammals, 65 species of birds, a wetland centre, scenic trails and a 10-hectares picnic park.
  • Mastodon Ridge: Get your photo taken with a mastodon half-way between the North Pole and the Equator in Stewiacke – well a replica of mastodon that is. The remains of a juvenile mastodon were found in a nearby quarry and Mastodon Ridge is a great stop for some photo-ops, mini golf, a snack for the road, or pick up a piece of local art from the Winding River Art Gallery.
  • Masstown Market: A few minutes from town is the Masstown Market where visitors are sure to find a culinary favorite in the onsite bakery, deli, dairy bar, fish market, farm market, fish and chip boat, or cafeteria-style restaurant that serves up local homemade meals. The towering onsite lighthouse also showcases the best of the Bay of Fundy along with an incredible view from the top. In season, enjoy family fun at Captain Cob’s Crazy corn Maze and Fun Farm too.

It's Interesting

  • The Truro Railway Station is an inter-city railway station in the town of Truro, Nova Scotia. It is operated by Via Rail.
    The Nova Scotia Railway opened its line from Richmond (in present-day Halifax's North End) to Truro in December 1858. For the first decade of...
H. S. Crocker Co., Inc. Rainbow Hotel Truro, Nova Scotia Original Vintage Postcard
Entertainment Memorabilia (H. S. Crocker Co., Inc.)
  • Categories: Foreign Countries,Canada,Nova Scotia, Hotels
  • Type: Chrome
  • Size: 3.5 x 5.5 (9 x 14 cm)
  • Publisher: H. S. Crocker Co., Inc.

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Colchester Printers & Lithographers Ltd. The Glengarry Motel And Restaurant, 138 Willow Street Truro, Nova Scotia Original Vintage Postcard
Entertainment Memorabilia (Colchester Printers & Lithographers Ltd.)
  • Categories: Foreign Countries,Canada,Nova Scotia, Hotels
  • Type: Chrome
  • Size: 3.5 x 5.5 (9 x 14 cm)
  • Postmark: 1965 Jun-18 Margaree Forks N. S
  • Publisher: Colchester Printers & Lithographers Ltd.
Colchester Printers & Litographers, Ltd. Stone-House Motel and Restaurant Truro, Nova Scotia Original Vintage Postcard
Entertainment Memorabilia (Colchester Printers & Litographers, Ltd.)
  • Categories: Foreign Countries,Canada,Nova Scotia, Hotels
  • Type: Chrome
  • Size: 3.5 x 5.5 (9 x 14 cm)
  • Publisher: Colchester Printers & Litographers, Ltd.

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