Country Harbour, Nova Scotia
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Country Harbour is located in Guysborough County on the north-eastern tip of the Nova Scotian mainland. It is divided into several sub-sections but remains bonded as a community. They are in order when driving south on Nova Scotia Route 316: Country Harbour Lake, Cross Roads Country Harbour, Middle Country Harbour and Country Harbour Mines. The entire population of the area is less than 1000 permanent residents. Country Harbour boasts one of North America's deepest natural harbours and was considered for early settlement before Halifax was chosen as a permanent location. There are several sites dedicated to preserving the heritage of the early settlers, including a restoration of a small village (probably home to less than 20 families) and Mount Misery. Mount Misery was the site where the first European settlers who came to Nova Scotia chose to establish their early agricultural efforts. They were not prepared for the harsh Canadian winter and almost all of the original settlers died during their first year. Mount Misery is connected to Country Harbour Mines via a cable ferry which also provides easy access to the neighbouring community of Port Bickerton.
Primary industries traditionally included mining, forestry and fishing. Many residents establish their fishing businesses in Port Bickerton due to the geographic advantages provided. Many deep-sea fishing vessels also transfer their cargo to land-based transport in Country Harbour. Country Harbour is now known as having very few employment opportunities and those who do not work in the traditional fields tend to commute to Antigonish (home of Saint Francis Xavier University) or even as far as Halifax where there are more diverse employment opportunities.
Mining is no longer a valid industry in Country Harbour. The last attempt at mining was made in the early 1980s with the opening of the Forrest Hills Gold Mine. Nothing of significant value was recovered from this operation, and it closed after only one or two years.
The community is comprised of many retired people and other wise elders who have returned after many years of absence. It is a common superstition in Country Harbour that it is a fine place to raise children.
The area is within the district of St. Mary's and is served by St. Mary's Education Centre and St. Mary's Academy in nearby Sherbrooke.
