Paddling Through the Past: A Kayak Tour with Mainstreet's Rob Doublett

When the Shubenacadie Canal was first surveyed in 1767, it was envisioned as a vital transportation route linking Halifax with the rich agricultural lands, timber stands, and coal deposits of northern Nova Scotia and the Annapolis Valley. While the canal never fully achieved its original commercial ambitions, it has taken on a new role in recent decades—as a beloved recreational space and a living piece of Nova Scotia’s history.

Since 1984, the Shubenacadie Canal Commission has been working to preserve this unique waterway, honouring both its historical significance and its evolving role in the community.

In 2024, Mainstreet's Rob Doublett joined Commissioner Cait Green for a guided kayak tour through Shubie Park. As they paddled, they discussed the canal's storied past, its enduring importance, and the Commission’s current efforts—including our Kayak Raffle Fundraiser—to support conservation and public engagement.

You can listen to the full segment here: Take a Tour

Special thanks to Wildwood Water Sports for providing the kayaks for this

Win Big While Supporting a Nova Scotian Treasure

The Shubenacadie Canal Commission is thrilled to launch our Fourth Annual Kayak Raffle — your chance to win the ultimate paddling prize and support one of Nova Scotia’s most cherished waterways!

This year’s prize package includes:

  • Two Quest 10 Riot Kayaks

  • Two Poseidon paddles

  • Two personal flotation devices (PFDs)

  • Two marine safety kits

Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just starting out, this prize will set you up for endless adventures on the water.

Why Your Ticket Makes a Difference

The Shubenacadie Waterway is a breathtaking 114-kilometre stretch of rivers and lakes linking Halifax Harbour to the Bay of Fundy. More than just a scenic route, it's a living piece of Nova Scotia’s history — a place where recreation, culture, and heritage come together.

As a non-profit charity, the Shubenacadie Canal Commission works year-round to protect and enhance this vital waterway. Funds raised through this raffle help us:

  • Improve public access points

  • Maintain and restore historic infrastructure

  • Offer educational and cultural programming

Every ticket you buy helps ensure that this incredible natural and historic resource is available for generations to come.

Special Thanks

We’re proud to partner with Freedom Canoe & Kayak once again.

🎟️ Get your tickets now and paddle into summer with purpose!
Stay tuned to social media for ticket info, draw dates, and more exciting updates.

Thank you for supporting the Shubenacadie Canal Commission — and good luck!

Celebrating the Living Legacy of the Shubenacadie Waterway

The Shubenacadie Waterway has long been a vital corridor of connection—first as a trade route for the Mi’kmaq people for thousands of years and later as a key link during the Industrial Age. Today, it remains a place of deep cultural and historical significance.

We were honored to collaborate with Discover Halifax and the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network on a special project that highlights this waterway’s enduring legacy. This initiative brought together experts, historians, and storytellers to share its remarkable past and ongoing importance.

A huge thank you to everyone who brought this project to life especially Roger Lewis, Robert Bernard, Graham Marshall, Richard MacMichael, and the amazing team at Mirror Image Media.

This waterway is more than just history—it’s a living legacy, connecting past, present, and future.

🎥 Watch the video below

 
 

Exciting Small Business Opportunity

 

Operate the Lockside Canteen at Shubie Park

Are you a food entrepreneur looking for a prime location in one of Dartmouth’s most beloved outdoor spaces? The Shubenacadie Canal Commission (SCC) is now accepting proposals for the lease and operation of the Lockside Canteen, a seasonal food service located next to the Fairbanks Interpretive Centre at the entrance to Shubie Park (54 Locks Rd., Dartmouth, NS).

About the Opportunity

The Lockside Canteen sits at the gateway to Shubie Park, a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, paddlers, and families enjoying the historic canal and scenic trails. The SCC is looking for a community-focused, experienced operator who will provide high-quality food and beverage options, enhancing the experience for park visitors.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate food vendor to establish or grow their business in a high-traffic, outdoor-friendly environment!

Who Should Apply?

We encourage proposals from businesses or entrepreneurs who:
✔️ Have experience in food service or hospitality
✔️ Are committed to quality, locally inspired menu offerings
✔️ Want to contribute to the vibrant community atmosphere of Shubie Park
✔️ Are excited about serving both locals and tourists in a unique outdoor setting

How to Apply

Interested in learning more? Click the link below to access the full Request for Proposal (RFP) document, which includes details on the lease, submission process, and selection criteria.

📄 View the Full RFP & Apply Now

If you know a food entrepreneur who might be interested, please share this opportunity! We look forward to receiving proposals and welcoming a new operator to the Lockside Canteen.

 
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