Rated as being the “Best Community to Live in Canada” in the March 23, 1997 issue of Maclean’s magazine, Bedford, Nova Scotia has endeavoured to live up to that designation ever since. Situated in District 16 of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), Bedford is home to nearly 23,000 residents and is made up of well-established suburban neighbourhoods lying on the northwestern end of the Bedford Basin.
The history of Bedford began when the Governor of England moved for the construction of a road leading to Minas Basin on the Bay of Fundy after establishing the garrison at Halifax. To protect it, he hired John Gorham (a military officer) and his Rangers to erect a fort on the shore of Bedford Basin.
In the early days, saw-milling grew as one of the Bedford's first industries, appropriately giving the name to Paper Mill Lake. Built in 1891 made it one of the oldest saw mills in Canada.
Bedford sits at the northwestern end of the Bedford Basin, a large body of and provides stunning views of the Halifax Harbour, especially when one finds themselves at DeWolf Park.
District 16 boasts several schools, an outdoor pool and splash pad, many lakes suitable for swimming, six ice surfaces, and is well-serviced by public transportation, roads and highways, sidewalks and walking paths. All of this makes it an excellent location for growing families.
What can one expect to experience in Bedford? Here's a short list of some of our favourites:
1) Bedford Days: 40 plus years running, the annual Bedford Days sees residents and visitors get together for an incredible line-up of family friendly events and entertainment.
2) Light Up Bedford Parade: A great festive, community event that takes place each year to jumpstart the holidays and raise funds for charitable organizations.
3) DeWolf Park: A favourite place for a leisurely a walk, playground adventures, community events, Canada Day fireworks, and so much more!
4) Harvest: This "Farm to Table Eatery" prides itself on connecting the community and the interest and global values of their customers - healthy locally harvested items, coastal farmed produce and local sourced farm-to-table food. Check them out at 936 Bedford Highway or online at orderharvest.ca
5) Bedford-Sackville Connector Greenway: The Greenway was opened in 2006 and is a popular area for walkers of all ages, cyclists, dogs on leash, parents with strollers and seniors.
6) Pete's Frootique: True, English market heritage, Pete's is committed to continuing founder Pete Luckett's passion of consistently providing our customers with the finest & freshest, the most unique & the most unusual. Check them out at 1595 Bedford Highway or online at petes.ca
7) The Chickenburger: Canada's oldest drive-in restaurant “The Chick” was opened in 1940 and continues to shine today! Throw a tune on the jukebox while you enjoy great food in the nostalgic 50’s diner setting! Check them out at 1531 Bedford Highway or online at chickenburger.com
8) Bedford Basin Yacht Club: Bedford Basin Yacht Club was established in 1953 at the head of the Bedford Basin in Bedford. At the time, it was a cottage community on the outskirts of Halifax. Check them out at 377 Shore Drive or online at bbyc.ca
Do you want to know more about Bedford, Nova Scotia or are you thinking of making a move there? Contact the Berrigan Devoe Group and let's chat.
Comments