Yarmouth with a population of over 7,000 is the largest seaport in Nova Scotia west of Halifax. The tradition of shipping in this town is storied and dates back to 1761 when the first permanent settlement was established by a group of people from Massachusetts. At one time, Yarmouth was manufacturing more ships than anywhere else in the world.
Today, however, Yarmouth is principally of interest as the "Gateway to Nova Scotia". This moniker comes from its role as the terminus for ferries running to Bay Harbor and Portland, Maine.[1]
Yarmouth is notable for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Other attractions include the famous Runic Stone on Main Street. This stone bear inscriptions that suggest Leif Erikson and other Vikings reached Yarmouth 1,000 years ago.[2] The stone is believed to be carved by Erikson himself and is located today at the Yarmouth County Historical Society Museum.[3]
References:
Carroll, Donald. Insider’s Guide Canada. Edison: Hunter Publishing, Inc, 1996. ISBN: 1556507100.
“Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.” < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarmouth,_Nova_Scotia>
[1] Carroll, 320-21
[2] Id. at 321
[3] Yarmouth
| 
