Bear River is a tiny village in rural South Western Nova Scotia, Canada. Its quaint buildings are quietly nestled in the lush, green rolling hills within a deep valley through which the Bear River flows.

A tidal river, the Bear River rises and falls close to 30 feet, twice daily and empties four miles further towards the coast, into the Annapolis Basin.

The river itself forms the boundary between Annapolis and Digby Counties, so the village is split between the two counties.

A shortage of available building space in the village center led to the use of the water itself as a means of meeting the needs for store and warehouse accomodations. Buildings on stilts were a remarkable example of mid air building techniques used by early builders. A few of these architectural marvels remain jutting out over the river even today.

The village of Bear River is a photographer’s and naturalist’s dream. Its quiet beauty is incredible in every season and particularly resplendent in the fall as the leaves are tinted with intense golden and crimson hues.  

Wildlife is abundant in the area and lives in close proximity to Bear River, often impinging into the human sector.

The loon’s solemn cry can often be heard echoing off the river during the still hours of the night.

Visitations by birds and game of many varieties, such as Canada Geese, cranes, ducks, ospray and eagles may be seen soaring in the sky and in the river.