The area was named Port au Mouton by explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1604 when upon arriving in the bay a sheep fell overboard and drowned. The safe harbour protected by the big island, now Port Mouton Island, proved favorable for wintering over and despite many false starts the area has remained settled ever since.The Port Mouton International backpackers hostel is a quiet rural hostel located in the lower level of the former Port Mouton Consolidated School. We have semi-private rooms, large dorms, and can handle group bookings. It is located half way between Halifax and Yarmouth and is just 20 Km from Liverpool. Liverpool has two grocery stores and several restaurants including the funkiest little Woodpile Carvings and Cafe. and only 5 Km from Carters beach. Carters beach is three crescent shaped tropical-looking beaches in a row. They are rated as some of the best beaches in Nova Scotia. Backpackers can to the hostel by bus however most guests find having a car is best for touring in a rural area.
The hostel provides all bedding and pillows. There is a large fully equipped kitchen area for your use, and a large common area to kick back and relax. The hostel has WIFI and computers for use too for a small donation. There is also a laundry available for use. The Seascape Restaurant, convenience and liquor store are within walking distance from the hostel.
Port Mouton is a great place for bird watchers and artists anytime of the year but particularly during the migration times. Popular activities also include scuba diving, Yoga or meditation groups, or communing with nature. For those interested in Geocaching/scubadiving the two visible points hide treasures. The water is clear and and holds 31 shipwrecks including the Matthew Atlantic, sunk in 1998 to make an artificial reef. Surfing at Westernhead or White Point is a great activity for cooler days. There is also great coastal sailing kayaking, canoeing and sport fishing nearby. Port Joli and the Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct are nearby and also the Port Joli Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Port L'Hebert Pocket Wilderness, the Port L'Herbert Migratory Bird Sanctuary, and the Thomas Raddall Provincial Park. There is also plenty of great hiking away from the shore, following the many trails that lead to secluded lakes and rivers. There are also trails in Kejimkujik National Park that take a couple hours or take several days to complete. There are many kilometers of rivers and lakes. Liverpool Adventure Outfitters has canoes, kayaks and other equipment for rent. For less rugged vacations there is also Summerville Beach Provincial Park known for its expansive fine, soft white sand beaches. The Quarterdeck Grill at Summerville Beach has great food. There is also the Rails to Trails path which goes from Summerville Centre to Liverpool. These trails are where the old railway lines use to run from Halifax to Yarmouth until 1984 then were discontinued. The trail passes through Hunts Point and White Point.
Rissers Beach Provincial Park and Green Bay are nearby, where you will find the Broad Cove trail, great for scenic walks by the ocean, sea birds, waves and the breeze in the grass. If you are kayaking in this area you can head up the Lahave river to Bridgewater and farther. Shelburne and it's lovely Rail Trail is only an hour's drive, away and has many historic sites.
In the school the upper level classrooms have been converted into a craft co-op store, art, photo gallery and Yard Sale shop. Artist studios are also available for rent throughout the year.
"Remember what happened if you fell asleep in class We invite you to fall asleep in ours!"
Hostel of the week, October 11th to October 28th
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
