About the Community
The village of Bear River boasts an eclectic community of artists, blue collar workers, and people who care. Many of the communities events and programs are run by volunteers. Visitors come to enjoy the local art scene and the beautiful tidal river.
The Bear River Legion hosts a variety of social events and gatherings including the Community Kitchen on Tuesdays from 11-1, The New Horizons senior’s group, and the annual Bass Fishing Tournament. Behind the Legion you can enjoy the riverside park, complete with a comfort station, garden labyrinth, and the Carol Dibble Community Greenhouse
In the summer the park hosts the Bear River Night Market, happening every other Wednesday from 4-8pm June-October. This event features local vendors and free live music.
You can get your coffee fix from Sissiboo Coffee, or head down the street to Myrtle and Rosies for breakfast or lunch. New to the village is the Fiddle Head Co-op providing locally sourced food at fair prices. Shop for gifts and local art at Blue Mind Gallery or the Flight of Fancy, or stop in to Bear River Grocery for snacks, drinks, and home cooked meals. The Oakdene hosts the Bear River Historical Society Museum open during the summer months, as well as a variety of artists studios and community events. Just a short walk from downtown you can visit Bear River Vineyards and enjoy stunning views of the river, explore the hillside vineyard and try their locally made wine
Community Resources
The Community Kitchen serves meals for $4 per person or free if you cannot pay. Each week enjoy soup, a sweet and tea or coffee. Downstairs at the Legion on Tuesdays from 11am-1pm. Delivery available within the village for those we cannot get out. Contact Carol Stenkowski to arrange a delivery or to volunteer to cook
There is a Community Cupboard located in the shed beside the Carol Dibble Greenhouse. It includes a fridge, freezer and pantry to give or take from
Contact Ken at 902-526-0256 for the Food Bank
The Cancer Help Group is a volunteer organization providing gas cards to families traveling for cancer treatments. The Bear River Community Health Clinic works in partnership with this group. Please contact Leighann by calling 902-467-3611
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings happen regularly at the Digby clinic providing support for those affected by addiction. Contact Jim 902-247-4432
Access Wellness Nova Scotia provides free mental health counselling appointments. Self refer by visiting https://accesswellnessnovascotia.ca
Healthy NS provides free online health and wellness classes to support healthy living. Explore their current offerings by visiting https://www.nshealth.ca/primary-care-and-family-medicine/healthy-ns#Selfmanagement
The Mental Health + Addictions Line offers 24/7 support if you or someone you know is experiencing mental distress. Call 1-888-429-8167 to receive immediate support and guidance during a crisis