What’s it like living in Bridgewater?

Straddling the LaHave River, the Town of Bridgewater is often referred to as the “Main Street of the South Shore,” Bridgewater serves as a regional hub with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.

Unlike nearby Lunenburg and Mahone Bay, Bridgewater is a more modern South Shore community, without quite the same oceanfront boardwalk charm and heritage buildings. That’s not to say Bridgewater is without its appeal–it is a fantastic place to live on the South Shore, pretty and full of amenities, and a very committed volunteer community base. My wife works just outside Bridgewater and does a lot of the family shopping in Bridgewater, and attends many fun community events in the town.

Lively Riverfront and Downtown
The scenic LaHave River is the heart of Bridgewater, where you’ll find a riverfront with walking paths and parks, charming shops, and a growing variety of eateries offering both local and international cuisine. The town’s walkable downtown area is lively and welcoming. Bridgewater is also home to several cultural events and festivals, including the annual South Shore Exhibition, which celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage and community spirit.

In the summer, Music on the Riverbank offers a summer schedule of free Tuesday night musical performances at the performance pavilion at Pijinuiskaq Park in the heart of downtown Bridgewater along the banks of the LaHave River. The series culminates in the annual Harvest Moon Music Festival in September.

Culinary Delights
Bridgewater boasts an impressive culinary scene with a range of dining options. From local seafood to international cuisine, the town’s restaurants, cafes, and pubs offer something for everyone. Local favourites include River Pub (you’ll often find “beer league” baseball teams here enjoying a pint after a game, consider joining the team!), Fancy Pants Café, La Casetta (killer sandwiches for lunch and delicious pasta and more for dinner), Ellen’s Korean BBQ & More, and Rascals Burrito Bar. Fireworks Taco Bronco also operates out of King Street Beer.

Seasonal Liveliness
As a resident, you’ll find Bridgewater lively throughout the year, especially during the spring, summer, and fall when outdoor events and festivals are in full swing. Winter in Bridgewater is a little quieter but still offers a cozy small-town charm, with holiday events and winter activities to enjoy. It definitely doesn’t feel as “shut down” as some of the other South Shore towns can feel in the dead of winter.

Essential Services
Bridgewater provides a full range of essential services for its residents, including several grocery stores, pharmacies, a wide array of retail shops, and a library. The town is also home to the South Shore Regional Hospital, which provides comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Bridgewater offers almost every service you could need, including multiple dental and optometry clinics, veterinary care, hair salons, massage therapists, and more.

There are numerous shopping centres in Bridgewater. The South Shore Centre is an enclosed mall across a bridge from downtown, and features a Sobeys, Rossi, Coles Bookstore, Tim Horton’s, and many independent shops. Eastside Plaza is across the road and has a Bulk Barn, Value Village, Sushi Bay, and more.

On the west side of town, High Street is home to another large shopping complex across from the Nova Scotia Community College, and contains a Giant Tiger, No Frills, NSLC, and more. There are also numerous services and stores scattered throughout Bridgewater, including three thrift stores. The Frency’s store is quite large. Have you taken a Frenchys Road Trip yet? Here’s a guide!

Recreation
Bridgewater’s natural surroundings make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The town offers numerous parks and green spaces, including Woodland Gardens and the LaHave River Trail, which is perfect for walking, running, and cycling.

The Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre offers a variety of community programs and activities year-round, and is frequently home to sports events, fitness classes, and cultural performances. There’s a rink and aquatic centre, but no fitness centre. There are several gyms in Bridgewater though, notably the YMCA, Lunenburg County Fitness Centre, and 902 Athletics.

HB Studios Sports Centre features a high-quality artificial grass field for soccer and other sports, a 209 metre oval track for walking and running, and the Quinn Sensory Centre, which are multi-sensory experience rooms with specialized equipment to stimulate mental activity.

There’s also a curling club in town, ballfields, soccer fields, basketball courts, a skate park, an outdoor pool, plenty of playgrounds, and more.

Local Schools
The town is served by several schools, including Bridgewater Elementary School, Bridgewater Junior High School, and Park View Education Centre. Francophone students can attend Centre scolaire de la Rive-Sud, which is just outside Bridgewater in the community of Cookville. As noted above, there’s a Nova Scotia Community College on High Street. They offer a variety of programs, including unique offerings like Diesel Repair – Industrial and Marine and Natural Resources Environmental Technology.

Strong Community Spirit
Community spirit runs strong in Bridgewater, with numerous organizations, including the Lions Club and Rotary, actively contributing to the town’s vibrancy. Volunteering with one of these groups is a great way to get involved in the community and meet new people when you move to the area. Town staff hold regular Community Connections Day events, which is the perfect place to meet the neighbors, learn how to sign up for programs and camps, or register to volunteer.

The South Shore Multicultural Association also holds plenty of events, as does the Margaret Hennigar Library. The Bridgewater Legion Branch 24 and Bridgewater & Area Kinsmen Club are very active, and always seeking new volunteers.

Housing and Economy
Bridgewater’s housing market offers a diverse range of options, from historic homes with character to modern developments. The town’s economy is supported by a mix of traditional industries, retail, and healthcare, providing ample employment opportunities. Tire manufacturer Michelin has a large facility and is the town’s largest employer.

Transportation
Bridgewater is well-connected by a local public transit system Bridgewater Transit, making it easy to get around town. Lunenburg County Wheels also offers door-to-door service for residents of all ages, and Maritime Bus provides a fixed-route service to Halifax and other parts of the province. The Walmart is located in Osprey Village, just outside the town boundary in the Muncipality of the District of Lunenburg, and unfortunately there is currently no bus service between the town and Osprey Village. However, the two municipalities are working together on a future solution, and in the meantime, people walk or taxi from town to Walmart.

Move to Bridgewater!
Bridgewater is a town that beautifully blends its historic roots with contemporary living. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone seeking a close-knit community with modern amenities, Bridgewater offers something for everyone. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.