Work underway to preserve key tourism asset

News release

Government of Canada supports trail upgrades for improved safety, accessibility, climate resilience

December 18, 2025 · Tiverton, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Visitors are drawn to rural communities in Atlantic Canada throughout the year to create unforgettable memories while exploring its distinctive landscapes and enjoying a variety of outdoor experiences that make this region unique.

Today, Chris d’Entremont, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Annapolis, announced a $37,452 non-repayable contribution to enable the Municipality of Digby to revamp Balancing Rock Trail. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The support enables the Municipality to engage engineering experts to redesign the Balancing Rock Trail and viewing platform in Tiverton to enhance visitor experience. The plans will guide future upgrades to improve accessibility, enhance safety and climate resilience, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of this popular tourism attraction.

Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting infrastructure, creating vibrant communities and building a strong tourism industry that assists local businesses in growing the economy.

Quotes

“Rural communities know best how to attract visitors with high-quality experiences that are accessible and sustainable. By preserving tourism assets, improving safety, and investing in local development, our government is helping Atlantic communities showcase what makes our region such a special place to visit, live, and work.”
The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Balancing Rock is one of the 10 Wonders of the Digby Area. Thousands of visitors annually come to hike the trail, and stay to discover the area’s history, natural beauty and culture. This year-round attraction is a point of pride in the community and helps generate income for local businesses.”
- Chris d’Entremont, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Annapolis

"Balancing Rock is an iconic image associated with Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy. The Province is helping ensure this popular trail remains safe, accessible and resilient to climate change. This work will help protect and enhance this unique destination for generations to come."
- The Honourable David Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, the Province of Nova Scotia

“Balancing Rock is one of our most iconic natural attractions and a cornerstone of our tourism economy, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its unique beauty. Balancing Rock showcases the character of our coastline and strengthens our reputation as a must-visit destination in Nova Scotia. We are grateful for the funding support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage, which has been instrumental in advancing this important project.”
- Linda Gregory, Warden, Municipality of Digby

Quick facts

  • Located on Long Island, the 2.5 kilometre (return) Balancing Rock trail attracts an estimated 10,000 visitors annually. It features the iconic “Balancing Rock”- a 20-foot basalt column that formed over an estimated 200 million years ago - and ends at a wooden viewing platform overlooking the Bay of Fundy. 

  • The funding announced today for the Municipality of Digby is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund, which supports projects that build the economies of communities throughout Atlantic Canada.

  • The Province of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage is investing $18,990 in the project and the Municipality of Digby is contributing $6,283.

     

Associated links

Contacts

Lola Dandybaeva
Manager of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
lola.dandybaeva@justice.gc.ca

Lori Selig
Acting Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-7477
Lori.Selig@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Meredith Hand 
Communications Advisor 
Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage 
902-233-9832 
meredith.hand@novascotia.ca

Tyler Pulley
Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of Digby
tpulley@digbymun.ca

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2025-12-18