Gabarus Wilderness Area
3,745 hectares; Landscape representation - Forchu Till Cliffs and Beaches
The Gabarus Wilderness Area includes a significant stretch of the Atlantic coastline which is associated with many excellent and typical coastal features. Boulder, cobble and barrier beaches, lagoons and dune complexes are common.
The Wilderness Area's terrestrial ecosystems are dominated by barrens, bogs, lakes and ponds, slow-moving streams, poorly drained coniferous flats, drumlinoid hills and undulating coniferous terrain. A naturally-occurring coastal white spruce forest marks the boundary between coastal and terrestrial ecosystems.
The barrier beach system also features a provincially-rare species of fern, Botrychium multifidium, commonly named the Grape Fern. This fern is confined in Nova Scotia to habitats that require open sunlight, moderate drainage conditions and limited competition from other plants and herbivores.
Studies conducted along the barrier beach system have identified at least 50 species of plants that are restricted to this ecosystem and survive there because they are adapted to the rigorous conditions of salt spray and intense sunlight. The root sytems of these plants, particularly marram grass, are largely responsible for binding beach sediments together and maintaining and promoting dune growth.
A few of the plants identified along this barrier beach system are beach pea, dusty miller, seabeach sandwort, sea-lungwort, purple angelica, iris, scotch lovage, wild strawberry, and seaside plantain. An uncommon plant found further inland is the lance-leaved violet, Viola lanceolata, which grows in bogs and other wet sites.
Many animals, seabirds, and shore birds are found throughout the Gabarus Wilderness Area. Two species of seals; harbour seals and grey seals breed in the coastal zone, with adults, immatures and pups found along the shore in June and July. Other mammals found in this area are mice, snowshoe hares, and red foxes (which den in the sand dunes).
Two species of cormorants; the Great Cormorant and the Double-Crested Cormorant can be seen from shore. At Gabarus the two ranges of these cormorants overlap. Sugar Loaf Island, visible from Cape Gabarus, is a mixed cormorant colony - one of only five such rookeries in the province.
In addition, immature Common Eider Ducks, known locally as "Sea Ducks" feed off of the outer islands and headlands at Gabarus during the fall and winter. Of particular note is Green Island, situated near Cape Gabarus, which has the most southerly nesting colony of Black-Legged Kittiwakes. Other resident seabirds found in the area include Common Terns and Great Black-Backed Gulls.
Migratory shorebirds reach Gabarus Wilderness Area throughout spring and summer. Such visitors include the Ruddy Turnstone (Seaweed Bird), Black-Bellied Plovers, Short-Billed Dowitchers, Great Blue Herons and Semipalmated Plovers.
With its unique combination of coastal and inland lake and forest resources in a natural landscape setting, the Gabarus Wilderness Area provides a variety of wilderness recreation opportunities.
Inland wilderness travel opportunities in Gabarus Wilderness Area are somewhat limited due, in part, to the generally rugged conditions. Wet ground, frequent bogs, uneven terrain and thick coniferous forest cover restrict wilderness travel. The best opportunities for non-coastal recreation experiences are associated with Gabarus Lake, which currently maintains a popular sport fishery (striped bass, sea trout), and is ideal for canoeists and kayakers.
The Wilderness Area includes exceptional coastal hiking, boating, scenic, and nature appreciation opportunities. The sweeping barrier beach system features a wide variety of coastal habitats, changing scenery, and many outstanding examples of coastal processes.
An existing trail/old road from the Wilderness Area boundary near the community of Gabarus, at the northwest corner of Harris Lake, follows the lakeshore and coastline to Gull Cove, serving as an ideal hiking trail along the Wilderness Area's north boundary. In general, hiking experiences along the coast are of an easy to intermediate level and may involve extended camping trips or day trips.
Many sites along the coast also offer scenic views. Cape Gabarus is one such site, notable for its panoramic vistas of the coastline and headlands. The Gabarus coastline offers marine wildlife viewing opportunities to hikers and paddlers. Wildlife such as grey and harbour seals, bald eagles and many species of seabirds, may be seen.
The unique combination of the barrier beach, large lagoons, drumlin headlands, embayments and offshore islands, produce a coastal setting that is ideal for canoeists and kayakers with many significant features accessible by small water craft.
The remains of an abandoned settlement is evident at Gull Cove and other coastal sites, which are recognized by the old fields and meadows (colonized by white spruce), remains of stone walls and evidence of old building foundations. In the late 1800's, the thriving fishing community in this area had more than 3000 residents (compared to 2500 in Sydney at the time), with 3 schools, 4 churches, 4 stores and 5 lobster canneries.
