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HOTELS AND LODGES

The arrival of the railway and improved steamship services, in the late 1800's, encouraged an increase in the number of hotels and lodges. During the early 1900's Digby and Digby County was advertised as the "Summer Play Place of Nova Scotia", allowing for the expansion of existing hotels and lodges as well as the construction of new ones. During the summer months the population of the Digby area nearly doubled with the addition of tourists.
Today Bed and Breakfast businesses are scattered throughout the area as well as several hotels and motels. Tourism is still a major industry, but the days of the grand lodges have long passed.

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Waverley Hotel
1899
Corner of Birch & Water Street, Digby, Nova Scotia

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This two-storey structure originally known as the Waverely [sic] House, was a tourist establishment owned by Miss Forsythe and Mrs. Joseph Merritt; it was destroyed in the fire of 1899.

Later rebuilt, the Waverely [sic] became a well patronized commercial hotel, which besides offices and reception parlour had 35 well furnished guest chambers. The dinning room seated 45 persons, while the meals always embracing several courses, were promptly and daintily served.

Information taken from: Digby and Digby County N.S. - The Summer Playground of Nova Scotia, 1918.

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Summer's Country Inn
23 September 2004
Warwick Street, Digby, Nova Scotia

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Built circa 1864, it was originally known as the Raymond House, a summer hotel, owned by Stewart Raymond. On A. F. Church's map of 1864 (located at museum), it is shown as the Episcopal Rectory. Several names etched on the windows include that of Henry V. Almon, August 28th, 1860, who was a clergyman at Trinity Anglican Church.

The main house and ell were built at different times.

A store was built by Stewart Raymond on the back lot on the corner of Queen and Warwick Streets in 1908 setting the foundation for a business block.

The 19th Century building was restored by the present owners and operated as Summer's Country Inn.

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The Manhattan Hotel
13 January 1900
Montague Row, Digby, Nova Scotia

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The Manhattan Hotel, built and operated by the Troupe family, began business on January 13th, 1900 and remained open until 1913. The hotel was torn down in 1945. Located across the street from the Annapolis Basin, it offered access to many water-related activities: boating, canoeing, racing. The pavillion and bandstand were nearby. Extra guests were accomodated at the annex (Salvia House/Bayview B&B) two buildings to the north. A small Loyalist building was incorporated into the hotel structure but was destroyed when the hotel was taken down. At present the 'Movie Gallery' is located on the same location.

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Salvia House now Bayside Bed and Breakfast
1885
Montague Row, Digby, Nova Scotia

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Originally built as a one-and-a-half story log house, the Salvia House was used as the home and office for the owners of the Manhattan Hotel.

In 1910, an addition to the house was made with the results as it stands today. After this addition, the house was used as the annex to the Manhattan Hotel and has offered accomdation to tourists and travellers. Today it is still in operation as a Bed & Breakfast.

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Pines Hotel, past
1905
Shore Road, Digby, Nova Scotia

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Pines Hotel, present
1928
Shore Road, Digby, Nova Scotia

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The Pines Resort was built in the style of a Norman Chateau. It perches majestically on the hilltop, 250 feet above the Annapolis Basin. Consisting of three stories and forty sleeping rooms, the first Pines Hotel was constructed in 1905 by Harry Churchill. In 1913 the Government took it over to use as WW1 officers' quarters, and i 1919 sold it to the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). They tore it down in 1928 to build the existing one (opened June 24, 1929) which currently has 83 rooms and suites and 30 cottages.

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Myrtle House, present
1900
First Avenue, Digby, Nova Scotia

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Once known as the Myrtle House, a summer hotel, now an apartment building. The original building was more than twice its present size. It boasted a spectacular view from the fourth floor, as well as from the very large veranda. Stained glass diamond carvings were a feature of the building prior to the fire in 1979.