Sherbrooke Village
Sherbrooke Village
4.5
About
Sherbrooke Village is Nova Scotia’s largest Provincial Museum with 25 heritage buildings brought to life by costumed interpreters. In the 1860s, timber tall ships and gold ruled life along the St. Mary’s River, turning the community of Sherbrooke into a prosperous boom town. Today, the picturesque village still stands proud, just as it did more than 100 years ago. At Sherbrooke Village, every day is a trip back in time as Nova Scotia’s 19th century heritage is brought to life by the blacksmiths, potters, weavers, wood turners and printers. Get dressed up and “Step Into 1867” to become a part of the Village story as an explorer and have your photo taken at Canada’s only commercial Ambrotype glass photo studio. Our activities, learning programs, workshops for children and adults, and schedule of special events make it easy to get your hands on history all summer long! Visit Village Treasures and Gifts for that special item or McDaniels's Tea Room and Restaurant.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
192 reviews
Excellent
125
Very good
49
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10
Poor
5
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3
sebim
yarmouth189 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We decided to do a staycation because of Covid and booked into Liscombe lodge thinking we would explore the area. One spot on the list was going to be a trip to Sherbrooke Village we haven’t been in years. Well I can understand restrictions due to Covid but the province needs to step up its game ,I can now go shopping in a mall with a mask on but can’t stroll through the village unless it’s a guided tour and most buildings were closed . Our plan was to have a lite lunch but that was closed the lady at reception was very nice but two other couples left as well. This is supposed to be run by the province as far as I understand and they should be promoting locals visiting. We have cut our trip here short and are heading to Cape Breton. We might be back but probably not .
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your visit to Sherbrooke Village. The situation with Covid-19 was a learning experience for all of us and we were doing what we thought was best to keep our staff and visitors safe. Please do give us another chance when the threat of disease is behind us and we can throw our doors open to all!
Written January 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peggie B
Halifax, Canada484 contributions
Jul 2021
Such a great place to walk around and explore. As you walk around you will come across many people in period dress eager to chat and give you a piece of the history. My visit was during Covid restrictions so some of the displays were not fully accessible but still a wonderful visit.
Written August 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bitmugger
Halifax, Canada24 contributions
Jul 2021
Staff and just how big this place is are what makes it.
Was a Saturday market on when we were there and that really made for a fun day of market + exploring the village.
Ask the blacksmith about his Penny Farthing bike
Ask the post office about the Spanish Flu and masks in the 1918 era.
Ask the photographer about her glass plate photography (she's only 1 of 2 people in the WORLD still doing it the old fashioned way and you can pay for pics from her)
Ask the drug store chemist about her soothing balms she makes the old fashioned way.
Ask the weaver about her 4 carriage loom and the the fabrics she makes the old fashioned way and sells in the gift store.
Was a Saturday market on when we were there and that really made for a fun day of market + exploring the village.
Ask the blacksmith about his Penny Farthing bike
Ask the post office about the Spanish Flu and masks in the 1918 era.
Ask the photographer about her glass plate photography (she's only 1 of 2 people in the WORLD still doing it the old fashioned way and you can pay for pics from her)
Ask the drug store chemist about her soothing balms she makes the old fashioned way.
Ask the weaver about her 4 carriage loom and the the fabrics she makes the old fashioned way and sells in the gift store.
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sterton
Port Hastings, Canada71 contributions
Aug 2021
Such a neat place to walk around to explore. They even lent us (for free) a super cozy stroller for our toddler. We loved the giant goat and rabbit. While we were there, there was a street market happening and we could come & go as we pleased. Admission was free this summer and it was great interacting with all the employees who were dressed and playing a role. I'd go back for sure! Loved the employees at admissions: super nice!
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindsay G
Ottawa, Canada25 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
I’ll be honest, I stopped in Sherbrooke during a Nova Scotia road trip because it had a convenient EV charger. My curious walk down the road to Sherbrooke Village turned out to be the highlight of my trip. I was so fascinated that I stayed until closing that day, and then was allowed to come back the next day for free!
The in-depth tours of the blacksmith and weaving cottage blew my mind. It’s amazing watching the artisans work with the same tools in the same actual buildings as their predecessors in the 1800s. The working sawmill down the river was also so much fun.
You can truly feel how much everyone cares about their museum. Each artisan and shop is more interesting than the last, and I shared a real connection and personal stories with several of the delightful re-enactors (shout out to Suzette and Tobias in particular ❤️).
I can’t recommend Sherbrooke Village enough. It’s worth more than a stop; it’s worth a detour! You won’t be disappointed.
The in-depth tours of the blacksmith and weaving cottage blew my mind. It’s amazing watching the artisans work with the same tools in the same actual buildings as their predecessors in the 1800s. The working sawmill down the river was also so much fun.
You can truly feel how much everyone cares about their museum. Each artisan and shop is more interesting than the last, and I shared a real connection and personal stories with several of the delightful re-enactors (shout out to Suzette and Tobias in particular ❤️).
I can’t recommend Sherbrooke Village enough. It’s worth more than a stop; it’s worth a detour! You won’t be disappointed.
Written July 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caltrac15
99 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Only guided tours so you can’t go at your own pace. Most buildings closed, very few displays. This could be an awesome place but sure could use some fresh ideas and creativity to bring this gem alive. There is so much opportunity to bring our history to life here and so much can be done outside so all could enjoy. This place has potential but needs new, fresh, young ideas!
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your visit to Sherbrooke Village. The situation with Covid-19 was a learning experience for all of us and we were doing what we thought was best to keep our staff and visitors safe. Tour guides were taking their groups into buildings but due to cleaning requirements between each group of visitors we were required to close doors in between groups. Please do give us another chance when the threat of disease is behind us and we can throw our doors open to all!
Written January 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dawn s
Halifax, Canada63 contributions
Jul 2023
Really enjoyed stepping back in time and interacting with the staff. All were so knowledgeable about their craft/status. It really is a gem. Too bad the cruise lines couldn't let passengers off in Halifax, take a scenic drive by coach to Sherbrooke Village, then meet the chip in Sydney? Seriously, today's youth have no idea how fast technology has changed our lives.
Written July 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina J
Bournemouth, UK33 contributions
Aug 2022
Great place to visit. There was so much to see but we ran out of time as needed to get back on the road. You really do travel back in time on your visit as you walk around the picturesque well preserved village. The costumed interpreters are so knowledgeable. We spent ages learning about the photography on glass, fascinating. We've told our Nova Scotia family that they need to visit for a great day out, can't believe they haven't visited it.
Practicalities, restrooms around the site, also water stations. Restaurant on site selling sandwiches and chowder.
Practicalities, restrooms around the site, also water stations. Restaurant on site selling sandwiches and chowder.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HenriettandRalph
New Glasgow, Canada33 contributions
Jul 2020
A return visit after many years. It was a great morning with sunny weather. With several buildings open to explore and craftspeople such as Blacksmith, Furniture maker, Pottery and Print shop where one can see craftspeople doing the jobs as they were done about 1900.
A great venue for all ages - would recommend at least a couple hours. As these are original period structures it is not completely accessible.
In spite of Covid19 a good time with excellent guide.
A great venue for all ages - would recommend at least a couple hours. As these are original period structures it is not completely accessible.
In spite of Covid19 a good time with excellent guide.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mel G
Glasgow, UK17 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
Whilst Sherbrooke Village is certainly a must visit, both enjoyable and highly informative, our excellent memories have been negtively affected by the deterioration of what we considered a worthwhile souvenir.
This trip back to the 19th century includes amongst the village businesses of the time, a photographic studio. You have the opportunity to dress in period costume and look like your great grandparents in a glass negative/photo of the time. My wife and I took advantage of this experience and the picture took pride of place as a constant memory and talking point in our lounge. To take no chances the photo was framed and placed in a shaded position where no direct sunlight would land on it.
This was only in June 2014 and by Christmas, possibly earlier but unnoticed, it started to deteriorate.
We made contact with Sherbrooke Village and received a response from Mr Robert Jordan-Robichaud, Head of Historical Resources advising should we return the photo will be retaken at no charge. Not much good if you do not live nearby and we are in Scotland. My second email requesting any tips of what we could do or what kind of photographer, laboratory we could contact in an attempt to save further detrerioration, was ignored
So please, let me save other tourists from not only wasting their money but of the disappointment from greater loss - losing what was to us a souvenir to be treasured - avoid purchasing this experience.
This trip back to the 19th century includes amongst the village businesses of the time, a photographic studio. You have the opportunity to dress in period costume and look like your great grandparents in a glass negative/photo of the time. My wife and I took advantage of this experience and the picture took pride of place as a constant memory and talking point in our lounge. To take no chances the photo was framed and placed in a shaded position where no direct sunlight would land on it.
This was only in June 2014 and by Christmas, possibly earlier but unnoticed, it started to deteriorate.
We made contact with Sherbrooke Village and received a response from Mr Robert Jordan-Robichaud, Head of Historical Resources advising should we return the photo will be retaken at no charge. Not much good if you do not live nearby and we are in Scotland. My second email requesting any tips of what we could do or what kind of photographer, laboratory we could contact in an attempt to save further detrerioration, was ignored
So please, let me save other tourists from not only wasting their money but of the disappointment from greater loss - losing what was to us a souvenir to be treasured - avoid purchasing this experience.
Written May 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mel, Everyone in our Ambrotype Studio feels badly about your experience. In 20 years of operation, this is only the second such experience we're aware of. Considering the photographers produce hundreds of flawless Ambrotype portraits each year, this is a rare event and we'd like to help in any way we can. We're unaware of any Ambrotype studio in Scotland but will continue to ask our friends in the industry in they have any suggestions which would be of assistance. In the meantime, if ever you travel our way again, please visit for a complimentary visit including Ambrotype photo sessions and a behind the scenes tour of our Studio.
Sincerely,
Mark Sajatovich
Executive Director
Written May 30, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sherbrooke Village
- Hotels near Sherbrooke Village:
- (0.06 mi) St. Mary's River Lodge
- (0.18 mi) Daysago Bed & Breakfast
- (0.45 mi) Sherbrooke Village Inn
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