Mainland South was defined by the fishery for many years, the craggy coast line offering sheltered protection from the North Atlantic. The area has a rich history and includes former farm lands, fishing communities, military establishments, quarries, and the sites of pioneer industrial enterprises. A visit to the Mainland South Heritage Society’s web page at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nsmshs/ will provide much interesting information

Southern communities include:

Cowie Hill, (Population: … Average Sale Price …) is situated on a hill originally called “Cowie’s Hill”, named after one of the original owners of the land, Robert Cowie. Built during the early 1970s, this neighbourhood of somewhat modest homes offers glorious views out over the Northwest Arm and to the Halifax Peninsula and a convenient location.

Melville Cove, (Population…Average Sale Price…) is located just west of Cowie Hill. Here you find more upscale and relatively new homes and condominium buildings. Situated between Long Lake Provincial Park and the various parks along the Northeast Arm, Cowie Hill and Melville Cove are popular with recreational enthusiasts. The neighbourhood has a beach on Chocolate Lake, and is close to a number of shopping malls.

Spryfield, (Population…Average Sale Price…)   is bounded to the north by Armdale, to the south by Long Pond and to the east by the Purcell’s Cove Road. The community gets its name from Captain Lieutenant-General William Spry, who purchased land in the area in 1769. Originally known as Spry’s Field Spryfield is surrounded by forested areas, and in addition to the lakes there are numerous opportunities for hiking, berry-picking and exploring

Purcells Cove, (Population….Average Sale Price …) The Purcell’s Cove Road begins just past the Armdale Rotary, off the Herring Cove Road. It follows the North West Arm, an extension of the Halifax Harbor that separates the peninsula from the mainland. Typically an upscale market, there are many homes located on the water and many others located in quaint subdivisions built during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s that are more affordable. The area offers various parks and recreation areas as well.

Here is a link to information on the Purcell’s Cove Conservation Lands.

Herring Cove, (Population….Average Sale Price …) an historic fishing village on the Chebucto Peninsula is the first village on the coast, 15 kilometres south of Downtown Halifax. Herring Cove not only has a distinctive form Herring Cove, (Population….Average Sale Price …) an historic fishing village on the Chebucto Peninsula is the first village on the coast, 15 kilometres south of Downtown Halifax. Herring Cove not only has a distinctive form and atmosphere but is highly regarded as a community by the people who live there. It is near the western approaches to Halifax Harbour, and can be reached via Purcell’s Cove and the Herring Cove Road through Spryfield. Regular bus service to Downtown Halifax is available.

Getting Around: Metro Transit offers very good regular bus service throughout the region. Here is a link to schedules and routes.