About Us

About the Coastal Discovery Centre

The Coastal Discovery Centre is a community, social and enterprise centre housed in the former elementary school in Main-à-Dieu. Read more»

About Main-à-Dieu

A scenic drive from the Fortress of Louisbourg and the Glace Bay Miners’ Museum, Main-à-Dieu stands in dramatic, rugged contrast to both: a bustling, traditional Cape Breton fishing village, its history and rythms woven deep into Island life. Read more»

Volunteer

You can help in whichever ways suit you! Join a committee or just lend a hand. For more info, call 733-2258 or email us

About the Main-à-Dieu Community Development Association

The Association is dedicated to assisting economic and social development in the following communities: Main-à-Dieu, Bateston, Little Lorraine, Baleine and Catalone. Read more»

Donations

To make a donation call (902) 733-2258 or email us by clicking here. All funds raised go directly to the operation of the Coastal Discovery Centre.

Merchandise

To purchase the “Time & Tide” DVD or “Boats of Main-a-Dieu” booklet, send a cheque or money order, made out to the Main-à-Dieu Community Development Association, to: Coastal Discovery Centre, Suite 1, 2886 Louis-Main-à-Dieu Rd., Main-à-Dieu, Nova Scotia, B1C 1X5

Past, Present & Future in a Rural Fishing Village: Sustainable Communities in the 21st Century

The Boats of Main-à-Dieu
A multimedia narrative history

Follow a boat from its building to its blessing; listen as generations of local residents share their memories of fishing and the sea; witness the area's transformation in light of the era's cultural, economic and technological developments.

Time & Tide
A people's history of Main-à-Dieu & area

Based on original footage and interviews, augmented by a wealth of archival material from local residents, the film revolves round four main themes: fishing and the sea, community and church, war and peace, daily life and leisure.

Green Beacon, Bright Future
5-year Plan & Sustainability Vision

An experimental development model for the Coastal Discovery Centre, and a 'green-print' for other communities wishing to go green and reduce operating costs. Read the document, discuss it, and send us feedback.