Roys Gut is a small tidal passage situated along the Egerton shoreline of Merigomish Harbour, east of Governor Head. Like many other “guts” located along the Northumberland Strait, it is a narrow, sheltered channel where tidal waters move between low-lying coastal features. The surrounding landscape is characterized by salt marsh, mixed forest, and gently sloping shoreline, contributing to the harbour’s well‑known ecological richness.
Governor Head is a small but prominent coastal headland located in the community of Egerton. Formed from the region’s characteristic low, rocky shoreline, the point marks part of the outer harbour and has long functioned as a recognizable geographic landmark for small‑craft navigation and local marine activity. Its position offers clear sightlines across Merigomish Harbour toward the Northumberland Strait, contributing to its role as a traditional reference point within the coastal landscape.
Merigomish Harbour Provincial Park, located north west of Quarry Island, is a small Provincial Park (about 20 hectares in size) nestled along the shores of Woodburn was designated in 2024. There is no road access into this park, however unlike most traditional Provincial parks this is one of the ones that is meant more for protecting Nova Scotia environment.
Merigomish Harbour Indian Reserve No. 31 (often referred to as Merigomish Harbour 31) located within the sheltered waters of Merigomish Harbour, is a small Indian Reserve, officially recognized under the Indian Act of Canada. Under jurisdiction of the federal government, it is managed in accordance with the Canada Lands Surveys Act and related legislation, but administratively managed by Pictou Landing First Nation. Merigomish Harbour 31 consists of two islands; Indian Island and Muless Island. It is considered to be an unpopulated Reserve, although it does contain many seasonal dwellings on both of the islands and a historic church (Saint Anne’s Mission Church) is located on Indian Island.
Middle Ground is a shallow shoal area located in Merigomish Harbour south of Smashem Head on Big Merigomish Island . Boaters need to navigate through this area cautiously, especially at low tides.
Big Island, a small rural community in Pictou County, it is considered to be a barrier island system, formed of sand and gravel, with a mix of dunes, salt marshes, fertile farm land, and a long north-facing beach. Its natural causeway connects it to the mainland, though historically this was a tidal crossing before several man-made road improvements. This Big Island map was created by combining modified topographic data, community details, and a shaded relief model to depict terrain features.
Click here to Download the Big Island Map, or browse the map online.
Merigomish Harbor’s rich mapping history reflects its importance as both a fishing hub and a sheltered harbour. Comparing this historical chart with current digital nautical charts can reveal how coastal processes and human structures have reshaped the harbor over the past century. The 1842 Merigomish Harbor Map drawn by Jos. S. Latimer depicts both coastal outlines and underwater topography, designed to assist mariners entering and navigating Merigomish Harbor.
Rocky Patch is located in Merigomish Harbour just east of Point Betty on Olding Island.