Five Islands, Nova Scotia

Five Islands is a rural community in Colchester County, Nova Scotia, Canada with a population of 316 located on the north shore of Minas Basin, home of the highest tides in the world.

Native Mi'kmaq legend has it that the Five Islands were created when their god Glooscap threw the mud, sticks and stones at the giant beaver who dammed his medicine garden in Advocate.

The main sources of income in Five Islands are from natural resources including blueberries, fishing, and clam harvesting and processing.

He cleared much of the forest and established a modest mixed farm, supplying the coastal village with produce, wood and charcoal.

Legend has John Ruff's spirit stalking the long overgrown fields during misty, moonless nights in search of vengeance.

In 2003 Long Island was purchased by Dick Lemon, who wanted to build on its top, 200 ft (60 m) above the sea bed, a retreat for artists, writers, musicians and academics.

Taking advantage of the extreme tides, Lemon in 2007 began a charity event called Not Since Moses, a 5K and 10K run from Long and Moose Islands through the sea bed to shore.

A helicopter carried heavy equipment including a tent for workers to live in during the construction (since they could not practically travel daily to and from the island).

Ross oversaw the construction, the drilling with a specialty rig of two wells and the installation of a solar and generator power system for the main house which enjoys all the comforts of a modern home including full kitchen.

The retreat is used May through October by users such as the Nova Scotia College of Arts and Design, Ships Company Theatre, St. Mary's University and various groups which have included private tourists.

[5] Having deteriorated over the years, the tower was saved from being demolished by the Five Islands Lighthouse Preservation Society and moved to the Sand Point campground as a tourist attraction in 1996.