Wedgeport, an unincorporated place in the Municipality of the District of Argyle, is nestled in the southern part of Nova Scotia, Canada. This charming community is steeped in history and offers a unique blend of cultural experiences.
Wedgeport was settled in 1767 by Acadians returning from deportation in the Boston area. Initially known as Tusket Wedge and "Chebec", the village was officially renamed Wedgeport in 1909 by an Act of Parliament.
The 20th century saw Wedgeport gain fame as a popular destination for many notable Americans and Canadians, drawn by the abundant tuna in the area. Among these were Babe Ruth, President Franklin Roosevelt, Kate Smith, Gene Tunney, Amelia Earhart, Ernest Hemingway, Jean Béliveau, Ethel du Pont, Thomas Gifford, Michael Lerner, Zane Grey, and Tony Hulman. Many of these famous personalities were guided on their fishing trips by Captain Evée LeBlanc.
Wedgeport is proudly known as the "Historic Sport Tuna Fishing Capital of the World". In 1937, the International Tuna Cup Match was inaugurated, attracting participants from 28 different countries. The tournament set a record in 1949 when 72 Bluefin tuna were caught, weighing a total of 30,161 pounds - the highest weight ever caught in a tournament to date. Although the tournament ended in 1976 due to a decline in tuna, it was revived in 2004. The 13th annual Wedgeport Tuna Tournament & Festival was held in August 2016.
Each summer, Wedgeport hosts the annual Festival Acadien de Wedgeport, a celebration of Acadian heritage. The festival features concerts, variety shows, a parade, an Acadian pageant, traditional costumes, dances, and a softball tournament.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Wedgeport had a population of 1,071, living in 478 of its 534 total private dwellings. This represented a slight increase of 0.9% from its 2016 population of 1,061. With a land area of 9.64 km2 (3.72 sq mi), Wedgeport had a population density of 111.1/km2 (287.7/sq mi) in 2021.
Wedgeport, Nova Scotia, with its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique Canadian experience.
