Plan Your Trip

Whether you’re riding in for the weekend or planning a longer stay in Southwest Nova Scotia, the Wharf Rat Rally is your gateway to an unforgettable coastal experience.

Digby and the surrounding region offer scenic rides, waterfront communities, Acadian culture, historic towns, and some of the province’s best hospitality. Below are trusted resources to help you plan your trip before — and beyond — the Rally weekend.

Accommodation options during the Wharf Rat Rally range from hotels and inns to campgrounds, RV parks, and nearby communities.

Availability fills quickly during Rally weekend, so booking early is strongly recommended.

Looking for other accomodation options check out;

Yarmouth & Acadian Shores

Tourism Nova Scotia

During the Rally

During Rally weekend, Digby becomes a busy and exciting place. Expect increased traffic, temporary street-direction changes and limited vehicle parking throughout the downtown area.

Please follow all posted signs and the directions of traffic-control personnel.

Parking in Downtown Digby

Parking for cars, trucks and other vehicles with four or more wheels is limited downtown. Available options include:

• The public parking lot on First Avenue, opposite the Digby Fire Department

• The parking lot above Digby Town Hall

• Street parking on First Avenue, Queen Street and Second Avenue, where permitted

Several downtown streets become one-way during the Rally. Pay close attention to posted signs and traffic-control teams when entering, parking or leaving the area.

Vehicles must not block:

• Fire hydrants

• Driveways

• Emergency access routes

• The Digby Fire Department

• Loading zones or other signed restricted areas

Vehicles parked in violation of parking regulations may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

Park Outside Downtown and Ride the Shuttle

Because downtown parking is limited, visitors arriving by car are encouraged to park outside the Rally area and use the free shuttle or walk into town.

Suggested parking areas include:

• Digby Mall parking lot

• Walmart and Atlantic Superstore parking area

Please respect all posted parking restrictions and keep entrances, fire lanes and designated customer-access areas clear.

Temporary Traffic Changes

Temporary traffic controls will be in place throughout Rally weekend. Current planned changes include:

Street	Traffic change
Water Street	One-way northbound; motorcycles only beginning no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday
Montague Row	One-way northbound beginning at Mount Street; motorcycles only beginning no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday
Birch Street	One-way northbound beginning Friday at 5:00 p.m.
First Avenue	One-way southbound beginning Friday at 9:00 a.m.
Queen Street	One-way northbound beginning Friday at 5:00 p.m.
Second Avenue	One-way southbound beginning Friday at 5:00 p.m.

Traffic plans may be adjusted when required for public safety or event operations. Always follow current signage and the instructions of police, security and traffic-control personnel.

Maiden Lane and the Port of Digby

Access to Maiden Lane will be maintained for residents. Residents may need to speak with traffic-control personnel before proceeding through a controlled area.

Access to the Port of Digby will be available through Maiden Lane.

Traffic routes near the Port of Digby will be modified because part of the parking-lot area is being used for Rally activities. Allow additional travel time and follow all directional signage.

Free Rally Shuttle

A free shuttle service will operate on a continuous loop between downtown Digby and designated parking and pickup locations.

Planned downtown stops include:

• Wharf Rat Rally Headquarters

• Digby Town Hall

• Church Street

• Additional stops along First Avenue

The shuttle loop will also serve:

• Digby Mall

• Sobeys

• Walmart and Atlantic Superstore

• Sou’West Iron & Ink

Final operating days, hours, stop locations and frequency will be posted once confirmed. Shuttle times may vary depending on traffic and demand.

Arriving as a Ferry Foot Passenger

During Rally weekend, selected shuttle runs will extend to the Digby ferry terminal to collect passengers arriving aboard the MV Fundy Rose.

Visitors travelling from Saint John should confirm the ferry’s current sailing status before travelling. Ferry and shuttle schedules are subject to change.

Getting Around on Foot

Much of the main Rally area is walkable. Water Street, Montague Row, Rally Headquarters, downtown vendors, restaurants and major event areas are located within a relatively compact area.

Visitors parking outside the downtown core can use the shuttle and continue through the Rally area on foot. Please use designated crossings, watch for motorcycles and follow directions from traffic-control personnel.

Accessibility

We want the Wharf Rat Rally to be welcoming and accessible. Downtown Digby includes a combination of paved streets, sidewalks, parking areas and active event spaces. Temporary infrastructure, crowds and street closures may affect normal routes.

Visitors with mobility or accessibility questions are encouraged to contact the Rally in advance so we can provide the most current information about accessible parking, shuttle service and access to specific event areas.

Plan Ahead

Rally weekend brings significantly more traffic into Digby than usual. Give yourself extra time, consider parking outside downtown and using the shuttle, and be patient with traffic-control teams working to keep everyone moving safely.

The Wharf Rat Rally is a high-energy, community-driven event.

• Expect increased traffic and crowds downtown

• Live music and motorcycles are part of the experience

• Family-friendly areas and community events are part of the weekend

• We ask all visitors to respect local residents, businesses, and safety guidelines

The Rally exists because of the support of the Digby community — helping us keep that relationship strong is important to everyone involved.