S.S. Atlantic Heritage Park & Museum

About This Experience

On on April 1, 1873, the immigrant steamship SS Atlantic of the White Star Line ran aground near Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia en route to Halifax. Of the approximately 975 aboard, some 550 perished in the worst single-vessel marine disaster to occur off the Canadian coast prior to the sinking of the Titanic.

Thanks to the efforts of fishermen from Lower Prospect, Upper Prospect and Terence Bay, more than 400 were saved. They quickly launched their boats to rescue survivors clinging to the wreck of the ship. Meanwhile, residents of the local communities were hard at work caring for those that managed to make it to shore.

Now, generations after the disaster, the SS Atlantic and its victims are not forgotten. This site is maintained by community volunteers and members of the SS Atlantic Heritage Park Society to keep the memory alive in the community and the province of Nova Scotia.

Visit the Interpretation Centre, walk the coastal boardwalk of the Heritage Park, rest in the gazebo, absorb the history of this event, and explore the communities that were involved.