Country Harbour is located in Guysborough County on the north-eastern tip of the Nova Scotian mainland. It is divided into several sub-sections but remains bonded as a community. They are in order when driving south on Nova Scotia Highway 316 : Country Harbour Lake , Country Harbour Cross Roads , Middle Country Harbour and Country Harbour Mines . The entire population of the area is less than 1000 permanent residents. Country Harbour boasts one of North America's deepest natural harbours and was considered for early settlement before Halifax was chosen as a permanent location. There are several sites dedicated to preserving the heritage of the early settlers, including a restoration of a small village (probably home to less than 20 families) and Mount Misery . Mount Misery was the site where the first European settlers who came to Nova Scotia chose to establish their early agricultural efforts. They were not prepaired for the harsh Canadian winter and almost all of the original settlers died during their first year. Mount Misery is connected to Country Harbour Mines via a cable ferry which also provides easy access to the neighbouring community of Port Bickerton .
Primary industries traditionally included mining, forestry and fishing. Many residents establish their fishing businesses in Port Bickerton due to the geographic advantages provided. Many deep-sea fishing vessels also transfer their cargo to land-based tranports in Country Harbour. Country Harbour is now known as having very few employment opportunities and those who do not work in the traditional fields tend to commute to Antigonish (home of Saint Francis Xavier University) or even as far as Halifax where there are more diverse employment opportunities.
Mining is no longer a valid industry in Country Harbour. The last attempt at mining was made in the early 1980s with the opening of the Forrest Hills Gold Mine . Nothing of significance was recovered from this mine and it closed after only one or two years in operation.
The community is comprised of many retired people who have chosen to return after many years of absence. Many young families also live in the area beliving it is a wholesum place to raise children.
Actor Ethan Hawke owns a small island located just off the coast of Country Harbour Mines.
The area is within the district of St. Mary's and is served by St. Mary's Elementary School and St. Mary's Academy in nearby Sherbrooke.
