When the Shubenacadie Canal was originally surveyed in 1767, it was meant to facilitate transportation between Halifax and the agricultural, timber and coal-producing areas of northern Nova Scotia and the Annapolis Valley. But these days the canal and park are largely used for recreational activities. Since 1984, the Shubenacadie Canal Commission has been trying to preserve the waterway, its history and its new life, so last week, Mainstreet's Rob Doublett jumped into a kayak with commissioner Cait Green for a tour.