Even as late as 1840, the only real highway in the Province led from Amherst to Parrsboro, bridged the Basin by ferry to Windsor and then on to Halifax. Since the region was rich in timber and adjacent to the coalfields of Springhill, the Port was positioned perfectly for development as a thriving wooden shipbuilding and exporting business. Thus, came a time when there were few harbours of note in all the world that did not reflect the name board of at least one at one time or another spoken on the streets of Parrsboro. The commercial opportunities arising from this constant traffic flow through Parrsboro, were the main ingredients in the community's establishment and sustenance. The Town's main industries were forestry related now a Metal Fabrication plant is the largest single employer.
Agricultural employment is also significant from surrounding mixed farms and blueberry harvesting.
There is also a small Industrial Park supporting two small manufacturing industries and a regional Fisheries Building. Tourism related services are a principal source of revenue for the town. Parrsboro has a well protected tidal harbour with a Government Wharf that serves the local inshore fishery. The Port boasts the highest tides in the world with over fifty foot rise and fall from low water, with a 22 to 28 foot range over the keel blocks at the Wharf. Headlands of the area provide a panoramic view of 20 miles or more each way of the Minas coast and opposite shoreline.