Red Sky: Nova Scotia’s Appellation Cider
Derived from the maritime phrase, “Red sky at night, sailors’ delight; red sky in morning, sailors take warning,” the Red Sky cider appellation is ...
Guest Writer: Jay Kana, Owner & Publisher of Modern Traveller
From the majestic Bay of Fundy to the serene Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site to the urban escape via the Shubenacadie Canal, Nova Scotia has kayaking opportunities for everyone.
I kinda like kayaking. A lot. A lot a lot. I’ve kayaked in nearly all provinces and territories across Canada, I’ve kayaked all five Great Lakes in one day and perhaps it’s me being a Pisces but I’m at my happiest when I’m on the water.
I love being in Nova Scotia. It’s the province where I’ve spent the most amount of time outside of my home province of Ontario. Canada’s ocean playground has a plethora of paddling possibilities and if you’re looking for places to kayak in Nova Scotia, I’ve got you covered! This handy guide includes places I’ve kayaked so everything comes with first-paddle, errr, first-hand experience.
LaHave River – Cape LaHave Adventures
Distance from Halifax: 1.5 hours West
Outfitter: Cape LaHave Adventures (14 Bell’s Cove Road, Dublin Shore)
Types of tours offered: Guided half-day, full-day, multi-day and seasonal tours
Experience level: Beginners and up
Video
My kayaking experience coincided with their unique bioluminescent night tour and the complete experience was superb. Sarah, the owner, greeted me upon arrival, the guides were wonderful, the rental gear was in excellent condition and I would certainly recommend paddling with Cape LaHave Adventures. Our larger group was led by three guides, all patient and experienced, making for a memorable adventure on the water.
Mersey River – Whynot Adventure
Distance from Halifax: 2.25 hours West
Outfitter: Whynot Adventure (Jake’s Landing, 1507 Kejimkujik Main Parkway, Maitland Bridge)
Types of tours offered: Guided 2 hour, 4 hour and multi-day tours
Experience level: Beginners and up
Video
My two-hour tour in the splendour of Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site was balanced with historical information, nuggets of nifty nature info and soaking in the beauty of this special part of Nova Scotia. My guide on the group tour was eager to share but not overload us with information and this leisurely paddle is a wonderful way to explore the park from a distinct vantage point. The gear was in good shape and there’s an option to do self-guided exploration through either kayaks, canoes or standup paddle boards.
North River & St. Ann’s Bay – North River Kayak
Distance from Halifax: 4 hours East
Outfitter: North River Kayak Tours (644 Murray Road, North River Bridge)
Types of tours offered: Guided half-day and full-day tours plus training courses
Experience level: Beginners and up
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Angelo and I got along instantly during our half day tour; he’s a warm and kind soul that balances sharing information about the area with letting you absorb the natural beauty. His fleet of kayaks and gear are in top-notch condition, the team is abundantly friendly and if you love Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail as much as I do, then this is where to paddle. Also, make sure he brings his famous hand-made banana bread! (Tell him I told you about it.) Across the road is River Nest Wilderness Cabins, also owned by Angelo. I was fortunate to spend the night in one of the five bespoke cabins before my morning tour the next day which proved to be both convenient and a unique overnight experience!
Bay of Fundy – NovaShores Adventures
Distance from Halifax: 2.75 hours Northwest
Outfitter: NovaShores Adventures (637 School Lane, Advocate Harbour)
Types of tours offered: Guided full-day, multi-day and 2 hour standup paddle boarding
Entry level: Confident beginners and up
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The Three Sisters day tour is an unmatched journey on the world-famous Bay of Fundy. It’s approximately 8 km round trip of paddling and includes a stop for a gourmet picnic lunch at a remote cove and mesmerizing geology. Start times change with the tide schedule and as such, you’ll notice the difference on the return paddle from lunch. The waves can get up to a few feet in height depending on the wind and weather and smartly, every kayak that goes out is a two-person kayak for increased stability. Ownership has made this surreal adventure widely accessible and the guides are/were remarkable throughout the tour.
East Point Islands – Pleasant Paddling
Distance from Halifax: 1.25 hours West
Outfitter: Pleasant Paddling (245 The Point Road, Blue Rocks, Lunenburg)
Types of tours offered: Guided half-day, full-day, multi-day, sunset and specialty tours
Experience level: Beginners and up
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My “Paddle Through the Islands” tour saw 3 hours of kayaking bliss, complete with a leisurely paddle and a stop for a snack on a remote island. There’s plenty of wildlife in the area and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a glimpse. Launching from a beautiful fishing village of Blue Rocks, just minutes from Lunenburg, you’ll traverse the islands in all their beauty and be given interesting information about the history of the area.
Mason Cove & Tangier Harbour – Coastal Adventures
Distance from Halifax: 1.25 hours East
Outfitter: Coastal Adventures (84 Masons Point Road, Tangier)
Types of tours offered: Guided half-day, full-day, multi-day and specialty tours
Experience level: Beginners and up
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The underrated, magical and serene Eastern Shore region is home to some of the best kayaking in Nova Scotia, hosted by Coastal Adventures. My half-day tour saw my group meander Mason Cove and then paddle Tangier Harbour at a decent yet not rushed pace. This captivating kayaking tour is a wonderful way to learn about this part of the province from the water.
Dartmouth – Shubenacadie Canal
Distance from Halifax: 20 minutes Northeast
Rental option: Wildwood Water Sports (54 Locks Road, Dartmouth)
Rental types: Self-guided with rentals available for kayaks, canoes and standup paddle boards (cash only)
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Whether it’s on a lunch break, an after work paddle or anytime, really, paddling here is truly an urban escape. Once on the water, you’ll forget there’s a bustling metropolis encompassing you as the canal’s serene surroundings are heavenly. Continue to Lake Charles for a more open experience and yes, you’ll see an IKEA to your left as you make the transition. Plus, there’s an accessible kayak launch on-site!
Melmerby Beach Adventures
Distance from Halifax: 2 hours Northeast
Rental option: Melmerby Adventures (Melmerby Beach Provincial Park, 6280 Little Harbour Road, New Glasgow)
Rental types: Self guided with kayak and standup paddle board rentals
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Enjoy the calm of the inner bay as you paddle at your own pace here. As you reach the openness of Little Harbour, be sure to admire the area from different angles, especially behind you as this park is bursting with beauty.
Liscomb River – Liscombe Lodge Resort & Conference Centre
Distance from Halifax: 2.25 hours East
Rental option: Liscombe Lodge Resort & Conference Centre (2884 Highway 7, Liscomb)
Rental types: Self-guided with kayaks and canoes available for registered guests only
Video
Launching from the Liscombe Lodge, enjoy the peacefulness of the Liscomb River. For shorter jaunts, turn left and paddle toward the Highway 7 bridge for a blend of nature with a sprinkle or urban. Head straight toward Rileys Island and the subsequent Rileys Little Island for more of a nature-focused experience.
About Jay Kana
Jay Kana is a professional and award-winning writer, videographer and editor and with a self-proclaimed brown belt in photography. Most importantly, he’s a storyteller and an active listener. Sharing experiences and stories of destinations and the people that make these communities is what he thrives on! Jay has owned and operated the Mississauga based lifestyle magazine, Modern Mississauga, for nearly 10 years and in March 2023 expanded the business to include Modern Traveller. The digital lifestyle magazine covers happenings in Mississauga and shares destinations across the country with its subscribers, representing a diverse blend of interests and experiences. He also does freelance writing for Modern Motoring, an automotive based channel focusing on new car reviews and road trips. Jay was a travel media guest of Tourism Nova Scotia.
(Images owned and provided by Jay Kana)
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