3 days
- Halifax Metro, South Shore
This three-day itinerary combines the energy of Halifax with the coastal charm of Nova Scotia’s South Shore, including Peggy’s Cove, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg. While you could easily spend three full days exploring Halifax alone, this itinerary focuses on the region’s highlights and requires a bit of prioritizing along the way.
What can you do on a Halifax and South Shore long weekend?
A Halifax and South Shore long weekend lets you experience some of Nova Scotia’s most iconic destinations in a single trip. Spend time exploring Halifax’s waterfront and historic attractions, visit the famous lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, shop and dine in Mahone Bay, and discover the colourful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg. While you’ll need to pick and choose your activities, three days is enough to enjoy coastal scenery, local food, charming seaside towns, and some of the province’s best-known experiences.
Is this itinerary right for you?
1 Day 1: Discover Halifax
Spend your first day exploring Nova Scotia’s capital city before heading to the South Shore the next morning.
Morning & Afternoon
Start with a walk along the Halifax Waterfront, one of the world’s longest urban boardwalks.
Choose one or two of the city’s signature attractions:
- Take a harbour cruise or sightseeing boat tour
- Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
- Explore the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
- Discover the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
- Tour Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and enjoy views over the harbour
With only one day in the city, you’ll likely need to choose one or two major attractions rather than trying to fit them all in.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at one of Halifax’s many restaurants, from fresh seafood and waterfront dining to international cuisine and neighbourhood favourites.
After dinner catch a performance at Neptune Theatre or experience Halifax’s renowned pub scene and live music, featuring everything from Celtic and folk music to contemporary local performers.
Overnight
Stay in Halifax
2 Day 2: Peggy's Cove, Mahone Bay & Lunenburg
Today you’ll travel Nova Scotia’s scenic Lighthouse Route, stopping at some of the province’s most iconic coastal communities.
Morning: Peggy’s Cove
Begin your day at Peggy’s Cove and explore the famous Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. Walk the granite shoreline, enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean, and photograph one of Canada’s most recognizable lighthouses. Arriving early is recommended, particularly during summer and fall when the site can become quite busy.
Midday: Mahone Bay
Continue to the picturesque town of Mahone Bay, known for its statuesque Three Churches, colourful streets, waterfront views, and thriving artisan community.
Browse local shops and studios, including: Amos Pewter, Birdsall-Worthington Pottery, Seamist Studio, and Lighthouse Market.
Mahone Bay has also become a culinary hotspot, making lunch choices delightfully difficult. Consider: Mateus Bistro, Betty’s at the Kitch, The Barn Coffee House & Social, Rebecca’s Restaurant, or, Eli & Trix.
Afternoon & Evening: Lunenburg
Arrive in Old Town Lunenburg UNESCO World Heritage Site and spend the rest of the day exploring one of Canada’s most beautiful historic towns.
- Stroll the colourful waterfront
- Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
- Shop local boutiques
- Explore historic streets and architecture
- Learn about knifemaking with Wildertools
- Sample locally distilled spirits at Ironworks Distillery
- Discover local art at the Peer Gallery, Power House Art Gallery and Studio, and Laurie Swim Gallery
- Enjoy a deck tour or harbour cruise aboard the Bluenose II (June–end of September)
- Join a Lunenburg Walking Tour
Lunenburg’s compact downtown is easy to explore on foot, but there’s plenty to see, so don’t expect to fit everything into one afternoon.
Enjoy dinner overlooking the harbour before settling in for the night.
Overnight
Stay in Lunenburg
3 Day 3: Lunenburg and Beyond
Pick up where you left off the day prior and explore more in Lunenburg that you didn’t get to. Or, spend your final day discovering more of the South Shore‘s coastal communities, beaches, and outdoor experiences. Choose your own adventure!
Paddle Blue Rocks
Explore the islands, coves, and working fishing village of Blue Rocks by kayak with Pleasant Paddling. This is one of the most popular paddling destinations on the South Shore.
Explore LaHave & Petite Rivière
Follow the coast through charming seaside communities, stopping at cafés, beaches, artisan shops, and lookoffs along the way.
Visit the Beaches
Choose from some of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful beaches, including: Rissers Beach, Crescent Beach, and Hirtle’s Beach. Beach conditions and water temperatures vary throughout the season, so it’s worth checking local conditions before visiting.
Hike the Rum Runners Trail
Walk or cycle a section of this multi-use trail, which follows a former railway line through forests, coastal communities, and landscapes.
Oak Island Boat Tour
Learn more about the famous Oak Island mystery on a guided boat tour of the water surrounding the island with Salty Dog Sea Tours.
A Few Things to Know
- You could easily spend all three days in Halifax without running out of things to do, so this itinerary focuses on experiencing several of Nova Scotia’s best-known destinations in a single long weekend.
- Mahone Bay and Lunenburg are especially busy during summer, fall weekends, and festival periods. Expect crowds, limited parking, and wait times at popular restaurants.
- With so much to see between Halifax and the South Shore, you won’t have time for every attraction. Pick a few priorities for each stop and leave room for spontaneous discoveries along the way.
- If you’re travelling during peak season, booking accommodations, tours, and popular restaurants in advance is highly recommended.
- Some attractions and experiences operate seasonally. Check ahead if you’re visiting outside of peak season.
Tag your travel photos to be featured.
