Bridgewater: Main Street of the South Shore
Bridgewater is the largest town on the South Shore and is affectionately known as the Main Street of the region. As a centre for services and shopp...
One of the things that makes Nova Scotia so special are its communities. That’s especially true for those situated along the coast. You may be familiar with Halifax, our capital city by the sea, but Nova Scotia has many more charming coastal communities to explore, here are just a few.
Peggy’s Cove
Home to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, a visit to Peggy’s Cove is an iconic and quintessential Nova Scotian experience. Visitors can view this red and white beacon perched on the edge of the Atlantic comfortably from an accessible viewing platform or get a little closer walking along the granite rocks. After, meander this charming fishing village, browse the shops, grab a meal, and take a few snapshots of the fishing shacks and boats.
Chester
Visitors to this cute coastal village will love soaking in the picturesque views, grabbing a bite to eat, browsing local shops, taking in a theatre show at the Chester Playhouse and spending the night at an inn or B&B. Home to Chester Race Week, sailing is well-woven in the fabric of Chester with boats dotting the harbour all summer long.
Mahone Bay
Visitors to Mahone Bay will quickly understand why it was once named one of Canada’s top ten most beautiful towns. Not only does the town offer up picturesque water views, but it is also home to a variety of shops and boutiques and hosts two unique annual festivals – The Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival during autumn and the Season of Father Christmas leading up to the holidays. The calm waters around Mahone Bay are also popular with paddlers.
Lunenburg
This colourful coastal community on Nova Scotia’s South Shore is one of only two urban communities in North America that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit here means dining on fresh seafood, learning about the region’s seafaring heritage, including Bluenose II, which homeports here, shopping at quaint and unique boutiques, and staying at inns and B&Bs.
Digby
Digby is situated on the Bay of Fundy and famous for its succulent scallops, which are known throughout the world. Stop into one of the restaurants in town to try them prepared a variety of ways. Digby makes a great homebase for exploring the region, check out whale watching tours departing from nearby Digby and Long Neck Islands, coastal hiking, and lighthouses.
Chéticamp
This Acadian fishing community is the gateway to the western entrance of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Before heading into the park explore Acadian culture rooted in this community. Visit Les Trois Pignons, home of the Museum of the Hooked Rug and Home Life, The Centre de la Mi-Carême, and dine on Acadian dishes at local restaurants. Don’t miss nearby beaches and spectacular sunsets.
Pictou
Located on the Northumberland Shore, Pictou is known as “the birthplace of New Scotland”, as Scottish immigrants arrived here aboard Ship Hector in 1773. Learn more about the Scottish heritage of this town at the Hector Heritage Quay. Dine with waterfront views, browse local shops, enjoy a family friendly boat tour, museums, and of course, some of the warmest water beaches in the country are can be found just minutes from town.
Yarmouth
Located in the southwestern area of the province, visitors to Yarmouth will enjoy a cross section of Acadian and seafaring heritage. Climb to the top of nearby Cape Forchu Lighthouse, take a guided walking tour of town, dine on fresh seafood, peruse local shops, visit museums, or take in the local heritage architecture on a self-guided walking tour.
Clare / Baie Sainte-Marie
This area is the largest Acadian community in Nova Scotia. Don’t miss Beaux Vendredis seafood suppers on Friday evenings, and Le Festival acadien de Clare, an annual celebration of this vibrant culture. Go on a clam digging excursion, take in a night hike, visit Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park, and spend the day at Mavillette Beach Provincial Park.
Advocate Harbour
This village may be small but big adventures can be had around here! Check out kayaking excursions, boat tours, back country and day hiking, a lighthouse, and beaches all with the World’s Highest Tides in the Bay of Fundy as the backdrop. Finish the day with a locally inspired meal at Wild Carraway Restaurant.
Baddeck
You’ll find this quaint community along the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake on Cape Breton Island, a popular starting or ending point to a trip around the Cabot Trail. Head out on a sailing or kayaking tour, dine on local seafood, visit a nearby craft brewery, take in a round of golf, and stay overnight at unique accommodations. Baddeck is also home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Theatre Baddeck, and artisan shops.
Sheet Harbour
For a coastal getaway with a side of outdoor adventure, head to Sheet Harbour on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. Nearby you will find coastal hiking at Taylor Head Provincial Park, boat tours to explore the 100 Wild Islands, coastal camping, kayak tours, craft brewery, restaurants, and cozy places to stay.
Shelburne
Head west along the South Shore to the waterfront town of Shelburne. Visit the Shelburne County Museum on Dock Street to learn about the area’s seafaring heritage, including a demonstration of how a Shelburne Dory was built. Don’t miss Boxing Rock Brewing, local restaurants, the nearby The Islands Provincial Park, Black Loyalist Heritage Centre & Trail, and white sand beaches.
Annapolis Royal
This community was home to the first European settlement in Canada. Today, visitors can explore the areas storied past at Fort Anne and Port-Royal National Historic Sites. Walk or bike along the Harvest Moon Trailway, which extends through the Annapolis Valley for 119 kilometres, stop and smell the roses at the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, grab a bite at a local restaurant or cafe, and explore the waterfront shops before heading to an historic inn or B&B for the night.
Click here to discover even more of Nova Scotia’s incredible communities.
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