Experience Arts & Culture in Nova Scotia this Winter
Create unforgettable memories with friends and family this winter through vibrant arts and crafts, UNESCO World Heritage sites and more!
Paddle among the LaHave Islands to experience pristine beaches and quintessential fishing communities. Spend the day beach hopping, while savouring artisanal treats and locally sourced meals. LaHave – Petite Rivière’s expansive sandy beaches, islands, and quaint fishing villages have beckoned many artists—inspiring vibrant folk art, ocean-themed pottery, jewellery, and paintings. Meet artists in their open studios and listen to stories as they create their work. A visit to LaHave – Petite Rivière will entice you to slow down and appreciate the area’s beauty—the views, the flavours, and the stories.
Explore the LaHave Islands
With family homes, fish sheds, and wharves dotting the coast for generations, the LaHave Islands represent a unique cultural landscape. Drive or cycle past Crescent Beach to explore the islands by road. Visit LaHave Islands Marine Museum to learn about the area, its inshore fishery, and island life. Though some of the islands are accessible by road, the best way to experience them is from the water!
Paddle the sheltered passageways and narrow inlets on a guided kayak or SUP tour with Cape LaHave Adventures. Whether you want to experience pristine beaches and wildlife, be mesmerized by bioluminescence or the full moon, or savour local seafood and beach glamping, Cape LaHave Adventures offers a variety of tours for all skill levels—some even include a private sauna session!
Beach Day Every Day
In LaHave – Petite Rivière, you’re never far from the beach! The expansive sand crescents of Rissers Beach Provincial Park, Crescent Beach and nearby Hirtle’s Beach are local favourites. Rissers Beach Provincial Park also has a long boardwalk over an inland marsh, Mobi Mat for beach accessibility, washrooms, showers, canteen, and camping.
Want to feel the thrill of catching a wave? Swell Time Board Co. offers surfing lessons with boards and gear for all skill levels at different locations in the region.
Meet the Artists
The area’s coastal beauty inspires the work of many artists who love sharing their stories and craft with visitors through their galleries or open studios, including:
- Heart to Hand Studio, operated by two metalsmiths who use items found in nature, like sand dollars, seaweed, and leaves to create one-of-a-kind jewellery with recycled sterling silver and copper.
- Westcote Bell Pottery with two large showrooms full of a wide variety of unique, hand-painted pottery and paintings, all created onsite.
- Maritime Painted Saltbox, specializing in contemporary fine, fun, folk art, and reproduction prints. Visitors are invited to relax in onsite gardens and browse the three galleries.
Stay in Unique Accommodations
LaHave – Petite Rivière offers a variety of oceanfront B&Bs and cottages. You can stay in a restored ship captain home, like Toba’s Bed & Breakfast where your hosts will welcome you like family and share stories of past residents.
If a cottage is what you seek, The Shackup properties, including The Tower, The AFrame, and The Cabin offer a variety of stays from a cozy, wooded retreat to a cabin perched 30-feet high with panoramic ocean views. Across the LaHave River, the Whitecaps properties, including Summit, Cabana, and Retreat offer relaxing oceanfront hideaways, complete with private beach access.
Savour Local Eats
The fresh salt air is sure to build an appetite! Many of the restaurants and cafés in the area pride themselves on sourcing locally and are also markets, artisanal bakeries, and galleries showcasing local artists. Before heading out for a day at the beach, stop into Broad Cove Café for delicious house-made quiche, sweets, and decadent cheesecake.
The family-run Rose Bay General Store & Bistro serves up local favourites and German specialties for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stop by for thin crust pizza, schnitzel, or a latte and pick up house-made sweets and snacks for the beach.
As evening approaches, head to Osprey’s Nest Public House for pub favourites, local seafood, and live music (Fridays and Saturdays). Be sure to try their award-winning lobster roll (2022 & 2023 Lobster Roll-off winner—part of the annual Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl festival in February).
Coastal Culture
Weave along the LaHave River, past brightly coloured homes with the iconic ‘Lunenburg bump’. A visit to LaHave – Petite Rivière wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the historic LaHave Ferry. Drive or cycle aboard for panoramic views of the LaHave River and coastline.
Back on land, pick up picnic treats and head to Fort Point Museum’s picturesque park at the mouth of the LaHave River. This designated National Historic Site was the first capital of New France. With many organic farms, producers, and artisans in the area, one of the best ways to connect to the culture and meet local producers is by visiting West Dublin Market.
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