Unwind Along the Eastern Shore
Guest Writer: Adam Hill, a nature-loving photographer and influencer who lives in Sydney Mines, NS
In Nova Scotia you’re never more than 60 kilometres from the ocean. Make the most of it with these incredible coastal adventures.
Beaches
Nova Scotia is famous for our beaches – not just for quantity, but for how many different types line our 13,300 kilometres of coastline.
From lazy days splashing in the gentle waves at warm water beaches along the Northumberland Strait to surf lessons on the Atlantic coast, how many different beaches can you fit into your visit? Summerville, Lawrencetown, Martinique, Melmerby, Inverness, Point Michaud and Mavillette are among the most popular, but there are many more to discover!
Coastal Drives
When time allows, we always suggest motorists skip the highway and cruise along coastal routes. Of course, the world-famous Cabot Trail is an absolute must if you’re in Cape Breton. You’ll never forget the views as you wind your way through the Cape Breton highlands.
And if you’re riding Route 6 along the Northumberland Shore, take the Cape George Loop for a scenic detour.
Route 3 along the South Shore winds through picture-perfect seaside communities and past beautiful beaches, all the way to Yarmouth.
Route 7 on the Eastern Shore tracks along the coast from Dartmouth to Sherbrooke, with opportunities for beach pit stops to stretch your legs.
Kayaking
Paddlers love the variety of waterways and exceptional paddling in Nova Scotia. Kayak along the Atlantic coast, winding in and out of inlets and along the islands of the Eastern or South Shores. The serene inland lakes and rivers of Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site are a kayaker’s dream. Dip your paddle in the waters of the Bay of Fundy, exploring ruddy cliffs that rise from the water.
Throw your kayak on the roof and head to northern Cape Breton to marvel at the rugged coastline from sea level. Paddle the Bras d’Or Lake for an easy-going exploration of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, or launch your boat and explore a waterway of your choice.
Whale watching
Summer and early fall are the best times to go whale watching. Head out on a tour in the Bay of Fundy or off the coast of Northern Cape Breton. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a few of the up-to twelve species of whales that visit the waters off Nova Scotia each year. Whether you join a tour aboard a fishing boat or a Zodiac-style watercraft, your tour guides will share stories and information about these magnificent creatures.
Surfing
Many don’t realize that Nova Scotia offers up some of the best surfing on the East Coast – especially in the winter! If dipping into the Atlantic in January isn’t your style, take a surfing lesson during the summer months, or in the fall when the water temperatures are the warmest of the season.
Just outside Halifax you’ll find surfers catching waves at Lawrencetown and Martinique Beaches. Sign up for a lesson with an experienced instructor. They’ll outfit you with a wetsuit and board, provide safety information and instruction – you’ll be hanging ten in no time.
Exploring the Bay of Fundy
Did you know the Bay of Fundy’s Burntcoat Head Park has the highest recorded tides in the world? Visit the park during low tide to walk on the ocean floor. Just a few hours later, exactly where you were standing will be covered in ocean water! You can also head to Hall’s Harbour and watch fishing boats rise up as you tuck into fresh local seafood.
On the northern side of the Bay of Fundy, explore the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark with 30 geosites that tell the incredible story of this area, including its Indigenous heritage and geological significance.
For something truly exhilarating, go tidal bore rafting. Anything but boring, you’ll ride the swells where the incoming tide turns the Shubenacadie River into a white-water roller coaster.
Coastal Communities
Part of Nova Scotia’s coastal charm comes from the dozens of picturesque coastal and fishing communities that dot our coast. No matter where you travel in the province, you are sure to spend time in one of our coastal communities, big or small. From the port city of Halifax to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg; Inverness to Pictou, Sherbrooke to Yarmouth; Annapolis Royal to Mahone Bay and many, many more in between, these communities each have their own identity tied to the sea.
Coastal Golf
You’ll find Canada’s only true links course in Inverness, on the southwest coast of Cape Breton. Cabot Cliffs at Cabot Cape Breton – along with its sister course, Cabot Links – have both been consistently noted as some of the best golfing in the world.
Other coastal courses include Fox Harb’r Resort, the historic Highlands Links, and Northumberland Links. Tee up a package that includes golf and accommodation.
Coastal Hikes
Take in the coast by lacing up for an incredible hike. Many trails follow the shoreline and offer incredible vistas and lookouts, so don’t forget your camera! In Cape Breton Highlands National Park, you’ll find Skyline, Aspy, Acadian, and Middle Head Trails, while the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail winds along the western coast of Cape Breton.
The trail at Taylor Head Provincial Park shows off its unspoiled Atlantic coastline along the Eastern Shore, while Cape Split is a day-long trek offering up amazing views of the Bay of Fundy while And the trails in Cape Chignecto Provincial Park offer something for all skill levels – coastal views included.
Harbour Rocks and Port Joli Head Trails in Kejimkujik National Park Seaside wind up at pristine, white sand beaches along the South Shore. Discover the perfect trail for you and your favourite hiking buddies.
Learn from the locals
9 Outdoor Adventures on Nova Scotia’s South Shore
There’s a lot of ocean coastline to explore, from relaxing on a white sand beach to cycling from one quaint coastal community to another, pack your...
Check out our Warmest Ocean Beaches
Dive in to some of Nova Scotia’s warmest ocean beaches, right here on the Northumberland Shore. Waters can reach up to 22°C (72°F) during the summe...
55 Places to Catch an Epic Sunset in Nova Scotia
There are so many great places in Nova Scotia to watch the sunset. Here are a few fan favourites!
Outdoor Adventures on the Northumberland Shore
This area is a popular warm-water beach destination with both locals and visitors, alike but after you’re done swimming, check out some of the othe...
Folgen Sie uns auf @EntdeckeNovaScotia, um mehr zu entdecken.
