Eastern Shore

Learn More about the Eastern Shore

Pristine wilderness, historically-themed attractions, authentic fishing communities, and beaches stretching as far as the eye can see offer explorers an array of off-the-beaten-path adventures on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore.

Surf’s up year-round and the pounding waves at Lawrencetown and Martinique Beaches beckon surf enthusiasts to some of the best surfing conditions on the east coast. For something more subdued but just as intrepid, explore the 100 Wild Islands. Protected in perpetuity, these islands offer explorers sheltered coves, clear turquoise waters, windswept headlands and unique boreal rainforests.

Explore Towns on the Eastern Shore

Explore towns by clicking the points on the map.

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Top Experiences on the Eastern Shore

Explore the 100 Wild Islands

Explore sheltered turquoise coves, white sand beaches, windswept headlands, and unique boreal rainforests, bogs, and barrens
Paddle the sheltered coves with Coastal Adventures and Norse Cove Sea Kayak Tours & Rentals
Murphy’s Scenic Boat Tours offers boat tours, kayak rentals & island drop-off
Further up the coast, Nova Nature Adventures provides nature-based tours both on land & water

Memory Lane Heritage Village

Award-winning living history village with costumed interpreters depicting life in rural Nova Scotia during the 1940s
Explore 16 restored buildings including a general store and cookhouse, with authentic 1940s meals served daily
During summer, learn about clam digging and give it a try during the Clam Harbour Clam Digging Adventure
Nova Scotia’s first 100% solar-powered museum with an EV Charging Station

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Sherbrooke Village

Experience life in the 1860s when timber tall ships and gold ruled life along the St. Mary’s River
19th century heritage is brought to life by costumed interpreters, including blacksmiths, potters, weavers and printers
Dress in period attire, try your hand at quilting or have your picture taken at Canada’s only Ambrotype glass photo studio

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Cold Water Surfing

Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park and Martinique Beach Provincial Park are some of the best places to surf in Nova Scotia!
Both offer consistent waves, lifeguards, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean
Private and group surf lessons and rentals are offered by East Coast Surf School, Halifax Surf School and Surfdonkey

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White Sand Beaches

Martinique Beach Provincial Park: As the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia, this is a popular spot for birding, beachcombing, and surfing
Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park: Noted for its surf, the beach also connects to the popular, multi-use Salt Marsh Trail along former railbed
Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park: This large, family-friendly beach also has a picnic area and coastal hiking trail
Tor Bay Provincial Park: Has sweeping sand beaches, boardwalks, and interpretive panels

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia is one of the best cold water surfing destinations in the world! With a shoreline totally exposed to the swells from the Atlantic Ocean, the best time to surf in Nova Scotia is in the fall. The fall provides a combination of warmer waters and waves created during hurricane season. To find out more, visit the surfing page.

Off the coast of the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, lies a little known yet incredible natural treasure- a vast and beautiful archipelago of over 100 Wild Islands. This is one of the last remaining intact and ecologically rich island groups of its size in North America. Here you will find untouched white sand beaches, idyllic sheltered coves, and dramatic, windswept headlands to welcome the intrepid wilderness paddler or sailor. The unique coastal rainforests, bogs and barrens, and over 250 kilometres of shoreline have been largely undisturbed by humans for over 10,000 years. A rich diversity of birds find refuge in the islands, from majestic eagles and osprey to over 100 species of seabirds, songbirds and shorebirds. Many of the outdoor operators on the Eastern Shore offer boat tours to visit the islands. Discover More >

Along with beaches and parks throughout this region, visit Memory Lane Heritage Village in Lake Charlotte to experience life in Nova Scotia in the 1940s complete with a cookhouse restaurant serving up traditional meals, cool cars, a store and even friendly farm animals. Stop at our largest living history museum when you visit Sherbrooke Village Museum where you can step back in time over 105 years. Stoll the village and visit the blacksmith, have your photo printed on glass as a keepsake, and more. Don’t forget to visit the resident farm animals and to pick up some candy at local shop.

Featured Packages on the Eastern Shore

Two people take part in blacksmithing. One is wearing a heavy duty apron. The two people appear to be standing near a large brick fireplace.

Forged in Fire Blacksmith Workshop

$150.00/ Starting At

Ever wondered what it’s like to work in a Blacksmith’s Shop? Join Blacksmith, Tony Huntley, for a behind-the scenes tour of the shop before tryi…

Sherbrooke
June 21, 2025 – September 20, 2025

A group of four people sit at a table outside. A fifth person is serving their meal - burgers and home fries. In the background there are trees and a lake.

Bison Farm Adventure: Tour & Dine

$250/ Per Person

Watch majestic bison roam the land on a farm tour with the Teerling family, before dining lakeside on a German-inspired 3-course farm-to-table meal.

Lindsay Lake
January 15, 2025 – April 30, 2025

A person stands outside a dome during fall. The dome sits on a wooden platform and the person is in a white robe.

Dome Stay + Photo Hike

$450/ Starting At

Make and capture the best memories of your adventure during a 1-night dome getaway with a guided hike, led by a professional photographer!

Elderbank
August 19, 2024 – December 31, 2025

Two people relax, one in a chair and one on a bed, inside a dome. Out the window lots of trees can be seen. Inside the dome, dozens of flameless candles are placed around the floor and surfaces.

Romantic Riverside Getaway

$445/ Starting At

Soak your cares away in a private wood-fired hot tub & relax in the glow of 100 flameless candles on this 1-night getaway + meals from Lupin Dining.

Elderbank
August 19, 2024 – December 31, 2025

Wellness Spa Stay

$435 – $570/ Starting At

Treat yourself to a 1-night wellness getaway only 30 minutes from Halifax. Melt your cares away in a spa-inspired dome with hot tub & private massage.

Porter’s Lake
August 15, 2024 – December 31, 2025

Two people pat a horse. It is fall and the two people are dressed appropriately.

Goddess Empowerment Escape

$399/ Per Person

Gather your closest friends for a personalized wellness getaway with private bodytalk session, Clydesdale horse healing session, and women’s circle.

Lindsay Lake
November 13, 2024 – December 31, 2025

Print & Press Experience

$150/ Starting At

Immerse yourself in history when you spend the day in our authentic Print Shop complete with a 150-year-old paper cutter and foot-powered printi…

Sherbrooke
June 21, 2025 – September 20, 2025

A person dressed in period clothing does wood turning in a wood shop.

Wood Chips & Wooden Spoons: Woodturner’s Experience

$150/ Starting At

It’s hard not to fall in love with the aroma of fresh wood chips and the sights of the St. Mary’s River through the shop’s window. With our Heri…

Sherbrooke
June 4, 2025 – September 3, 2025

A person surfs a large wave during sunset. The sky is golden.

Surf & Stay at Nalu Retreat

$415/ Per Person

Soak in the views from your luxurious 4-season geodesic dome, perched on a granite cliff overlooking Porter’s Lake, near Halifax. Feel th…

Porter’s Lake
January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025

Spa-inspired Dome Getaway

$435/ Starting At

Soak in the views from your private outdoor hot tub. Relax by the fireplace, stargaze in the Zen loft, and indulge in local farm-to-table meals.

Porter’s Lake
January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025

Step into 1867 Explorer Experience

$30.00/ Starting At

Journey back in time and experience the life and culture of a Nova Scotia village. Be your own Victorian when you dres…

Sherbrooke
June 20, 2025 – September 1, 2025

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Stretching from Halifax to Cape Breton Island, the Eastern Shore is a place where historic attractions, pristine wilderness, comforting cuisine, and expansive beaches come together to create a scenic seaside getaway.

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