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Two people dine on mussels overlooking the water at sunset at Mermaid Eatery.

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.

 

Towns on the Eastern Shore

  • Musquodoboit Harbour

    Musquodoboit Harbour

    Explore the protected 100 Wild Islands as you follow coastal roads to beautiful beaches, local markets, fresh seafood, and cozy oceanfront accommodations.

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  • Guysborough

    Guysborough

    Find yourself surrounded by unspoiled nature and rugged coastal beauty in quiet little villages nestled into safe harbours where tales of rum running are still told.

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  • Sheet Harbour

    Sheet Harbour

    Discover the protected 100 Wild Islands, spend the day hiking the coast or white sand beach at Taylor Head Provincial Park as you visit this quaint coastal community.

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  • Sherbrooke

    Sherbrooke

    Step back in time at Sherbrooke Village, a preserved village of homes and businesses where you can chat with costumed interpreters and even dine on traditional foods.

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  • East Lawrencetown

    East Lawrencetown

    Known for Lawrencetown Beach, a year-round surfing destination. Connect to The Great Trail here; a trail system that stretches across Canada.

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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
Three people walk along a path with a costumed interpreter at a Memory Lane Heritage Village alongside two goats.

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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A mom and two kids wave at a man riding an old fashioned bicycle at Sherbrooke Village Museum.

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

Deals • Overnight Stay • Relaxation

Spring Road Trip Package

$199/Per Couple

Welcome in Spring with an Eastern Shore road trip, complete with an oceanfront stay at the Marmalade Motel, breakfast and welcome snack pack.

  • Location An icon to show the location Port Dufferin
  • Date An icon to show the date March 5, 2025 – April 20, 2025
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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. Arts & Culture • Hands-on Learning • History & Heritage

Forged in Fire Blacksmith Workshop

$150/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…

  • Location An icon to show the location Sherbrooke
  • Date An icon to show the date June 4, 2025 – September 14, 2025
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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. Arts & Culture • Food & Drink • History & Heritage

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.

  • Location An icon to show the location Lindsay Lake
  • Date An icon to show the date January 15, 2025 – November 30, 2025
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A person stands outside a dome during fall. The dome sits on a wooden platform and the person is in a white robe. Outdoor Adventure • Relaxation • Romance

Dome Stay + Photo Hike

$450/Starting Price • Per Person

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

  • Location An icon to show the location Elderbank
  • Date An icon to show the date August 19, 2024 – December 31, 2025
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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. Food & Drink • Relaxation • Romance

Romantic Riverside Getaway

$445/Starting Price • Per Person

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.

  • Location An icon to show the location Elderbank
  • Date An icon to show the date August 19, 2024 – December 31, 2025
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Yoga in a glamping dome Overnight Stay • Relaxation • Romance

Wellness Spa Stay

$570/Starting Price • Per Couple

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.

  • Location An icon to show the location Porter’s Lake
  • Date An icon to show the date August 15, 2024 – December 31, 2025
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Two people pat a horse. It is fall and the two people are dressed appropriately. Food & Drink • Overnight Stay • Relaxation

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.

  • Location An icon to show the location Lindsay Lake
  • Date An icon to show the date November 13, 2024 – December 31, 2025
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Arts & Culture • Family • History & Heritage

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…

  • Location An icon to show the location Sherbrooke
  • Date An icon to show the date June 4, 2025 – September 14, 2025
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A person dressed in period clothing does wood turning in a wood shop. Arts & Culture • Family • History & Heritage

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…

  • Location An icon to show the location Sherbrooke
  • Date An icon to show the date June 4, 2025 – September 14, 2025
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A person surfs a large wave during sunset. The sky is golden. Outdoor Adventure • Relaxation

Surf & Stay at Nalu Retreat

$415/Per Person

Soak in the lake views from your 4-season geodesic dome, near Halifax and feel the thrill of catching waves during a private surfing lesson.

  • Location An icon to show the location Porter’s Lake
  • Date An icon to show the date January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025
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Food & Drink • Relaxation • Romance

Spa-inspired Dome Getaway

$435/Starting Price • Per Couple

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.

  • Location An icon to show the location Porter’s Lake
  • Date An icon to show the date January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025
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Food & Drink • Outdoor Adventure • Relaxation • Romance

Glamping in the Vineyard: Yurts Spring Package

$569 – $869/Starting At

Escape to Authentic Seacoast’s Yurts in the Vineyard for a 2-night retreat by the ocean!

  • Location An icon to show the location Guysborough
  • Date An icon to show the date May 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025
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Arts & Culture • Family • Food & Drink • History & Heritage • Outdoor Adventure

Step into 1867 Explorer Experience

$30/Starting At

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

  • Location An icon to show the location Sherbrooke
  • Date An icon to show the date June 4, 2025 – September 14, 2025
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Family • Food & Drink • History & Heritage • Outdoor Adventure

Clam Harbour Clam Digging Adventure

$64 – $175

The salty sea invites you to share in its bounty on the aptly named Clam Harbour clam flats, a spectacular intertidal ecosystem where humans hav…

  • Location An icon to show the location Lake Charlotte
  • Date An icon to show the date July 3, 2025 – August 23, 2025
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Taylor Head Provincial Park

Download Regional PDF

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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