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South Shore

Learn More About the South Shore

From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town Lunenburg, with its colourful waterfront and narrow streets, to the inspiring views of the coast and its 40-plus lighthouses, the South Shore is much more than the home of Bluenose II and the must-photograph Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and surrounding fishing village.

Whether it’s solitude you seek or adventure you crave, a visit to this region will satisfy. It can be luxurious oceanside accommodations or back-country camping; lobster freshly plucked from the sea or spirits aged aboard a tall ship; strolling the white sand beaches or hiking the canopied forest trails, or maybe even all the above.

Quintessential Nova Scotia awaits you here.

Explore Towns on the South Shore

Explore towns by clicking the points on the map.

Top Experiences on the South Shore

Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, Birchtown

Taste of Birchtown

Highlights

  • Guided tour of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre with access to the Black Loyalist Heritage Site and Black Loyalist Heritage Trail
  • Receive a copy of Birchtown and the Black Loyalist Experience: From 1775 to Present
  • Charcuterie and craft beer tasting at Boxing Rock Brewing Company where you’ll sample Back to Birchtown ale
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A group of visitors watch a fisherman remove a lobster from a trap on a lobster boat.

Sea-to-Table Lobster Adventure

Highlights

  • 2-hour guided kayak tour at one of Nova Scotia’s top paddling destinations
  • Meet local fishermen and step aboard their boat
  • Authentic wharfside lobster dinner, featuring locally-sourced ingredients prepared by renowned chef, Dennis Johnston
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People sitting at picnic table on the beach

LaHave Islands Glamping Adventure

Highlights

  • Seafood dinner of local lobster and mussels steamed over seaweed on the beach
  • Active adventure, including guided kayaking, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), yoga and SUP yoga with Cape LaHave Adventures
  • Canvas tent from East Coast Glamping, with beds, bedding and camp chairs included
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Wildertools

Forging Lunenburg Memories

Highlights

  • Guided introduction on the art of bladesmithing with professional smith, Rick Marchand with hands-on forging demonstration
  • Experience the art of bladesmithing as you create your own custom forged piece in the wheelchair accessible forge
  • Flavours of Lunenburg gift basket also included
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Lobster at Capt. Kat's Lobster Shack

2025 South Shore Lobster Crawl

Highlights

  • This month long event celebrates all things lobster on Nova Scotia’s South Shore from February 1-28, 2025
  • Cheer on “Lucy, the shadow-seeking lobster” on the shores of Barrington, the Lobster Capital of Canada, on Groundhog Day
  • Don’t miss the 6th annual Lobster Roll-Off competition, a crowd-favourite
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Oak Island mystery has captured the interest of millions, not only is it one of the top-rated shows on the History Channel but it is located here in Nova Scotia.  These blog posts will help you to learn more about the area and the ways you can experience Oak Island while visiting Nova Scotia. https://www.novascotia.com/places-to-go/regions/south-shore/oak-island    https://www.novascotia.com/trip-ideas/stories/experience-treasured-stories-oak-island

Peggy’s Cove is famous for its natural beauty and geological history. For being a picturesque working fishing village. For its iconic lighthouse perched atop a rugged granite rock coastline. For decades Peggy’s Cove has been a place of inspiration for painters and photographers. It is said that the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

The Peggy’s Cove lighthouse was built in 1915.

Most people here will tell you that ‘Peggy’ is short for Margaret and being the first cove at the mouth of St. Margaret’s Bay, Peggy’s cove seemed like an appropriate name for the village. Others say that Peggy’s Cove was name after a women named Margaret who was the survivor of a ship wreck off the coast, and that people would come to visit “Peggy of the Cove” and the cove eventually became known as Peggy’s Cove.

There is a long and detailed answer to this question. But in short, what you see today at Peggy’s Cove is the work of glaciers. Twenty thousand years ago, continental glaciers one kilometre thick moved through this area, carving out the landscape and leaving behind erratic rocks along its way.

The region is renowned for its seafood offerings, with freshly caught lobster, scallops, and fish featuring prominently on many menus. Don’t miss the chance to try a classic Nova Scotian dish like fish and chips or lobster rolls at a local restaurant. Favourite South Shore restaurants include Shore Club Lobster Suppers, Grand Banker Seafood Bar & Grill, Salt Shaker Deli, The Quarterdeck, Capt. Kat’s, and many more.

The LobsterCrawl festival is one of the most delicious annual events in Nova Scotia. Held for the month of February, from Barrington to Peggy’s Cove, you can expect all kinds of yummy celebrations that feature the lobster. From the Lobster Roll Off competition to the Lobster Chowder Chowdown Showdown, the month is packed with delicious events. Check out the LobsterCrawl festival website for the most up to date details https://www.lobstercrawl.ca/ .

Featured Packages on the South Shore

It’s a Shore Thing Overnight Stay • Relaxation • Romance

It’s a Shore Thing

$235/ Starting At

Relax oceanside at a full-service resort overlooking famous Oak Island. Savour local chocolate, rum cream & onsite dining with live music on weekends.

  • Location An icon to show the location Western Shore
  • Date An icon to show the date November 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025
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A Slice of the Seaside Outdoor Adventure • Relaxation • Romance

A Slice of the Seaside

$458 – $1038/ Per Couple

Escape to Halifax’s premier oceanfront cottage resort for a 2-night getaway with a private, wood-fired, ocean water hot tub, sauna & pizza oven.

  • Location An icon to show the location Boutiliers Point
  • Date An icon to show the date January 15, 2025 – February 28, 2025
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Ultimate Lunenburg Knifemaking Arts & Culture • Hands-on Learning • History & Heritage

Ultimate Lunenburg Knifemaking

$650/ Per Person

On this 2-day experience, get insight into the methods and art of a modern bladesmith, before swinging the hammer and crafting your very own knife!

  • Location An icon to show the location Lunenburg
  • Date An icon to show the date January 3, 2024 – December 28, 2025
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Escape to River Ridge Lodge Food & Drink • Relaxation • Romance

Escape to River Ridge Lodge

$875/ Per Couple

Savour delicious local culinary, craft beer tasting, and trail exploring on this five-night getaway!

  • Location An icon to show the location Martin’s River
  • Date An icon to show the date May 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025
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Seaside Spa and Sauna Getaway Relaxation • Romance

Seaside Spa and Sauna Getaway

$1199 – $1499/ Per Couple

Enjoy a getaway by the ocean! Savour delicious charcuterie and local wine, unwind with a massage, and relax in a private outdoor hot tub and sauna.

  • Location An icon to show the location Hunts Point
  • Date An icon to show the date January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025
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Arts & Eats in Mahone Bay Arts & Culture • Food & Drink • Overnight Stay

Arts & Eats in Mahone Bay

$299/ Per Couple

Connect to local artisans and delicious flavours on this 1-night getaway in a unique, trailside tiny cabin, with pewter making experience and dining.

  • Location An icon to show the location Mahone Bay
  • Date An icon to show the date September 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025
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Mahone Bay Stay & Cycle Outdoor Adventure • Relaxation • Romance

Mahone Bay Stay & Cycle

$299/ Per Couple

Explore Rum Runners Trail by bike with a 1-night stay in a unique, trailside, tiny cabin with bike rental, plus craft beer flight at Saltbox Brewing.

  • Location An icon to show the location Mahone Bay
  • Date An icon to show the date August 21, 2024 – December 31, 2025
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Oceanfront Indulgence Food & Drink • Relaxation • Romance

Oceanfront Indulgence

$350/ Per Couple

Treat yourself & your special someone to a 1-night getaway on Shelburne Waterfront. Savour a 4-course seafood meal, paired with Tidal Bay wine.

  • Location An icon to show the location Shelburne
  • Date An icon to show the date September 5, 2024 – December 31, 2025
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Romance at White Point Relaxation • Romance

Romance at White Point

$799/ Starting At

Escape for a 2-night oceanside getaway with 3-course dinner, Nova Scotia wine and gift basket of locally made chocolates, cookies, and bath products.

  • Location An icon to show the location White Point (Liverpool area)
  • Date An icon to show the date September 1, 2024 – May 15, 2025
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Lobster Shack Package Food & Drink • Relaxation • Romance

Lobster Shack Package

$650/ Per Couple

Cozy up this winter in an oceanfront lobster-themed 1 or 2-bedroom chalet with onsite dining, welcome treats, and live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

  • Location An icon to show the location Western Shore
  • Date An icon to show the date January 2, 2025 – February 28, 2025
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White Point Glome & BBQ Food & Drink • Relaxation • Romance

White Point Glome & BBQ

$838 – $896/ Per Couple

Melt your cares away in a lakefront hot tub on a 2-night glome escape with oceanfront dining, live music & dinner of BBQ favourites ready to grill!

  • Location An icon to show the location White Point (Liverpool area)
  • Date An icon to show the date September 3, 2024 – April 30, 2025
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Forging Lunenburg Memories Arts & Culture • Family • Hands-on Learning

Forging Lunenburg Memories

$380/ Per Person

Get a glimpse into the art of bladesmithing with award-winning smith, Rick Marchand, before swinging the hammer and crafting your own forged keepsake!

  • Location An icon to show the location Lunenburg
  • Date An icon to show the date January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025
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Family Fun at River Ridge Lodge Family • Food & Drink • Outdoor Adventure

Family Fun at River Ridge Lodge

$619/ Per Family*

Enjoy a two-night stay in a two-bedroom suite and easy adventures on the Rum Runners Trail, complete with a picnic and bikes or snowshoes!

  • Location An icon to show the location Martin’s River
  • Date An icon to show the date May 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025
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Taste of Birchtown: Guided Museum Tour & Craft Beer Tasting Food & Drink • History & Heritage

Taste of Birchtown: Guided Museum Tour & Craft Beer Tasting

$75 – $95/ Per Person

Learn about Black Loyalists who arrived at Birchtown Bay in 1783 with a guided heritage tour, then savour charcuterie and locally inspired craft beer.

  • Location An icon to show the location Birchtown
  • Date An icon to show the date January 3, 2024 – December 31, 2025
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Relax and Renew at River Ridge Lodge Food & Drink • Relaxation • Romance

Relax and Renew at River Ridge Lodge

$479/ Per Couple

Escape to the riverside for a 2-night stay with local flavours, custom gift basket, craft beer tasting and adventures on the Rum Runners Trail.

  • Location An icon to show the location Martin’s River
  • Date An icon to show the date May 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025
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Lunenburg & Mahone Bay Sail and Stay Family • Outdoor Adventure • Relaxation • Romance

Lunenburg & Mahone Bay Sail and Stay

$2035 – $2400

Join us aboard Oak Haven to sail the Bluenose’s home waters! Navigate two magical South Shore Nova Scotia towns on this p…

  • Location An icon to show the location Mahone Bay
  • Date An icon to show the date July 1, 2025 – September 2, 2025
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Boxing Rock Beer School Food & Drink • History & Heritage

Boxing Rock Beer School

$30/ Per Person

Savour 6 unique Boxing Rock brews on a guided beer and food tasting. Learn craft beer characteristics and insights on pairing your favourite flavours!

  • Location An icon to show the location Shelburne
  • Date An icon to show the date January 3, 2024 – December 31, 2025
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Call of the Sea Food & Drink • Shopping

Call of the Sea

$125 – $320/ Per Person

Answer the Call of the Sea on this customizable tour featuring tastings at three local craft beer and spirit producers along No…

  • Location An icon to show the location Lunenburg
  • Date An icon to show the date May 13, 2024 – May 13, 2025
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The LaHave Islands Experience History & Heritage • Outdoor Adventure

The LaHave Islands Experience

$1199

Take the time to immerse yourself in Nova Scotia’s sea kayaking paradise, the LaHave Islands. Visit remote white sand beaches, historic …

  • Location An icon to show the location LaHave Islands
  • Date An icon to show the date July 10, 2025 – August 9, 2025
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LaHave Islands Glamping Adventure Food & Drink • Outdoor Adventure

LaHave Islands Glamping Adventure

$2,000/ Per Person

Island hop by kayak to colourful fishing communities and pristine coasts, indulge in fresh seafood on the beach, and try stand-up paddleboard yoga.

  • Location An icon to show the location Dublin Shore
  • Date An icon to show the date July 17, 2025 – August 23, 2025
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Peggy's Cove Lighthouse in summer at sunset with a person on the rocks

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Coastal charm, outdoor adventure, sea-inspired artisans and cuisine – all here on the South Shore!

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