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An aerial view of a small island community connected by bridge to the mainland

LaHave & Petite Rivière

Women exploring at the Fort Point Museum
Fort Point Museum

Learn More about LaHave & Petite Rivière

Wind your way along the LaHave River to discover colourful fishing communities and wide white sand beaches, including Rissers and Crescent. Once you see the area for yourself, it will come as no surprise that many artists and artisans draw inspiration from the sea and the area’s coastal beauty.

Drive or cycle aboard the historic LaHave Ferry. This unique 5-minute journey gives you a perfect 360° view of life on the river. Turning left off the ferry, you’re greeted by an arts hub of shops and galleries. Stroll the street, chat with the artists, and watch them create their craft first-hand.

Heading down the coast, stop to beach explore, take a dip, or paddle among the LaHave Islands—best experienced from the water! Complete your visit with a toast at Petite Rivière Vineyards, located in one of North America’s oldest grape-growing regions—dating back to the 1630s.

Don’t Miss Activities in LaHave & Petite Rivière

Rissers Beach Provincial Park

  • This popular 1.5-km (1-mi) sheltered, white sand beach is supervised in July – August and includes a picnic area, change house with showers, washrooms, and canteen.
  • Walk or bike the short trails and enjoy sunsets from the boardwalk over an inland marsh.
  • Camp onsite with serviced, unserviced, and walk-in campsites, including a playground, dishwashing station, and disposal station.
  • Leashed pets permitted.
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Cape LaHave Adventures

  • Offering half-day, full-day, and multi-day guided sea kayak adventures and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tours of the renowned LaHave Islands
  • Paddle sheltered inlets between the islands and experience pristine island beaches, coastal wildlife, and quintessential Maritime fishing settlements.
  • Complete your tour with a rejuvenating, private wood-fired sauna session at Cape LaHave Adventures’ home base. It’s the perfect way to relax your muscles after paddling!
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Meet the Artists

The area’s coastal beauty inspires many artists, including:

  • Heart to Hand Studio who create one-of-a-kind jewellery from items found in nature using 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.
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Fort Point Museum

  • Located on a picturesque point at the mouth of the LaHave River, this designated National Historic Site was the first capital of New France in 1632, known as Fort Sainte Marie de Grace.
  • The quaint building onsite, which was once a lighthouse keeper’s home, interprets the local history, from Mi’kmaw culture to French and early European settlers, lighthouse heritage, and the shipping and fishing industries of the area.
  • Pick up snacks from a nearby café and enjoy a picnic overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
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Trip Ideas for LaHave & Petite Rivière

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