Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and Village

One of the most famous and photographed lighthouses in the world, Peggy’s Cove is set in a charming working fishing village. Surrounded by glacial rocks and dramatic seascapes, it’s a picture-perfect stop. Grab a bite at one of the restaurants in the area or pack a picnic and relax on the accessible observation deck. If you’re hoping for fewer crowds, try visiting early in the morning or around sunset. Just remember to heed the warnings to stay off the black rocks and stay safe on shore.

Cape Forchu Lighthouse

With its distinctive apple core shape, Cape Forchu is the tallest lighthouse in Nova Scotia. Book a guided tour to learn local history and climb the 77 steps to the lantern room for a panoramic view you won’t forget. The site also features coastal trails and an accessible viewing deck, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon of exploration.

Louisbourg Lighthouse & Trail

Located across the harbour from the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, this lighthouse marks the site of the first lighthouse in Canada (1734). The Lighthouse Trail is a scenic 2-kilometre loop with interpretive signs that make for an engaging, family-friendly hike. For the more adventurous, there’s a rugged extension to the trail—sturdy shoes recommended! Follow signs along Havenside Road to find your way.

Arisaig Lighthouse

This little gem offers big charm. Around the lighthouse, you’ll find interpretive panels that tell the story of the historic fishing community of Arisaig. And during July and August, you can grab an ice cream right at the lighthouse—now that’s how you do summer in Nova Scotia!

Jerome Point Lighthouse

Located in Battery Provincial Park, The Jerome Point Lighthouse, marks the entrance to the St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site, the only tidal lock system in North America, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Bras d’Or Lake. This spot is one of many highlights that make the village of St. Peter’s in Cape Breton a memorable destination.

Sandy Point Lighthouse

Located on a picturesque sand bar at the entrance to Shelburne Harbour, this Lighthouse is a favorite for both locals and visitors. At low tide, you can actually walk out to the lighthouse—perfect for those Insta-worthy photos. Bring a bucket and hunt for sand dollars, relax on the beach, or enjoy a snack from the seasonal canteen. The picnic area offers great views of passing boats, giving you a real sense of the region’s connection to the sea and its maritime roots. It’s a peaceful, charming spot that’s well worth a visit.

Fort Point Lighthouse Park

Built in 1855, this is the fourth oldest surviving lighthouse in Nova Scotia and a rare example of pre-Confederation design. It played a big role in Liverpool’s history—once even guarding the harbour with cannons during the American Revolution. Today, you can explore the lighthouse, soak in the views of Liverpool Harbour, and try out the hand-cranked foghorn still located inside.

Want to see more? Check out these lighthouses and find out what each one has to offer.

Parrsboro

Parrsboro is the largest town along the north shore of the Bay of Fundy, with a rich art and theatre scene, diverse history, and endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit Art Lab Studios & Gallery to tour works by five local artists. Discover some of Canada’s oldest dinosaurs, dating back 200 million years ago, at the Fundy Geological Museum. Feel a sense of awe at Partridge Island Lookoff & Hiking Trail, where many Mi’kmaw legends and stories have been connected to this significant place since time immemorial. Keep reading for more Parrsboro trip-planning inspiration.

Scenic Trail & Beach Rides

Experience country charm and connect with nature on a trail ride with Spirit Reins Ranch. Knowledgeable guides personalize rides for first-timers and equestrians alike, with a focus on safety and comfort. Ride along picturesque mountain ranges, past waterfalls and babbling brooks, or choose Spirit Reins’ most popular tour:  Bay of Fundy Beach Ride where you can explore the ocean floor by horseback at low tide!

Unique Fall Festivals & Events

Dive into Atlantic Canada’s film industry during the three-day Parrsboro Film Festival each October. Set in the Parrsboro Band Hall, an important cultural hub of the town for more than 100 years, the festival highlights features, documentaries, and short films with an opportunity to hear from guest speakers and meet the filmmakers.

Advocate Harbour

Soak in epic coastal views on a visit to the community of Advocate Harbour, just 45 minutes from Parrsboro. This working fishing village offers big adventure for outdoor enthusiasts and local foodies alike. Take in the dramatic cliffs and iconic rock formations this area is known for during a hike at Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. Dine on locally grown and sourced ingredients at award-winning Wild Caraway Restaurant. When it’s time to rest, choose from the colourful guest rooms and cottages at Wild Caraway or drop your anchor at NovaShores’ historic ship captain’s guest room.

Unique Oceanside Accommodations with Gourmet Breakfast

After a culinary indulgence like no other, stay on-site at  Wild Caraway. Choose from refreshed B&B-style guestrooms above the restaurant or three newly constructed, colourful cottages. Cozy cottages feature one bedroom with a kitchenette and bathroom, and captivating coastal views seen from the deck. Each morning, enjoy a gourmet local breakfast at the restaurant.

Hike the Fundy Coast to Iconic Cliffs

Experience views that will take your breath away in Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. With more than 60 km of wilderness trails, and remote walk-in campsites and cabins, as well as 29 km of Bay of Fundy coastline and exciting sea kayaking, Cape Chignecto is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

See some of the park’s top highlights on a three-hour guided Three Sisters Cape Chignecto Hike with Local Guy Adventures. Enjoy lookouts over stunning rock formations, including the iconic Three Sisters, Eatonville Harbour, and Andersons Cove while learning about the Ice Age glaciers and ancient lava flows that shaped this incredible landscape.

Unwind at Oceanside Accommodations

The perfect hub for your coastal escape, Hall’s Harbour has a variety of beautiful and luxurious, coastal accommodations ranging from guest suites to full home rentals. Soak up sunset views from your private hot tub or around a beach bonfire at the Beach House, Boat House, or Barn Cottage with Bay of Fundy views as far as the eye can see.

Marvel at Colourful Cliffs from the Ocean

Experience nearby Cape Split Provincial Park, like never before, on Where It’s At Tours’ Split Rips: Cape Split by Sea Zodiac Tour. Enjoy coastal sightseeing and watching for marine wildlife as your expert skipper Mike Huntley, featured on season four of The Curse of Oak Island, shares local insights and stories. You won’t believe the myriad of colours as you get up close to the iconic, towering basalt cliffs and sea stacks!

Dine on Classic Sea-to-Table Dishes & Flavourful Fusions

A visit to this authentic fishing village calls for indulgence in delicious local seafood! Halls Harbour Lobster Pound & Restaurant is set right on the wharf in the heart of the village. During warm weather, dine on the deck, overlooking the changing tides and rocky coastline, or catch a dramatic sunset over the bay. Savour a classic lobster dinner or lobster roll, paired with a glass of Tidal Bay, Nova Scotia’s signature white wine. Or try creative lobster-fusion dishes like lobster poutine, nachos, and mac and cheese—you can even choose your own lobster! Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop before you leave to pick up a lobster souvenir to take home.

Shop the Bounty of Local Treasures

Be sure to visit Parker’s General Store, featuring local art and crafts from more than 35 talented artists and tasty treats like dulse, a delicacy from the bay. Knowledgeable storekeepers will be thrilled to share legends of Parker’s, which originated as an outpost for fishermen seeking refuge from the tides, and a rumoured haunt for pirates!

Halifax

In Halifax, visitors can explore historic sites like the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, take a harbor cruise, wander through art galleries and boutiques in the downtown area and dine at restaurants of all variety. The waterfront also hosts festivals and is home to museums, shops, and restaurants giving you plenty of ways to soak in the local vibe during your visit.

Bay of Fundy

At the Bay of Fundy, the water puts on a show with the world’s highest tides. Explore the fossil cliffs, take a kayak trip among rock formations, head out on a tidal bore rafting adventure, or join a boat tour to witness the dramatic rise and fall of the tides up close. During low tide, the exposed ocean floor reveals hidden marine treasures, and local guides offer fascinating insights into the geology and history of the bay at Burntcoat Head Park. Foodies will want to pull up a chair at the unique Dining on the Ocean Floor experiences, also hosted at Burntcoat Head Park.

Nova Scotia Wine

Nova Scotia’s wine country, shaped by the sea itself, is one-of-a-kind. Nova Scotia is the only place on earth that produces Tidal Bay wines, a unique testament to our coastal terroir. Visit local wineries for tastings, take guided tours of the vineyards, and learn about the innovative winemaking processes that make these wines so distinctive. Pair your wine with a locally inspired meal at one of the region’s many restaurants for a complete culinary experience.

Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site

Head to Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site to explore the park’s scenic trails and ancient Mi’kmaw petroglyphs, canoe along serene lakes, hike, bike, swim, stargaze, and camp overnight. Don’t miss taking a guided tour where you can learn about Mi’kmaw legends and history and their connection to the lands and waters of Kejimkujik National Park.

Peggy’s Cove

Finally, no visit to Nova Scotia is complete without a stop at Peggy’s Cove. Home to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, this iconic spot is steeped in maritime history. While there, you can explore rocky shorelines, enjoy local art galleries, and grab a bite at the cozy cafes in the area. Beyond Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia is home to over 150 additional lighthouses, each with its own story, making for an enriching road trip that mixes natural beauty with historical charm.

Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, Annapolis Royal
Named Canada’s 2015 Garden of the Year and one of the Top North American Gardens Worth Travelling For in 2012 at the Garden Tourism Awards, this beautiful 17-acre site in a tranquil setting overlooks a tidal river valley. Highlights of the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens include the largest rose garden in Eastern Canada and a re-constructed 1671 Acadian house. The perfect spot to stretch your legs and literally smell the roses on your Nova Scotia road trip.

Burntcoat Head Park
If you can’t make it for the run on the ocean floor, between mid-May and mid-October, you can walk on the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park. Plan your visit to arrive around low tide to take full advantage of the tide being out to fully explore this area. Back on land when the tide is in, you’ll see 40-50 feet of water where you earlier stood.

Fort Anne National Historic Site, Annapolis Royal

A meeting place for cultures and a focal point for historic power struggles and treaty negotiations, Fort Anne played a key role in the forces and events that shaped this community, province, and nation.

Fundy Geological Museum, Parrsboro

From dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago to gigantic bug-like creatures, enjoy the interactive displays throughout the Fundy Geological Museum’s galleries as you learn about half a billion years of geological history and these incredible creatures who once called our planet home. Get hands on with a guided beach tour accompanied by an expert museum guide.

Experience Tidal Bore Rafting

One of the most fun and exciting ways to experience the Bay of Fundy tides, and found only in Nova Scotia, is riding the tidal bore on a tidal bore rafting adventure. When the Bay of Fundy’s incoming tide meets the Shubenacadie River, an abrupt change in the river current turns the calm water into a washing machine of waves! The rolling waves led by the lead wave, the tidal bore, can range from 8 to 20 feet high and creates the perfect roller coaster ride on water. Board a Zodiac raft, hold on tight and prepare for the thrill of a lifetime as your expert guide skillfully maneuvers through the waves.

Added bonus: go mudsliding down the smooth and slippery mud along the river banks.

Yes, you will need to bring a change of clothes!

Kayak the Bay of Fundy coastline near Cape Chignecto Provincial Park

The Bay of Fundy’s coastline is rocky, rugged and dramatic. Embark on a paddling excursion with NovaShores Adventures ranging from a day trip of a few hours exploring the fabled Three Sisters rock formation, coastal caves and sea stacks and a shore lunch to a two- or three-day overnight paddling and camping adventure. Regardless of your trip length, you will see striking cliffs, experience the spectacular coastline from a unique vantage point on the water, and see the juxtaposition of the blue/green waters against the orange cliffs. Keep an eye out for sea birds and marine life with several species of coastal bird and seal sightings being common.

Five Islands Provincial Park

Five Islands Provincial Park is home to many Mi’kmaw cultural stories surrounding Kluskap and is also recognized as one of the 40 geosites within Nova Scotia’s Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark. Here visitors can see one of the best of examples of how the supercontinent Pangea broke apart some 200 million years ago, causing an outpouring of lava.

While visiting the park, be sure to check out the Red Head Trail which offers spectacular views of the Five Islands in the Minas Basin. Keep a lookout for Agate and Jasper.

The park is open for camping June – October. There is also a nearby RV park Five Islands Ocean Resort & RV Campground. If you prefer a cottage, call ahead for availability at Four Seasons Retreat.