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.

Immerse Yourself in Acadian Culture

Step back in time at the Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse in Lower West Pubnico. This picturesque 17-acre site overlooks the scenic Pubnico Harbour and features a variety of historic buildings, original wooden homes and lighthouse, all waiting to be explored.

Stroll the grounds, interact with costumed staff, and learn about historic farming and fishing traditions from interpretive panels throughout the site. Enjoy a house-made fricot or seafood chowder at the café, while taking in the water views and the village’s rich Acadian heritage. Before leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop for locally made souvenirs.

Catch Memories Deep Sea Fishing

Step aboard a deep sea fishing experience with Tusket Island Tours. Departing from Dennis Point Wharf, home to the largest commercial fishing fleet in Atlantic Canada, your fishing adventure takes you near the picturesque Tusket Islands, while heading to the fishing grounds – home to cod, haddock, mackerel and flounder.

Discover Acadian Heritage

Discover the oldest Acadian region still inhabited by descendants of the founders at the Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos et Centre de recherche. Hear local stories and insights from museum staff and costumed interpreters, take part in hands-on activities, such as knot tying, learn the history of the area via the interpretive panels, and explore your family’s history in Les Archives Pere Clarence d’Entremont Research Centre.

Hike the Pubnico Point Trail

Travel to the tip of the Pubnico peninsula to enjoy a peaceful walk along the scenic coastline on the Pubnico Point Trail. This 4.8km trail features two loops and a mix of gravel surface and boardwalk with several new interpretive panels sharing information on the area and environment. Enjoy sweeping ocean views, look offs, beautiful wildflowers, and 17 impressive windmills.

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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.

Sail Through Nova Scotia

Chart your own course and head to the sea on a private sailing charter or tour of Nova Scotia. With over 13,300 km (8,264 mi) of pristine coastline, you’re always surrounded by natural beauty. Each unique region has its own magic, essence, and allure. You can discover the coast on your own or aboard one of the many sailing tours available across the province.

Private Vineyard Tours and Tastings

Get up close and personal with the very best of Nova Scotia’s wine on a private vineyard tour and tasting. Learn about the region’s varietals, wine-making methods, and sip delicious wines while taking in coastal views.

Tee Off by the Sea

For the golfers among us, Nova Scotia is home to some of the most beautiful and world-renowned courses in the world. Feel the rush of perfecting your swing oceanside with sea breeze flowing through your hair in this golfer’s paradise. All skill levels are welcome to experience these ocean views and pristine greens.

Heli-Picnic Island Escape

Go on a thrilling helicopter journey over the city of Halifax to stunning Sambro Island. You’ll kick back, relax, and sip Nova Scotia bubbly on a private beach, then explore a secluded cove and enjoy a locally-sourced picnic on the island.

Sea Kayaking

Kayak under sheer cliffs and into idyllic white sand coves paddling through turquoise waters as you explore the 100 Wild Islands with Coastal Adventures or Norse Cove Sea Kayak Tours and Rentals. These wild islands are part of the protected Eastern Shore Islands Wilderness Area and were featured in Canadian Geographic.

Lobster Lovers

Overlooking the coastline and nearby islands, see the lobster pot buoys bobbing with the tide – a testament to just how fresh your lobster is as you savour the much-loved crustacean at Seawind Landing Country Inn (mid-May to late-June).

Boat Tours

Enjoy touring the 100 Wild Islands area of the Eastern Shore by boat. Join Murphy’s Scenic Boat Tours for a 90 minute narrated tour where you’ll explore around 5 kilometres of pristine islands. Take in the picturesque views of coastal cliffs, white sand beaches, sea birds and marine life. Continue east to Seawind Landing Country Inn at Charlos Cove to join Skipper Damien and Nova Nature Adventures for a tour of the Sugar Islands. Highlights of this evening tour include exploring the history of the Sugar Islands and observing bald eagles, osprey and the nesting area for thousands of seabirds. Tour guests can even use an underwater camera to take a look at the sea floor.