To the Lighthouse – 13 Lighthouses to Explore in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is famous for its rugged coastline, rich maritime history, and of course, its stunning lighthouses. In fact, there are over 100 lightho...
Fisherman core may be a current trend online but it’s a way of life for many communities in Nova Scotia. From charming fishing villages rooted in maritime history to lighthouses well over 100 years old, Nova Scotia is the coastal destination of your dreams. And we are probably easier to get to than you think!
Nova Scotia is dotted with coastal communities, each with their own personality and charm. Picture weathered docks, brightly painted fishing boats, and friendly locals sharing their stories of the sea. These communities offer a unique blend of maritime tradition and modern life with a laid-back vibe. Explore visitor favourites like Fisherman’s Cove, Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, Shelburne, Yarmouth, and Digby.
Experience a Nova Scotian coastal adventure firsthand when you head to the coast and take off on one of these exciting excursions. Paddle along calm and quiet shorelines taking in the scenes of picturesque fishing villages, sea birds and marine life. Join a boat tour with local fishers to see a lobster trap hauled. Roll up your sleeves (and pantlegs!) and dig for clams on a sandy beach, climb to the top of a lighthouse for the best bird’s eye view of the coast, hear the history and lore of sea captains’ homes, and learn some of the maritime history of Nova Scotia when you explore a maritime-themed museum.
Nova Scotia’s coastline offers breathtaking photo opportunities at every turn, with iconic spots that capture the province’s maritime charm.
Did you know there are more than 150 lighthouses still standing in Nova Scotia, each with its own story to tell? These beacons have guided mariners along the province’s rugged coastline for centuries, with the earliest lighthouse dating back to the 18th century on Sambro Island. Today, some of these historic lighthouses can still be explored. Cape Forchu Lighthouse offers the Climb the Light experience where you can climb all the way to the top of the lighthouse and check out ocean views. Fort Point Lighthouse in Liverpool allows you to step inside and experience life as a lighthouse keeper, including hand cranking the foghorn. Many lighthouses, including Louisbourg Lighthouse and Brier Island Lighthouse, are surrounded by stunning coastal hiking trails, making them perfect for sightseeing and photography.
Whether you prefer a rustic coastal cottage, the amenities of a seaside resort or even a cozy glamping dome with a water view, Nova Scotia has your ideal home away from home.
Nova Scotia is accessible by land, sea and air. Sit back and relax on easy non-stop flights to Nova Scotia’s capital city of Halifax, arrive via high-speed car ferry from Maine, or enjoy the flexibility of your own vehicle when you road trip to Nova Scotia.
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