Planning a Trip To Liverpool Nova Scotia
Liverpool, Nova Scotia, is my hometown, and I moved back in 2021. You might say I’ve spent a lot of time here. Although Liverpool doesn’t often make the list of must-visit places in Nova Scotia, there are so many things to do, places to eat and to stay. I hope you check out this beautiful coastal town on your Nova Scotia road trip!
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Where is Liverpool and Why Should I Go There?
Liverpool is on Nova Scotia’s south shore. Most people stop at Lunenburg and Mahone Bay on their south shore road trip, but I think they should venture further down to check out this small town. Liverpool was founded in 1759 and is still known as “The Port Of The Privateers” because it was a hub for shipbuilding, and the town financed and manned privateer ships (such as the Liverpool Packet). Privateers were a type of “legal pirate” especially active out of Liverpool during the War of 1812.
How Far Is Liverpool From Halifax?
Liverpool is about a 1.5- to 2-hour drive from Halifax along Highway 103. Perfect for a day trip, but even better if you spend the night!
Where To Stay In Liverpool Nova Scotia
Lane’s Privateer Inn
Lane’s Privateer Inn is located very centrally in town, right beside the Mersey River. Its location means you can walk to many restaurants, shopping and other attractions. The Inn is built from an old sea captain’s home; the building’s historical charm is intact, but the rooms have been recently renovated and are very comfortable.
Best Western
The Best Western in Liverpool is near the grocery stores, the arena and some fast food restaurants, but it’s only a few minutes from the centre of town. The Best Western was recently built and has a pool.
Airbnb
There are many unique options on Airbnb for places to stay in Liverpool and in surrounding areas close to the beach.
White Point Beach Resort
White Point Beach Resort has been in business for 90 years, and is about a 10-minute drive from the centre of Liverpool. This beach resort offers so much to do, golf, surfing, swimming in an indoor or outdoor pool; it also has a spa and restaurant.
Quarterdeck Beachside Villas and Grill
The Quarterdeck Beachside Villas and Grill is situated right on Summerville beach, about a 15-minute drive from the centre of Liverpool. Rooms with beautiful views are the selling point of this resort. They also have a small pool, a sauna, and a private theatre. Read my review of the Quarterdeck in the Winter.
Things To Do In Liverpool Nova Scotia
Cosby’s Garden Centre
You might think a garden centre is an odd stop in your Liverpool trip, but trust me, you don’t want to miss this! Behind Cosby’s Garden Centre is a walking trail, decorated with beautiful statues created by Ivan, the centre’s owner. You can usually find Ivan around, working on his statues or just around the garden centre. The sculptures are unique and made out of concrete. I just love wandering through here and taking them all in.
Pine Grove Park
Pine Grove Park has long been my favourite place to walk in Liverpool. In the 54 acres of park, you’ll find easy walking trails through the woods and by the Mersey River. The planted rhododendrons bloom in early summer, but the park is stunning in the fall as the leaves change colour. I would note that most of the trails are easy and wide enough for a stroller, but some are narrow and full of tree roots. Pine Grove Park is free to visit, and I encourage you to get a coffee and a snack and enjoy it!
Shopping on Main Street
Main Street in Liverpool is the place to be if you’re looking to do a little shopping. You’ll find unique jewelry and art at ADJA, clothes at Lilith Boutique, delicious breads and baked goods at Five Girls Baking, handmade gifts and home décor at Shore Thing and many more little stores to check out.
A little further down Main Street, you’ll find the local-favourite thrift store, Guy’s Frenchys. You’ll find plenty of Liverpudlians shopping here on a weekend afternoon. Frenchys is mostly a clothing thrift store, but you can also find some homewares.
Fort Point
Fort Point Lighthouse Park is the site where Sieur de Monts and Samuel de Champlain landed in 1604, and was also the location of a Privateers’ fort that defended the town and the trading routes in the 18th Century. The Lighthouse at Fort Point was built in 1855, and is now a small museum, complete with the fog horn that you can toot!
Astor Theatre
The Astor Theatre, located on Main Street, is Nova Scotia’s oldest performing arts venue. Check out their schedule to see a live performance. If plays aren’t your thing, they play movies on some weekends. In addition, the theatre has two art galleries, where you can browse art by local, regional, and nationally acclaimed artists. Honestly, the building itself is worth a walk through (it’s one of my favourites in town)!
Queens Place
The Queens Place Emera Centre serves as the local hockey rink, gym, fitness classes and indoor walking track. The arena has also hosted several concerts, including The Beach Boys, Washboard Union and The Barenaked Ladies!
Outside, you’ll find a universal playground, Etli Milita’mk Playpark, which is fenced and fully accessible for all ages and abilities. You’ll also find a skatepark, trails, a splash pad, and a basketball court. Stay tuned, they are currently building an outdoor community pool, which is “expected to open in 2026” (although I would be surprised, considering the current state! I’ll be sure to update this post when it opens.)
Farmer’s Market
Definitely my favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning in the summertime, the Privateer Farmers’ Market is located in Privateer Park on the waterfront from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving on Saturday mornings from 9-1. Grab a delicious pastry and some coffee, browse locally made products and bring home some local produce!
Queens County Museum / Perkins’ House
The Queens County Museum, found on Main Street, showcases the history of Liverpool and Queens County through artifacts and interactive exhibits. One of the most important artifacts in the history of Liverpool lives at the museum: Simeon Perkins’ Diary. Simeon Perkins recorded a detailed diary through the years he lived in Liverpool (1766-1812), which has helped fill in the history of Liverpool. Simeon Perkins’ house is still standing and is next door to the main museum.
Milton Blacksmith Shop Museum
Take a lovely drive along the Mersey River and check out the Milton Blacksmith Shop Museum. Entrance is by donation to this 1903 blacksmith shop, where you can see the forge, the ox sling, and the displays on horseshoeing and wood and metal working. Come learn about the history of my little village! Plus, the picnic tables outside are the perfect spot for a snack and to check out our waterfall and salmon ladder!
Kayak and Water Tours
If you want to experience Liverpool by water, talk to the folks at Liverpool Adventure Outfitters! They offer kayak tours of multiple spots around Liverpool, including beginner-friendly “try-it kayaking” workshops that include lunch. Alternatively, they offer Zodiak tours that allow you to experience the South Shore’s rugged coastline from the water.
Things to Do Near Liverpool
Although the town of Liverpool itself is great, you can certainly find some hidden gems outside of town! My personal favourite is Port Medway, about 20 minutes outside of Liverpool. You’ll find me “down port” on most Sundays with friends at Crafternoon at Rosefinch Mercantile and Tearoom. Rosefinch also offers the most lovely afternoon tea on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Port Medway is also home to a charming lighthouse park, a gift store, and Salt-Water Ballad Books, a books and records store.
Another great option is to head to Thomas Raddall Provincial Park or Kejimkujik National Park Seaside, both around a half-hour drive from the town of Liverpool. Both spots are excellent places to spend a sunny day.
Finally, one of my favourite day trips from Liverpool is to drive Highway 8 to Caledonia, grab a coffee and a treat at THE VERNI Art, Gift and Coffee House, and head to Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site to spend a few hours on their trails.
Places to Eat & Drink In Liverpool Nova Scotia
Hell Bay
You can’t miss this bright orange building across from Privateer Park. Hell Bay is a local craft beer brewery. Stop in and grab a drink to sit on their patio. They also host open mic nights and karaoke! If they happen to have their Blueberry Grunt on tap when you visit, it’s my favourite.
Main and Mersey
You’ll find me here nearly every Saturday morning, grabbing a delicious latte and a pastry treat. During the morning hours, the coffee bar serves expertly-made espresso drinks and fantastic French pastries. In the afternoons and evenings, you’ll find a fun Japanese fusion menu, which encourages you to order several small plates to share. I’ve never been disappointed by a meal at Main and Mersey; it is my favourite spot in town.
Route 3 Cellar Taproom and Grill
If you’re searching for pub food, live music, and a great atmosphere, head to what us locals call “The Cellar” (or maybe “Alley 9” if they’re over a certain age). Yes, it’s in the basement of a building, but don’t let that put you off. The menu has something for everyone, including kids. Plus, you can go bowling right in the same building! We love a dinner and bowling night. And don’t forget to say hi to Bob the Pirate when you walk in, he’s a local celebrity!
Lane’s Privateer Inn
The restaurant and pub at Lane’s Privateer Inn is a local favourite. Known for its fresh local seafood and freshly baked brown bread. The patio overlooking the Mersey River is a great spot on a sunny day.
Pizza
I love pizza, and you have two choices in Liverpool, conveniently down the street from each other, in case you need to have a pizza competition. The Liverpool Pizzeria offers both sit-down dining and take-out. A1 Pizza (or Joey’s, as locals call it) has a very small seating area but is a great place to grab a slice or a whole pizza for take-out.
Memories Café and Eatery
Memories can be found on the waterfront near Privateer Park. They have delicious breakfast and lunch selections, as well as coffees and homemade baked goods!
Five Girls Baking
If you’re looking to grab a pastry or a loaf of bread, Five Girls Baking is the spot! I love popping in most Saturdays for my weekly bread shopping and a chat with the owners. I especially love the donuts, cheese sticks and the French loaf bread.
Seaside Seafoods
A little outside Liverpool, you’ll find my favourite place for dessert, Seaside Seafoods in Hunts Point! They have soft-serve ice cream, which people usually enjoy after a feed of clams and chips! If it’s available, I can 100% recommend the coffee soft-serve ice cream!
Fast Food Options
If you just need to grab a quick meal, you can find Dixie Lee Family Restaurant right on Main Street, or head across the bridge and find McDonald’s, Tim Hortons and Subway by our only set of traffic lights!
Beaches near Liverpool Nova Scotia
Beach Meadows
Nearly everyone who goes to Liverpool will choose Summerville and Carter’s beach, but I think Beach Meadows is a hidden gem! About 15 minutes from the centre of Liverpool, you’ll find this quiet sandy beach, complete with picnic tables, change rooms and a playground. The newly built washrooms and change facilities are clean and convenient. At the end of the beach, climb the “big rock” for a beautiful view! We love this beach so much that we even did our wedding photos here!
Summerville Beach
Summerville Beach Provincial Park is also about 15 minutes from Liverpool, but in the other direction! It’s a lovely white sand beach that’s a kilometre long. It also has washrooms and change rooms available, as well as plenty of parking. The Quarterdeck Resort is directly on the beach, giving you lots of options to grab lunch.
Carter’s Beach
A lot of people head down to the South Shore for Carter’s Beach, which has exploded in popularity thanks to its crystal-clear water and beautiful white sand. Thankfully, they’ve recently added more parking and changing facilities. It is a beautiful beach, but you’ll have to get there early. There are 3 separate beaches, so don’t stop at the first bit of sand you get to, the further you go, the more space you’ll have to yourself!
Want more Nova Scotia Beaches? Check out this post for the Best Beaches In NS!
Special Events In Liverpool Nova Scotia
Privateer Days
This is THE weekend! Privateer Days is a great festival for all ages! Usually, the last weekend in June, step back to 1780 with historical encampments and reenactments, an entertainment tent, food trucks, a parade, fireworks and a multicultural festival! There are usually rides and face painting for the kids.
Liverpool International Theatre Festival
Every second year, Liverpool hosts theatre groups from all over the world for the Liverpool International Theatre Festival (happening in October 2026!). Over 4 days, you can take in live performances at the Astor Theatre!
Hank Snow Tribute
In August, country music lovers head to the Hank Snow museum in town to celebrate Hank Snow. This 4-day festival has numerous performances, songwriters’ circles and open mics.
Add Liverpool to your Nova Scotia Bucketlist
Has that convinced you to head down to my hometown? There are so many great shops and restaurants (with more coming soon!). In the summer, you can have an amazing beach day on beaches that aren’t crowded, or explore one of our parks and trails. In the fall, there’s no place better to check out the leaves than Pine Grove Park.
If I’m missing anything, let me know in the comments.
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