The Ultimate Nova Scotia South Shore Road Trip
Canada Travel || Tags: Nova Scotia, South Shore ||Inside: Nova Scotia South Shore Road Trip Itinerary including where to stop on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, Nova Scotia beaches and hidden gems
Having grown up on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, I didn’t appreciate its beauty until I had grown up and moved away.
Although there is no real definition of the South Shore’s boundaries, it’s widely accepted to be all of Lunenburg, Queens, and Shelburne Counties.
It would take quite a while to explore all the little towns along the South Shore, this road trip itinerary assumes you’ll be spending at least a couple of nights in different towns. I’ll do my best to share larger tourist towns and some hidden gems along the way!
How Long Will This Road Trip Take?
If you were to drive from Peggy’s Cove to Cape Sable Island via the South Shore it would take just under 3 hours. We recommend a couple of days to really explore these towns.
What To Pack On A Nova Scotia Road Trip
Clothes for every season! Doesn’t matter if it’s July, you still might need some warm clothes! Nova Scotia weather is famous for being hot and sunny during the day and possibly cold and rainy at night. To make sure you have the best time, make sure to bring a raincoat, waterproof shoes or boots, sandals, and of course a bathing suit for our amazing beaches!
The best months to visit Nova Scotia are usually July, August and September, possibly October if you’re chasing the Autumn leaves. Our summers are definitely the nicest time of year. June can be chilly or nice, and between the end of October and May many tourist sites are closed.
Read more tips about road tripping & what NOT to do!
The Ultimate Nova Scotia South Shore Road Trip
Peggy’s Cove
Although not technically on the South Shore, as it’s in the Halifax Region, I like to think of it as the unofficial kick off to the South Shore. It is the world’s most photographed lighthouse after all. Spend some time checking out the lighthouse area, but stay off the black rocks, as dangerous waves have taken many out to sea.
If you like photography, the lighthouse and nearby fishing village is a photographer’s dream!
There’s also a short hike called Polly’s Cove, and the nearby SwissAir flight 111 Memorial site.
Bayswater Beach
Our first beach of the list! About an hour from Peggy’s Cove, you can relax on the white sand beach of Bayswater Beach Provincial Park. It also has a picnic area, change rooms and toilets.
Read More: The Best Beaches in Nova Scotia
Chester
About a half hour away from Bayswater Beach, our next stop is the town of Chester. Technically a village with a population of 2350, you may recognize parts of Chester from the TV shows Haven, and The Curse Of Oak Island.
Some fun things to do include Sensea Nordic Spa, Graves Island Provincial Park, and taking in a performance at the Chester Playhouse.
As with most small Nova Scotia towns, wandering the waterfront usually leads to the discovery of unique shops and yummy food. We highly recommend The Kiwi Cafe and The Rope Loft for a bite to eat.
Tancook Island
Big Tancook Island and Little Tancook Island are both accessible by a ferry in downtown Chester. While these islands are usually overlooked by tourists, we think they are worth checking out! Rent bikes or bring your own for an outdoor adventure. There are several small beaches on the islands, but limited places to eat, so pack a picnic!
Oak Island
Back on the mainland, keep heading south to the community of Gold River, and you’ll be able to drive right on to the famous Oak Island.
If you’ve never heard the legends or seen the TV show, the short version is there is rumored buried treasure on Oak Island. What is it? Who knows! Theories range from pirate treasure to the Ark of the Covenant to lost Shakespeare manuscripts!
The island is privately owned, but you can visit the Oak Island Interpretive Centre* to learn more about the island’s history, or you can book a tour and see what Marty & Rick Lagina and the rest of the treasure hunters are up to.
*The Interpretive Centre and tours are closed for 2021 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Hopefully they will be back up and running in 2022!
If you’re looking to stay in this area, may we suggest Oak Island Resort and Spa. I love the nautical feel to this resort!
Read more about visiting Oak Island
Us with Rick Lagina on Oak Island
Mahone Bay
Back on the Lighthouse Route, our next stop is Mahone Bay. Often overlooked because of its neighboring town (we’ll get there next), Mahone Bay still remains a bit of a hidden gem. The Three Churches are famous, and you’ll get a great photo across the water from them. I love checking out Amos Pewter! You can watch them make their pewter ornaments and jewelry right in the shop.
The main street has quite a few places to eat; some of my favorites are Oh My Cod, The Mug & Anchor Pub, and The Barn Coffee & Social House.
Read more about visiting Mahone Bay
Lunenburg
This is usually the town that draws people to the South Shore. Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll want to spend most of a day wandering in the shops. If you’re interested in Nova Scotia’s marine history, the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is worth checking out.
Lunenburg also has a great walking tour that will guide you through the town, so you don’t miss anything! It starts at the historic (and let’s face it, probably haunted) Lunenburg Academy.
Historic Lunenburg Academy
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, or a drink, we highly recommend Sweet Treasures for ice-cream, Big Red’s Pizza, The Old Fish Factory, and The Grand Banker. I also love stopping into Iron Works distillery for some samples and a bottle to take home.
Planning to stay the night in Lunenburg? I suggest the Lunenburg Arms Hotel for it’s great location and lovely rooms. It also has a really nice spa on site!
Read More About Visiting Lunenburg
Blue Rocks
A bit off the beaten path, Blue Rocks is just 10 minutes outside of downtown Lunenburg. It is a small fishing village that looks frozen in time. It’s a great place to pack a picnic, and practice your photography skills! Kayaking is also popular here.
The Ovens
The Ovens Natural Park is a great place to spend a few hours, wandering the trails and checking out the naturally occurring caves. It’s an easy walk, however there are stairs so keep that in mind when planning your visit. Dogs are also allowed on leash.
It is another popular destination for kayaking as well. The park is privately owned, and also has a campground and seaside cabins for those wishing to stay the night.
Read more about The Ovens Natural Park
Caves at The Ovens Natural Park
Bridgewater
Bridgewater is the largest town on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. As such you’ll find many large retailers like Walmart and Canadian Tire here. Not many tourists stop in Bridgewater, except to buy some necessities and I can’t say I blame them too much, there are so many interesting towns to explore and Bridgewater is much more industrial than the others. However I can tell you there are a few hidden gems;
The M.A.R.C (or municipal activity recreation complex, if you like long complicated names) is great for hiking and biking, or snowshoeing in the winter.
King Street, along the LaHave river is going through a bit of a renaissance with the addition of local shops and eateries like King Street Beer Company.
LaHave
Back along the coast, LaHave is another often overlooked place. If you’re coming from Lunenburg or The Ovens in Riverport, the fastest way to LaHave will be the LaHave ferry, which costs $7.
Now it is a small community, but it was once an important settlement for the Mi’kmaq people, however the Dutch East India Company landed here in 1609 and attacked the Mi’kmaq people. They named the area La Hève, and it became the capital of the Acadia region.
Currently I suggest checking out the LaHave bakery, grabbing a coffee and a treat and wandering in the local art shops.
Crescent beach is just a few minutes down the road, and it’s the only beach in Nova Scotia you can drive your car right onto!
Petite Riviere
Another few minutes from Crescent Beach is Rissers Beach Provincial Park. This is also a popular camping spot as it has everything you need, including a beautiful beach and hiking trails. It’s a great place to spend a few hours, or a few days!
Also in the Petite Rivière region, you’ll find Petite Rivière Vineyards. It may surprise you that wine has been grown in this region since at least the 1630s. The uniqueness of the combination of the soil, weather, and seasons make ideal reds, bold and fruity wines. Stop in for a tasting and to see how the wine is made.
Petite Rivière Vineyards
Port Medway
Another hidden gem! Just off the highway, you’ll find Port Medway. Sea Port Gifts & Treasures, a great place to pick up a local souvenir! There’s also a small lighthouse in Port Medway Lighthouse Park, a perfect place for a picnic.
Liverpool
Welcome to my hometown! Although there’s not as much to draw you to Liverpool as a town like Lunenburg, it still has plenty to do. I highly recommend the farmer’s market on Saturday morning on the waterfront (during the summer months). Main Street has a few local shops and restaurants that you’ll enjoy wandering through. The end of Main Street has a lighthouse that you can climb to the top, and toot the fog horn!
One of my favorite things to do is to grab a drink at Hell Bay Brewing and sit on their patio.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, I highly recommend Lane’s Privateer Inn. It’s right in the middle of town, the rooms are lovely and the restaurant is one of the best in town.
Read more about visiting Liverpool
Fort Point Lighthouse in Liverpool
White Point
You’ve likely heard of White Point Beach Resort, as it has been a popular destination for many years, and for good reason! The lodge is a great place to spend a few days relaxing, surfing, golfing, swimming and of course eating! Don’t forget to watch out for bunnies, they are everywhere.
Port Mouton
Although you may not find Port Mouton mentioned in many Nova Scotia guides, in my opinion it’s one of the most beautiful places in the whole province. Summerville Beach Provincial Park is a beautiful beach, and further down the road you’ll find Carters Beach, which has become very popular in the last few years. Get there early, there is very little parking, and please remember to take your garbage with you! Carters Beach has no facilities.
Technically in Port Joli, the Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct and Thomas Raddall Park are beautiful places for walking on the beach, hiking trails and camping.
I also highly recommend grabbing ice-cream and fried clams at Seaside Seafoods. The coffee soft-serve ice-cream is amazing!
Carter’s Beach
Lockeport
Lockeport is almost an island, but it is attached to the mainland by a small causeway and Crescent Beach. It is a small town with a population of just over 500, which lends to its charm! Don’t miss wandering down South Street to see 5 historic homes of the first settlers of the area.
Crafters might also want to check out Becky’s Knit and Yarn shop for some locally dyed wool yarn.
Shelburne
Our next stop is the town of Shelburne. While it is now a small town, it was very important during the time of the American Revolution. 5000 Loyalists came to the town of Shelburne to start a new life here, including Black Loyalists. It became North America’s largest free Black settlement. Of course things were far from perfect for the Black Loyalists, you can learn about this very important piece of our history at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre.
The waterfront area has many shops and restaurants to wander through, and The Dory Shop Museum will guide you through their Dory making history.
For a taste of local beer, we suggest Boxing Rock Brewing Co. Sit down in the tap room, grab some food and a tasting flight!
Read more about what to do in Shelburne
Cape Sable Island
Cape Sable Island (not to be confused with Sable Island) is the southernmost tip of Nova Scotia! It is an island, but connected by a causeway to the mainland. As with most of the places I have mentioned, it boasts beautiful beaches, and delicious seafood filled restaurants.
It is known as the lobster capital of Canada, so if you’re looking for a seafood dinner, this is the place! My friend Meggan is from the area, and recommends Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack.
Don’t miss the Stone Church in Clarks Harbour, it was started in 1920 and took about 10 years to complete.
Possibly the most unique beach on my list, is Hawk Beach, which is called The Drowned Forest! At low tide you can see all of the petrified tree stumps, still rooted in their original soil.
Read more about visiting Cape Sable Island
Kejimkujik National Park
I wasn’t really sure where to put Kejimkujik National Park or Keji (as the locals call it) on our list! It is definitely part of Nova Scotia’s South Shore, however it is right in the middle of the province! Most of our list has focused on coastal towns, but Keji deserves mentioning.
While it is now an extremely popular hiking, canoeing and camping destination, the Mi’kmaq people have been living here for thousands of years. There are petroglyphs that are only accessible by private tour, which depict the life of Mi’kmaq people after contact with European settlers.
Currently you can camp here, there are multiple hiking trails of different lengths, lakes to swim in, and it has been designated as a dark sky preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Bring your camera and practice your astrophotography!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! A pretty great trip around the South Shore of Nova Scotia! I’ll definitely admit, I haven’t covered every town or thing to do, because I haven’t done it all yet either! Let me know if I’ve missed your favourite spot so that I can add it to my list.
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