Planning A Trip To Liverpool Nova Scotia

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Inside: What to do in Liverpool NS; Where to eat in Liverpool; Where to stay in Liverpool NS; Stopping on your South Shore Nova Scotia Road Trip

Liverpool Nova Scotia is my hometown. I grew up here and even though I moved away, I still come back often. You might not think there is a lot to do in Liverpool but you’d be wrong! 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” as it was a hub for shipbuilding, and the town financed and manned privateer ships (like 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 1.5 hour 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. It’s location means you can walk to many restaurants, shopping and other attractions. The Inn is built out of an old sea captain’s home, the historical charm of the building is in tact, 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, sauna and 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! In behind the garden centre is a walking trail, decorated with beautiful statues created by the owner of the garden centre, Ivan. 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.

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 Main & Mersey, and many more little stores to check out.

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 almost every weekend. The building itself is worth a walk through!

Arena

The Queens Place Emera Centre serves as the local hockey rink, gym, fitness classes and indoor walking track. You’ll often find the Liverpool Privateers hockey team (Junior B) playing on the weekends. The arena has also hosted several concerts including The Beach Boys, Washboard Union and The Barenaked Ladies!

Farmer’s Market

Definitely my favorite 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 to 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 next-door to the main museum.

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!

Lane’s Privateer Inn

The restaurant and pub at Lane’s Privateer Inn is a local favorite. Known for it’s fresh local seafood and fresh 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 incase you need to have a pizza competition. The Liverpool Pizzeria offers a sit down restaurant as well as 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 takeout.

Memories Café and Eatery

Memories can be found on the waterfront near Privateer Park. They have delicious selections for breakfast and lunch, 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 whenever I visit. I especially love the donuts, the chocolate croissants and the sourdough bread. 

Seaside Seafoods

A little outside Liverpool you’ll find my favorite 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!

Beaches near Liverpool Nova Scotia

Beach Meadows

Mostly 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. At the end of the beach, climb the “big rock” for a beautiful view! We love this beach so much we even did our wedding photos here!

Summerville Beach

Summerville Beach Provincial Park is also about 15 minutes from Liverpool, but the other direction! It’s a lovely white sand beach that’s a kilometer long. It also has washrooms and change rooms available and plenty of parking. If you happen to be in town the weekend of the Summerville Family Beach Party, you can take place in a sand castle competition and live entertainment.

Carter’s Beach

A lot of people head down to the South Shore for Carter’s Beach, which as exploded in popularity due to it’s crystal clear water and beautiful white sand. Unfortunately there isn’t much parking, and there are no change rooms (or garbage bins so make sure you clean up after yourself!). 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!

Carters Beach

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 multi cultural festival! There’s usually rides and face painting for the kids.

Liverpool International Theatre Festival

Every second year Liverpool hosts theatre groups from all over the word for the Liverpool International Theatre Festival (happening in 2022!). 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, song writers circles and open mics.

I think that’s a pretty good roundup of all things to do in Liverpool! What do you think? If I’m missing anything let me know in the comments.

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