Plan It NS
With a background in Tourism and Travel, I love giving recommendations for my favourite maritime locations. My experience in the industry has given me multiple recommendations for a wide variety of your favourite activities in Nova Scotia
-
AFRICENTRIC HERITAGE PARK
Vale Road, New Glasgow
Commemorates the past and provides a foundation for the cultural future of Nova Scotians of African descent.BARNEY’S RIVER STATION SCHOOLHOUSE MUSEUM
12507 Barney’s River Station, 902-759-2824
A pre-Confederation schoolhouse turned into a community educational museum. Open July and August, daily 12-5 pm (closed Monday). Home to the Old School Market every Friday June-September, 4-7 pm.CARMICHAEL-STEWART HOUSE MUSEUM
86 Temperance Street, New Glasgow, 902-752-5583
Exhibits include pioneer artifacts, Victorian fashion, Trenton glass, and War memorabilia. Celebrates its 60th Anniversary in 2024.CULLODEN MEMORIAL CAIRN
5091 Shore Road, Knoydart
A cairn commemorating the Battle of Culloden, erected in 1938.HECTOR HERITAGE QUAY
33 Caladh Avenue, Pictou, 902-485-4371
Tour the full-size replica of the Ship Hector and explore the Birthplace of New Scotland.LOCH BROOM LOG CHURCH
1576 Loch Broom Road, Loch Broom, 902-485-4891
The site of the first sessions of the First Presbyterian Church in 1786.MCCULLOCH HOUSE MUSEUM AND MCCULLOCH GENEALOGY CENTRE
86 Haliburton Road, Pictou, 902-485-4563
Explore Scottish immigrant history, local archives, and genealogical information.NOVA SCOTIA MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY
147 North Foord Street, Stellarton, 902-755-5425
Exhibits on mining, manufacturing, and engineering history.NORTHUMBERLAND FISHERIES MUSEUM
21 Caladh Avenue, Pictou, 902-485-8925
Artifacts of the fishing industry and boat building, with a lighthouse research and interpretive centre.PICTOU COUNTY MILITARY MUSEUM
2020 Queen Street, Westville, 902-396-3761
Collection commemorating military contributions.PICTOU LANDING FIRST NATION MAWIOMI
Annual event on the first weekend of June celebrating First Nation culture with ceremonies, dancing, drumming, and crafts.ST. MARY’S CHURCH
4735 Shore Road, Highway 245, Lismore
Pictou County’s oldest wooden church, opened in 1834.TRENTON HERITAGE ROOM
1 Forge Street, Trenton, 902-752-5311
Showcases Trenton’s industrial heritage.A WALK THROUGH TIME MUSEUM
4119 Scotsburn Road, Hwy 256, Scotsburn, 902-485-4586
Antiques, artifacts, and machinery with themed rooms. -
AHEAD OF HAIR & SEASIDE TREASURE TROVE
1 Water Street and 12 Water Street, Pictou, 902-485-8588
Full-service salon and spa with a gift shop.ART2SEA GALLERY
41 Water Street, Pictou
Co-operative gallery featuring local art, pottery, jewelry, and crafts.GROHMANN KNIVES AND FREE FACTORY TOURS
116 Water Street, Pictou, 902-485-4224
Handcrafted knives known for beauty and quality.LISMORE SHEEP FARM WOOL SHOP
1389 Louisville Road, River John, 902-351-2889
Wool products including blankets, sheepskins, and hand-knit items.MRS. MACGREGOR’S SHORTBREADS
59 Water Street, Pictou, 902-382-1878
Classic Scottish shortbread using a generations-old family recipe.NEW GLASGOW FARMERS’ MARKET
261 Glasgow Street, New Glasgow, 902-301-9087
Open Saturday mornings year-round.SEAFOAM LAVENDER COMPANY AND GARDENS
3768 Highway 6, Seafoam
Offers skincare, bath, culinary, and household lavender products. -
ACADIA PARK SPLASH PAD
1945 South Main Street, Westville, 902-396-1059
Park with playground, splash pad, and picnic area.BIG ISLAND BEACH
Route 245, Exit 27
No facilities.CHANCE HARBOUR BEACH
108 Sinclair Rd, Trenton NS
No facilities.CARIBOU LIGHTHOUSE
Caribou Island Rd, Pictou County NS
No facilities.CARIBOU/MUNROES’ ISLAND PROVINCIAL PARK
2119 Three Brooks Road
Picnic facilities, change rooms, toilets.GREENHILL PROVINCIAL PARK LOOK-OFF
209 Dan Fraser Road, Greenhill
Provides a view over the western half of Pictou County.LISMORE BEACH
Route 245, Exit 27
No facilities.MACKENZIE BEACH PROVINCIAL PARK
MacKenzie Road, Pictou County
Park reserve with potential for piping plover and associated bog wetland.MERIGOMISH HARBOUR PROVINCIAL PARK
Merigomish
2km sandy beach, known for eagle nesting.MELMERBY BEACH PROVINCIAL PARK
6380 Little Harbour Road, Route 289, Exit 27
Supervised, broad sandy beach with facilities.POWELL’S POINT PROVINCIAL PARK
8049 Pictou Landing Road, Route 289
Facilities include picnic tables, toilets, and parking.RUSHTON’S BEACH PROVINCIAL PARK
723 Highway 6, Marshville
Picnic grounds, toilets, and change facilities.SALT SPRINGS PROVINCIAL PARK
2532 Highway 104, Exit 19
Facilities include washrooms and picnic tables.WATERSIDE BEACH PROVINCIAL PARK
649 R. Grant Road, Waterside, Route 6
Facilities include picnic tables, change rooms, toilets, and parking. -
ALBION TRAIL (3 KM)
Stellarton
Runs south along the East River starting at Duff Pioneer Cemetery.CAPE TO CAPE (400 KM)
Nova Scotia’s first long-distance foot path from Cape Chignecto to Cape George.JITNEY TRAIL (3 KM)
South Market Street, Pictou
Runs west along the shoreline of Pictou Harbour to Brown’s Point.PIONEER TRAIL (3 KM)
East side of New Glasgow
Runs along former railway lines with a covered bridge.SAMSON TRAIL (4 KM)
New Glasgow
Follows the bed of Canada’s first iron railroad along the East River. -
ABERCROMBIE COUNTRY CLUB
Abercrombie, 902-755-GOLF (4653)
18-hole, par 71.GLEN LOVAT GOLF CLUB
Fraser’s Mountain, 902-753-GOLF (4653)
18-hole, par 72. -
BLUE LOBSTER PUBLIC HOUSE
230 Foord Street, Stellarton, 902-200-7888ALLADIN SYRIAN CANADIAN RESTAURANT
85 Caladh Avenue, Pictou, 902-921-8615CHINA BOAT
21 George Street, New Glasgow, 902-752-3838CROSSROADS COUNTRY MARKET
9489 Sherbrooke Road, Thorburn, 902-922-2090DEB’S HIDDEN CAFE
4149 Scotsburn Road, Scotsburn, 902-382-3444EASTSIDE FAMILY RESTAURANT
770 E River Road, New Glasgow, 902-755-4242EAST AVENUE RESTAURANT
200 Provost Street, New Glasgow, 902-752-3485FAT TONY’S BAR AND GRILL
9 Water Street, Pictou, 902-485-4500GENERATIONS BAKERY AND BEYOND
31 Front Street, Pictou, 902-301-0694GRAM’S PLACE
225 South Foord Street, Stellarton, 902-752-1002HARBOUR HOUSE ALES & SPIRITS
41 Coleraine Street, Pictou, 902-485-1047JOE CHOWS
29 Westville Road, New Glasgow, 902-752-4686J&C GRILL
102 Main St Trenton, 902-695-3300
-
Antigonish Heritage Museum20 East Main Street, Antigonish902-863-6160antigonishheritage.caFeatures exhibits on the cultural heritage of Antigonish Town and County, housed in a former CN Intercolonial Railway station.
Cape George Heritage School5758 Highway 337, Cape George902-318-8932A one-room schoolhouse museum displaying local heritage and culture artifacts.
Arisaig Lighthouse137 Arisaig Point Road, ArisaigSeasonalA replica of the original lighthouse with interpretive panels about the fishing community.
Arisaig Lobster Interpretive Marine Life Centre140 Arisaig Point Road, Arisaig902-863-6305Features preserved models and interpretive panels about the Atlantic Lobster. Open daily in July and August.
Tuna Interpretive Centre57 Wharf Road, Ballantyne’s Cove902-863-8162Learn about tuna life cycles and fishing history with exhibits including a life-sized tuna model. Open July and August.
-
Antigonish Highland Gamesantigonishhighlandgames.caExperience traditional Scottish competitions, dancing, military tattoo, parades, concerts, and ceilidhs at the largest Highland Games outside Scotland.
Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre800-563-PLAYfestivalantigonish.comPremier summer repertory theatre with a Main Stage and Family Stage presenting professional live productions.
Antigonish Jazzfestantigonishjazzfest.caAnnual festival featuring jazz events throughout the town.
Paq’tnkek MawiomiAftonpaqtnkek.caAnnual traditional event celebrating Mi’kmaq culture and heritage.
-
Antigonish Culture AliveMain Street, Antigonishantigonishculturealive.caHosts Antigonight: Art After Dark Festival and other community arts events.
Antigonish Art Fair Society & Antigonish Arts House145 Church Street, Antigonishantigonishartfair.caHosts events showcasing Nova Scotia artists, performances, artisanal goods, and multicultural food.
Down to Earth Art Gallery240 Main Street, Antigonish902-863-3255Art gallery featuring limited edition prints and local favorites.
-
Arisaig Provincial Park
5704 Route 245, Arisaig
Features geology, fossils, boardwalks, trails, waterfalls, and picnic facilities.Bayfield Beach Provincial Park
151 Bayfield Beach Road, Afton
Small roadside beach with change houses and picnic tables.Beaver Mountain Provincial Park
Highway 104, Exit 30, James River
Picnic tables and a six-km mixed-use forest trail.Cape George Provincial Park
152 Lighthouse Road, Cape George
Picnic tables, washrooms, and access to the Cape George Hiking Trail.Livingstone’s Cove Park
190 Livingstone’s Cove, Highway 337
Safe beach with picnic tables and washrooms.Pomquet Beach Provincial Park
432 Pomquet Beach Road, Antigonish
Sandy beach with change houses, boardwalks, and extensive dunes. -
Beaver Mountain Provincial Park Trail
Highway 104, Exit 30, James River
6 km trail offering scenic views of the Antigonish lowlands.Arisaig Provincial Park Trail
5704 Route 245, Arisaig
1.6 km loop trail through a white spruce forest.Antigonish Landing Trail
20 East Main Street, Antigonish
4.8 km gravel trail along the river.Cape George Hiking Trail
Highway 337
A 38 km trail with loops through meadows, forests, and coastal hills.Chez Deslaurier Trail
951 Monk’s Head Road, Pomquet
6 km coastal and inland walking trail.Fairmont Ridge Hiking Trail
Highway 337
10.8 km series of stacked loops with varied hiking routes. -
Antigonish Golf and Country Club
87 Cloverville Road, Antigonish
902-863-4797
18-hole, par 72 course. -
Brownstone
244 Main Street, Antigonish
902-735-3225Fresh Food Matters
125 Main Street, Unit C, Antigonish
902-908-0700Gabriau’s Bistro
350 Main Street, Antigonish
902-863-1925Grape Leaves
Main Street, Antigonish
902-714-9999Justamere Café & Bakery
137 Church Street, Antigonish
902-735-3353Kenny’s Pizza Antigonish
6 College Street, Unit A, Antigonish
902-735-1800Little Asia Food Truck
Main Street, Antigonish
902-872-2888Christo’s Pizza & Eatery
332 Main Street, Antigonish
902-867-4992Moonlight Restaurant
210 Main Street, Antigonish
902-863-3667Mother Webb’s Steakhouse
At Exit 35, Trans-Canada Hwy, Antigonish
902-863-3809Myers Tea Room
235 Main Street, Antigonish
902-863-4293Peace by Chocolate
344 Main Street, Antigonish
902-735-2762Piper’s Pub
33 College Street, Antigonish
902-863-2590Bakery
201 Hawthorne Street, Antigonish
902-863-5090Snow Queen Family Restaurant
21 James Street, Antigonish
902-863-4890The Main Street Café and Lounge
158 Main Street, Antigonish
1-833-863-4400The Tall and Small Café
342 Main Street, Antigonish
902-863-4682The Wheel Pizza & Sub Shop
382 Main Street, Antigonish
902-863-4565Townhouse Brewpub and Eatery
76 College Street, Antigonish
902-863-2248Waffle Bus Stop Inc
18 College Street, Antigonish
902-735-2406 -
Coldstream Clear Distillery
25 James Street, Antigonish
902-867-0487Candid Brewing Co.
88 College Street, Antigonish
902-863-3930Half Cocked Brewing Company
1290 Highway 245, Antigonish
902-735-2090Oak Manor Beer Store and Taproom
271 Main Street, Antigonish
902-863-2315Steinhart Distillery
5963 Highway 245, Arisaig
902-863-5530
info@steinhartdistillery.com -
Giant Bluefin Tuna Charters
Captain John Gavin
5323 Highway 337, Antigonish
902-870-2963 | 902-863-1128
tunacharters@seasidehighspeed.comMacDougall Bluefin Tuna Charters
Captain Dan MacDougall
380 Cribbons Road, Cribbon’s Point Harbour, Antigonish
902-863-6989
info@macdougallbluefintunacharters.ca
-
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Baddeck – Explore Bell’s inventions and life, including full-scale replicas of the Silver Dart and HD-4.
Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village Museum, Iona – A Gaelic living history museum with costumed interpreters and ceilidhs.
Cape Breton Miners Museum, Glace Bay – Learn about coal mining life with a guided tour of an actual coal mine.
Cape Breton Fossil Centre, Sydney Mines – Take a journey through the Carboniferous era with guided fossil tours.
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site – North America’s largest historical reconstruction with costumed animators and cultural experiences.
LeNoir Forge Museum, Arichat – 18th-century French blacksmith shop with demonstrations and genealogy resources.
Les Trois Pignons, Chéticamp – Explore Acadian history through hooked rugs, antiquities, and genealogy resources.
Wagmatcook Culture & Heritage Centre – Discover Mi’kmaq traditions, storytelling, and music on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake.
-
Bird Island Boat Tours – Observe seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes, and razorbills, off Big Bras d’Or.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Hike, camp, and explore 26 trails with breathtaking coastal and highland scenery.
Cape Smokey – Ride Atlantic Canada’s first gondola, ski in winter, and hike or kayak in summer.
Puffin-viewing boat tour – See these adorable seabirds in their natural habitat on the Bird Islands.
Tube the Margaree River – Relax as you float down this famous river, watching for bald eagles and salmon.
Walk and swim at Inverness Beach – Enjoy 1.5 km of soft sand, warm saltwater swimming, and accessible boardwalks.
-
Celtic Colours International Festival – A vibrant festival celebrating Celtic music and culture, held October 11–19, 2024.
Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, Judique – Experience interactive exhibits featuring traditional Celtic music, dance, and storytelling.
Ghosts & Legends of Historic Sydney – Join a spooky ghost tour of Sydney’s haunted streets, homes, and graveyards.
Strathspey Performing Arts Centre, Mabou – A hub for Celtic, Acadian, and Indigenous music and dance performances.
-
Galloping Cows Fine Foods, Port Hood – Famous for hand-crafted preserves featured at major film festivals.
Glenora Distillery, Glenville – North America’s first single-malt whisky distillery, offering tastings and ceilidhs.
Red Shoe Pub, Mabou – Owned by the Rankin Sisters, this pub offers live music and hearty meals.
Route 19 Brewing, Inverness – A brewery with a taproom, restaurant, and stunning views near Cabot Links.
-
Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs Golf Courses, Inverness – World-renowned golf courses with stunning ocean views and fine dining.
-
Highland Bow & Arrow, Wreck Cove – A traditional archery range along the Cabot Trail.
Two Rivers Wildlife Park, Huntington – Home to over 50 wildlife species, plus a petting zoo and hiking trails.
-
Acadian House Museum, West Chezzetcook – Learn about the Acadian families who settled here in the 1850s through cultural demonstrations, including baking, taffy pulling, and rug hooking. Enjoy homemade treats at La Cuisine de Brigitte tea room.
Black Sheep Gallery, West Jeddore – A former fish plant turned folk art gallery, featuring works by over 40 artists, including Maud Lewis and Joe Sleep.
Canso Islands National Historic Site, Canso – Explore dioramas and a short film on 18th-century life, then paddle to Grassy Island for a unique perspective.
Memory Lane Heritage Village, Lake Charlotte – Step back into the 1940s, try clam digging, enjoy a homemade cookhouse meal, and explore 16 restored buildings.
Port Bickerton Lighthouse, Bickerton West & Out of the Fog Lighthouse Museum, Half Island Cove – Learn about lighthouse history through artifacts and interpretation, and explore 3.5 km of coastal walking trails.
Sherbrooke Village Museum, Sherbrooke – Step into the 1800s with costumed interpreters, hands-on experiences, and Canada’s only ambrotype glass photo studio.
-
Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park – Enjoy warm tidal streams, a nature trail, and accessible facilities, including a MobiMat for wheelchair users.
Hope for Wildlife, Seaforth – Visit the Learning Centre and meet the team from the TV series as they rehabilitate over 1,500 wild animals annually.
Martinique Beach Provincial Park – Search for beach glass on Nova Scotia’s longest white sand beach, a protected area for the endangered Piping Plover.
Surfing at Lawrencetown Beach – Take a surfing lesson at Lawrencetown, Martinique, or Clam Harbour Beach, with expert instructors providing wetsuits and boards.
Taylor Head Provincial Park – Hike coastal trails, spot migrating birds, and join guided tours led by Friends of Taylor Head.
-
Bike or walk the Salt Marsh Trail – A 13-km round-trip trail with stunning coastal views and prime birdwatching.
Musquodoboit Trailway – A 15-km rail trail perfect for walking, cycling, and snowshoeing, with additional backcountry loops offering panoramic views.
-
Stanfest: Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Canso – A legendary outdoor music festival with over 100 concerts and on-site camping.
-
The Authentic Seacoast Company, Guysborough – Taste award-winning spirits and craft beer, including Rare Bird Craft Beer, Glynnevan Whisky, and Sea Fever Rum.
Cozy Pubs & Local Seafood – Enjoy fresh seafood and craft beer at The Henley House Pub & Restaurant and Slippery Oyster in Sheet Harbour, or The Mermaid Eatery at Salmon River Country Inn.
Lupin Dining & Pantry, Musquodoboit Harbour – A farm-to-table restaurant featuring house-made sauces, pickles, pasta, and ice cream.
Sober Island Brewing, Sheet Harbour – Sample their signature oyster stout, Beth’s Black, at the taproom or beer garden, with live music.
-
Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site – Walk among the world’s most complete fossil record, dating back 300 million years, with behind-the-scenes tours available.
Bay of Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre, South Maitland – Overlook the Shubenacadie River and witness the powerful tidal bore phenomenon.
Balancing Rock, Long Island – A massive basalt sea stack precariously balanced on its end, just a short ferry ride from Digby Neck.
Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, West Advocate – A rugged coastal wilderness with over 50 km of trails and breathtaking cliffs.
Cape d’Or Coastal Park, Advocate Harbour – Home to one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic lighthouses, with dramatic 100-metre cliffs.
Cliffs of Fundy Geopark – Discover the region’s geological wonders through waterfall hikes, guided fossil tours, and canyon treks.
Victoria Park, Truro – A scenic park with waterfalls, a bubbling stream, and excellent hiking and biking trails.
Walk on the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park, Noel – Explore the seabed at the site of the world’s highest tides.
-
Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site – Walk among the world’s most complete fossil record, dating back 300 million years, with behind-the-scenes tours available.
Bay of Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre, South Maitland – Overlook the Shubenacadie River and witness the powerful tidal bore phenomenon.
Balancing Rock, Long Island – A massive basalt sea stack precariously balanced on its end, just a short ferry ride from Digby Neck.
Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, West Advocate – A rugged coastal wilderness with over 50 km of trails and breathtaking cliffs.
Cape d’Or Coastal Park, Advocate Harbour – Home to one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic lighthouses, with dramatic 100-metre cliffs.
Cliffs of Fundy Geopark – Discover the region’s geological wonders through waterfall hikes, guided fossil tours, and canyon treks.
Victoria Park, Truro – A scenic park with waterfalls, a bubbling stream, and excellent hiking and biking trails.
Walk on the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park, Noel – Explore the seabed at the site of the world’s highest tides.
-
Tidal bore rafting, Shubenacadie River – Ride roller-coaster waves up to 13 feet high as the Bay of Fundy’s tides rush upstream.
Whale watching off Digby Neck & Brier Island – Spot up to seven whale species, including the rare North American right whale.
Horseback Tidal Floor & Fossil Tour, Parrsboro – Ride along Wasson Bluff with a museum expert, sieve for fossils, and enjoy refreshments on the ocean floor.
Not Since Moses Run, Five Islands – A unique 5K or 10K race across a tidal river and exposed sea bed
-
Nova Scotia's Wine Country – With over 20 wineries, enjoy tastings at vineyards like Lightfoot & Wolfville, Benjamin Bridge, and Planter’s Ridge.
Tidal Bay – Nova Scotia’s first wine appellation – Sample crisp, aromatic white wines unique to the region, perfect with fresh seafood.
North America’s first Hop-on, Hop-off wine tour, Wolfville – Ride a classic British double-decker bus to five wineries.
Masstown Market – A local favourite for fresh produce, seafood, cheese, and baked goods, with a lighthouse fish-and-chip shop.
-
Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse, West Pubnico – Experience Acadian life in the early 1900s with home-cooked cuisine, costumed interpreters, and stunning seaside views of Pubnico Harbour.
Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos, West Pubnico – Dive into Acadian history with exhibits on music, crafts, and food traditions at the world’s oldest Acadian museum.
-
Port Maitland Beach Provincial Park – A scenic 1-km sand-and-cobble beach, perfect for a stroll or a refreshing dip in the ocean. Picnic with a view of the fishing boats and wharf—a favourite spot for painters and photographers.
Mavillette Beach Provincial Park & Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park – Enjoy a 1.5-km sandy beach at Mavillette, where boardwalks protect the fragile dunes. Surfing, yoga, and the Cape to Cliff Beach Run event are popular here. Just minutes away, Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park offers stunning ocean views, interpretive panels, and a sunset-perfect picnic spot.
-
Tusket Island Tours, Wedgeport – Set sail with local fishermen on a working lobster boat. Learn to pull a lobster trap, then enjoy fresh seafood and live Acadian music in a private island shanty.
Savour the Sea Oceanside Lobster Dinner, Yarmouth – Tour Yarmouth Harbour with local lobster fishermen before docking at Yarmouth Bar for a three-course, wharfside lobster dinner paired with Nova Scotia wine and beer—complete with live music and dancing!
-
Yarmouth Walking Tours – Discover Yarmouth’s hidden stories, from pirate legends to crime tales, all set against the backdrop of Yarmouth Harbour.
-
Bluenose II, Lunenburg – See this iconic sailing vessel in her homeport on the Lunenburg Waterfront. Check the schedule for deck tours or to watch her sail to ports across the province.
Old Town Lunenburg, UNESCO World Heritage Site – Walk the colourful streets of Lunenburg, a perfectly preserved British colonial settlement. Join a guided walking tour or shuttle tour to dive into its fascinating history.
Lunenburg Academy National Historic Site – Explore the Heritage Interpretive Classroom, attend a world-class music performance, or relax with a book in the library on these scenic grounds.
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, Lunenburg – Learn about Nova Scotia’s seafaring past, explore wharf-side vessels, and see Bluenose memorabilia. Don’t miss the 1930s fishing schooner, the Teresa E. Connor.
Shelburne County Museum, Shelburne – Discover over 200 years of history, from Mi’kmaq heritage to Loyalist, African, and Welsh settlers. Explore exhibits on the county’s rich shipbuilding past.
Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, Birchtown – Uncover the history of Canada’s first Black settlers through artifacts and interactive exhibits. Book the Taste of Birchtown experience for a guided tour followed by craft beer and charcuterie at Boxing Rock Brewing.
-
Acadian Maple Products, Tantallon – Satisfy your sweet tooth with locally made maple products, from syrups to sauces, candies to coffee. Enjoy a tasting and bring home a delicious souvenir.
Amos Pewter, Mahone Bay & Peggy’s Cove – Visit the flagship store in Mahone Bay to watch artisans craft beautiful pewter pieces, or create your own. Their Peggy’s Cove location is open seasonally from May to October.
-
South Shore Beaches – Explore pristine, white-sand beaches like Bayswater Beach, Rissers Beach, Summerville Beach, Thomas Raddall, and Sand Hills. Beach Meadows Beach Park is great for young children, while The Hawk Beach on Cape Sable Island offers views of the “drowned forest.”
The Village of Chester – A charming seaside village known for sailing, live theatre, and a relaxed coastal vibe. Kayak the waters, hike Graves Island or Castle Rock Trail, and dine at the Kiwi Café.
LaHave Islands – Discover one of Nova Scotia’s last remaining island communities. Visit the LaHave Islands Marine Museum, or explore the waters by kayak with Cape LaHave Adventures.
Fort Point Lighthouse, Liverpool – Step inside Nova Scotia’s third-oldest lighthouse to crank the foghorn and explore the interpretive displays.
Three Churches, Mahone Bay – One of the most photographed spots in Nova Scotia, this postcard-perfect view is best seen from Oakland Road.
-
Golf by the Sea – Test your skills at some of the best courses on the South Shore, including Chester Golf Club, White Point Golf Club, Osprey Ridge Golf Course, and River Hills Golf & Country Club.
Oceanfront Resort Getaways – Unwind at Oceanstone Resort, Oak Island Resort, White Point Beach Resort, or Quarterdeck Beachside Villas & Grill. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, fresh local dining, and incredible ocean views.
-
Ross Farm Museum, New Ross – Step into the early 1800s with costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional farm activities like woodworking, candle-making, and planting.