Summary
Nova Scotia is the perfect road-tripping destination. While most people explore the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton, the South of Nova Scotia is equally exciting.
These stops along Southern Nova Scotia will make you want to pack your bags and go road-tripping through this incredible province of Atlantic Canada.
We landed at the Halifax airport on a morning flight from Toronto. After picking up our rental car without any issues, we set off to explore the Nova Scotia South Shore, following highway 103 all the way to Yarmouth.
The next 10 days were filled with adventure and the thrill of exploring the beautiful southern Nova Scotia landscape.
South Shore Nova Scotia
It doesn’t take long to get anywhere in Nova Scotia, and there are numerous sights to witness within a relatively short distance. This is particularly true by Canadian standards, as Nova Scotia is a compact province.
Days are spent exploring and enjoying the stunning scenery, with just enough driving to keep the adventure alive!
Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove is the most popular tourist destination in Nova Scotia. Located just 45 minutes from Halifax, this lovely fishing village is home to a 100-year-old lighthouse. Situated on a rocky outcrop, it is also one of the most photographed spots in Canada.
Visitors can explore the fishermen’s museum and monument, take Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours, enjoy lobster poutine at Sou’wester Gift, and browse various gift shops and cafes.
Consider taking the Peggy’s Cove boat tour to explore the coast and see the lighthouse away from the crowds.
Paddling Lower Prospect
Just 30 minutes from Halifax or Peggy’s Cove is a picturesque kayaking route in Lower Prospect. This is an excellent introduction to kayaking in Nova Scotia, as you paddle the inner waterway and tranquil bays, safe from the Atlantic Ocean.
Lobster Boil
There are many places to enjoy lobster along the Nova Scotia South Shore, and if you’re going to indulge in lobster, it should certainly be on the East Coast of Canada.
Fish and chips are staple meals on the East Coast of Canada, so be sure to try them while supporting local communities.
Where to Stay Near Peggy’s Cove
Staying at Oceanstone Resort provided us with a perfect base for exploring Peggy’s Cove.
We spent two nights here, which allowed us ample time to take in all the beautiful scenery and partake in adventures like kayaking. Being close to Peggy’s Cove enabled us to set out at sunrise and sunset to avoid the crowds.
Mahone Bay
Next, we ventured to the artisan town of Mahone Bay, a charming town situated on the water, famous for its three iconic churches that attract photographers.
It’s an ideal spot to stop for lunch and enjoy some shopping, and it was once deemed the prettiest town in Canada.
Lunenburg
Continuing on, we reached the historic town of Lunenburg to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of only two urban centers in North America to hold that designation, Lunenburg is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque cities in Canada.
The other urban UNESCO World Heritage Site in North America is Quebec City.
Lunenburg is renowned for its vibrant painted houses. Make your way across the water to the golf course to witness a stunning sunset; it’s truly beautiful.
Additionally, it is home to the Bluenose II, and you may be fortunate enough to see it docked.
Lighthouse Route
Exploring Southern Nova Scotia takes you along the picturesque lighthouse route, which is easy to navigate as it leads through charming coastal villages.
Blue Rocks
Blue Rocks is just minutes outside of Peggy’s Cove and serves as another fantastic spot for kayaking or catching the early morning sunrise.
Here, the fishing industry thrives, and you’ll notice many lobster traps, nets, and fishing houses along the shore.
La Have
As we moved farther south, we encountered the La Have Ferry, which is a delightful little adventure.
Taking the ferry is unique, as it is one of the last remaining cable ferries in Nova Scotia.
Once across, it’s just a few minutes to La Have Bakery, where you can grab snacks for the road trip, enjoy delectable treats, and unwind on the pier by the water.
Crescent Beach
Our road trip continued to Crescent Beach, the only beach in Nova Scotia where you can drive on the sand, allowing us to spend a delightful afternoon there.
Many visitors pack cars for a picnic, and we highly recommend you do the same!
Liverpool
Our journey then led us to Liverpool, known as the home of the Privateers.
Liverpool makes for an excellent overnight stop at Lanes Privateer Inn, which features a restaurant and café, and can arrange paddling and hiking tours.
Birtchtown
Next, we visited Birchtown, recognized as the very first Black Loyalist settlement in Canada.
This community played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, and after achieving freedom, many former slaves made Birchtown their home.
There is an interactive museum to explore, along with hiking trails nearby.
Argyle
We spent our final night in Argyle, where we enjoyed lobster poutine at Ye Olde Argyler.
Ye Olde Argyler offers sea kayaking and a peaceful environment to relax. It’s conveniently located near Yarmouth, which allowed us to use it as our base for exploring Nova Scotia’s southernmost city.
Yarmouth
Yarmouth is home to yet another iconic Nova Scotia lighthouse, featuring beautiful surroundings and interactive trails nearby.
Yarmouth is a popular stop on a Nova Scotia road trip as it serves as the location where Americans catch the ferry to Maine.
Burntcoat Head Park
No exploration of Southern Nova Scotia would be complete without a visit to the Bay of Fundy.
While most of the notable activities occur further north, Burntcoat Head Park is an excellent opportunity to walk on the ocean floor during low tide.
The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world, and you’ll be astonished to witness the towering sea cliffs and islands revealed once the water recedes.
Annapolis Valley
On our route back to Halifax from the Bay of Fundy, we traversed through the Annapolis Valley.
This region boasts lovely wine country, and it’s worthwhile to take your time and enjoy some wine tours along the way.
Halifax
We concluded our Southern Nova Scotia trip in Halifax, where we explored the city and its vibrant waterfront.
Halifax offers an impressive harbor, rich history to delve into, and a lively nightlife.
Things to do in Halifax:
- Alexander Keith’s Brewery Tour
- Explore the Citadel
- Visit Pier 21 Museum
- Enjoy a drink on Argyle Street
- Stroll the waterfront
This fantastic 8-day road trip took us through the southern regions of Nova Scotia.
The South Shore is abundant with activities, and after our journey to the South, we spent two additional days exploring the North Shore and the Bay of Fundy before heading back to Halifax.
But that’s another story for another day.
Stay tuned for more exciting stories from our adventures on the East Coast through Nova Scotia.
Our East Coast road trip is in collaboration with Nova Scotia tourism. To discover more about travel in Nova Scotia, visit NovaScotia.com.
