Discovering a sandy seaside in Nova Scotia is as straightforward as taking a drive alongside the coast. Some 200 stretches of silver, espresso or brick-colored seaside punctuate the 7500km (4660 miles) of its shoreline.
The Atlantic coast on both aspect of Halifax has a very dense focus of beautiful shores. Constructing sandcastles, studying a guide or simply strolling aimlessly alongside the high quality sands are favourite pastimes, however in a spot the place crowding isn’t a difficulty, seashores are simply as attractive for his or her ecosystems – over 50 are protected in provincial or nationwide parks.
Guests normally discover seashores on the Atlantic coast too chilly for swimming, however these on different coasts or beside rivers are exceptions. Listed below are 15 of our favourite seashores to get pleasure from in Nova Scotia.
1. Rissers Seashore
Finest seaside for tenting
The seaside at this provincial park is adjoining to a campground – an ideal possibility when you'd wish to spend somewhat extra time exploring the world. Though the seaside sustained hurricane harm in September 2023, it's nonetheless effectively price a go to to get pleasure from a stroll alongside the white sandy stretch. Some campsite amenities that sustained harm in the course of the hurricane will totally reopen later in 2024 after renovations.
Detour: Try the artisan retailers like Westcote Bell Pottery and cease for lunch or a country loaf on the LaHave Bakery in close by LaHave.
2. Summerville Seashore
Finest seaside for Atlantic swimming
Summerville Seashore stretches away from beachside lodging at one finish and bends across the reverse finish into the mouth of Broad River. Its heat, contemporary water makes for a fantastic swimming gap. Dunes separate the seaside from a salt marsh that’s teeming with birdlife.
Native tip: Attempt the Quarterdeck, a wonderful restaurant in a brand new constructing that honors colloquial structure with floor-to-ceiling home windows and a deck overlooking the seaside.
3. St Catherine's River Seashore
Finest seaside for wildlife
Seals, shorebirds and even bears are noticed usually at this seaside extension to the inland Kejimkujik Nationwide Park. The stroll from the parking zone to the seaside can take an hour, however the wild place on the finish is price each step. Tenting choices can be found when you'd like to remain somewhat longer and discover the park and its glorious mountaineering trails.
4. Carter's Seashore
Finest seaside for pictures
The distinction between the high quality, white sand and the Caribbean turquoise waters studded by rugged spruce outcrops makes Carters an extremely photogenic possibility. Many take into account this the prettiest seaside in Nova Scotia. Tucked away on the finish of the sleepy village of Port Mouton, this as soon as little-known seaside is now typically overburdened with guests. The tiny parking zone usually overflows, and residents discover the crowds tiresome, so go together with courtesy and restraint in thoughts.
5. Crescent Seashore, Lockeport
Finest seaside for occasions
The band is rocking and the waves are rolling on the annual Crescent Seashore Bash in Lockeport. The seaside and its dunes hyperlink to the city, so residents merely stroll over to the massive events after they really feel prefer it. In any other case, the superbly designed Seashore Heart with washrooms and altering rooms serves one of many prettiest seashores in Nova Scotia – it as soon as graced the again of the 50-dollar invoice.
Native tip: The beachside cottages are extremely fashionable – guide many months upfront to keep away from disappointment.
6. Mavillette Seashore
Finest seaside to find Acadian tradition
A provincial park seaside, Mavillette sits on the south finish of Nova Scotia's French Acadian coast. Backed by excessive dunes and a sprawling salt marsh, Mavillette is flanked on the north by the one-street village of Cape Saint Marys.
Detour: Discover the fishing wharf and promontory topped by a lighthouse the place interpretive indicators and monuments inform the story of Acadian settlement and misplaced mariners.
7. Blomidon Seashore
Finest seaside for experiencing the world's highest tides
Beneath crimson, crumbling cliffs, Blomidon Seashore appears to run ceaselessly in both path from the provincial park campground. Small waterfalls tumble onto the shore, and when the Bay of Fundy world file tides ebb, huge mudflats are uncovered.
Detour: This seascape influences the wines grown and bought at close by Blomidon Property Vineyard.
8. Scots Bay Seashore
Finest seaside for rockhounding
Over a slender ridge from Blomidon is a yawning arc of gravel. Relatively than sand, it's the sheer number of pebbles of agate, amethyst and quartz worn easily by the fixed tumbling of the tides that pulls individuals to Scot's Bay. If rockhounding isn't your factor, there's simply as a lot driftwood to type by.
Detour: On the finish of the Scots Bay highway is Cape Break up, one among Nova Scotia's nice mountaineering trails.
9. Lawrencetown Seashore
Finest seaside for browsing
Surfers hit the waves at Lawrencetown Seashore year-round, nearly all the time in wetsuits. Sandwiched between grassy headlands, the seaside is washed by waves that roll in from the open Atlantic. Browsing trainers and outfitters close to the seaside reminiscent of East Coast Surf Faculty lead group periods for first-timers.
10. Clam Harbor Seashore
Finest seaside for sandcastles
August is probably the most anticipated month at Clam Harbor Seashore. That's when the annual sandcastle competitors takes place and hundreds arrive to each take part and admire the abilities of the sculptors. Professionals and gifted lovers vie for prizes, as do youngsters in their very own classes. Past the competitors, the high quality artwork of granular structure is practiced right here usually.
11. Melmerby Seashore
Finest seaside for heat waters and households
Heat waters and small waves make Mermerby Nova Scotia's most swimmable seaside. It's the situation on the protected Northumberland Strait going through Prince Edward Island that warms the waters. Showers, altering rooms, flush bogs and supervision make this provincial park one among Nova Scotia's most family-friendly seashores.
12. Arisaig Seashore
Finest seaside for fossil looking
The cliff behind this quick seaside subsequent to somewhat fishing wharf and lighthouse is chock filled with fossils. Creatures frequent on Earth over 400 million years in the past are uncovered and scattered on the seaside simply ready to be found.
Detour: A brief stroll up the steep hill, cease at Steinhart Distillery to pattern the German-inspired menu and cocktails made with award-winning spirits.
13. Inverness Seashore
Finest seaside for golf and beer
One in all Canada's epic small-town restoration tales, Inverness reworked from a former coal mining settlement to 1 that pulls vacationers from around the globe. One in all its biggest belongings is its seaside, simply down the hill from the primary avenue previous moored lobster fishing boats.
Detour: Golfers, choose up your jaws. This seaside fronts two of the world's high 50 golf programs – Cabot Hyperlinks and Cabot Cliffs. Craft beer lovers settle into Route 19 Brewing, a busy taproom throughout the road.
14. Black Brook Cove Seashore
Finest seaside for contrasting experiences
This little seaside in Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park is minimize by a brook that winds its manner out of the again woods. After a chilly dip within the ocean, head inland alongside Black Brook to Mary Ann Falls, one among Nova Scotia's most interesting swimming holes, the place you’ll be able to swim proper as much as the falls.
15. Winging Level
Finest seaside for a distant hike
Winging Level is the wildest seaside in Nova Scotia. Named for its form, twin seashores prolong like chook wings in sleek arcs from a rocky level. Eagles cruise the skies for prey whereas seals bask on the sand. A 4km (2.5-mile) hike by the Gabarus Wilderness Space will get you to this spectacular place.
Detour: A must-see for any customer to this Cape Breton coast, 18th-century Fortress Louisbourg is the biggest historic reconstruction in North America.
