It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Nova Scotia’s South Shore, with it’s unique and varied coastline that’s so amazing for paddling, is also home to some of the provinces most stunning hikes. Give your weary paddling muscles a rest and stretch your legs along these great trails. We also offer custom guided hike / paddle options, or plan your own self-guided hiking adventure:
The hike at Gaff Point is one our favourite coastal trails in Nova Scotia. An easy to access half-day hike, this approx. 8km trail hugs the coast of a small point of land that juts out into the Atlantic, offering stunning views of open ocean, Mosher’s Island Lighthouse and the LaHave Island Archipelago. Keep your eyes peeled for porpoises, seals, and the wild sheep of West Ironbound Island!
Hirtle’s Beach is also a stunning beach in it’s own right. It’s a great place for the whole family, with nice waves for boogie boards or surf, depending on the swell.
Directions:
From the Hirtle's Beach parking lot, head right along the beach - at the end of the beach you will find the trailhead for Gaff Point.
Google Map Link
This old coastal ‘road’ connects the communities of Green Bay with Broad Cove. The trail travels along a stretch of largely undeveloped coastline, through idyllic meadows and quiet, white sand beaches. Although overgrown in places, follow the ocean’s edge and you won't go astray. Stock up on picnic supplies at the general store in Petite Riviere, set up a shuttle with a friend, and make a day of it.
Google Map Link
Nova Scotia isn’t known for soaring mountains…which makes hiking the highest peak in Lunenburg County easy bragging rights and a breezy way gain some elevation and break up the drive between LaHave and Halifax. The hike begins along the old railway tracks, along a section that is flanked by babbling brooks and small ponds. To reach Castle Rock (affectionately known as Mount Lunenburg), follow the marked trail to the right. There are several difficulty options, each with a steeper ascent. As you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the islands of Mahone Bay, and the open ocean beyond.
Google Map Link
We’re lucky to be located in the midst of a concentration of Nova Scotia’s best beaches. While we still think the best beaches are found out on the LaHave Islands (and we’re not alone!), mainland beaches on the South Shore offer up some easy to access, stunning places to enjoy a peaceful summer day.
Crescent Beach is a long sandbar that connects several of the LaHave Islands with the mainland. Although the beach is now flanked by a paved road on one side, tradition carries on and you are still permitted to drive on the beach to access several of the LaHave islands via a network of small bridges. The route makes for a scenic dog-walk or run. Red fox who often take up residence in the sand dunes can sometimes be spotted. At a low tide, the Dublin Bay side of the beach is a popular place to dig for clams, as well as kite-board.
Google Map Link
Part of Rissers Beach Provincial Park, you will find a lovely short trail here that takes you along a white sand beach that turns onto the mouth of the warmer waters of Petite Riviere, a popular swimming spot. The trail then loops back along a picturesque boardwalk through winds along a salt marsh. Parking for day visitors is on the west side of the highway.
Google Map Link
Stones polished by the waves give way to white sand at Cherry Hill beach, where the surf rolls in most days. A salt marsh behind the dunes, and the size of the vast beach makes it feel open and wild. The Great Islands, home to the Great Island Artist Residency, lie just off of the far end of the beach.
Google Map Link
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These rural coastal communities boast beautiful coastline and an incredible concentration of sandy beaches to enjoy. Accommodation is mostly self-catering cottage rentals, as well as camping at Risser’s Beach Provincial Park (book well ahead during summer months!).
You won’t need to travel far if you want to prepare a picnic or cook up an evening meal; the area has a bustling Saturday farmer’s market in West Dublin. The Petite Riviere General Store and local cafés and restos also stock farm fresh produce and cooking essentials. Lovers of delicious sourdough breads and decadent butter croissants MUST stop by Ploughman’s Lunch in West Dublin, which also serves up heavenly soft-serve ice-creams along other goodies including artisanal chocolate. The LaHave Bakery - a longstanding cornerstone of the community - is also famous for their delicious baked goods, serving up brunches, lunch fair and deserts from the historic outfitter building in LaHave. Make sure you check out the bookstore, craft coop and skateboard manufacturer also housed in this incredible oceanfront hive of activity. For dinners out, there are a few take-out restaurants that make for great evening picnic on the beach. We recommend the scallops and fries from MacLeod Canteen, nachos at the Osprey’s Nest or a freshly baked pizza from Beachside Pizza.
Car rental is available in nearby Bridgewater. Rhumb Line Bicycle Rentals (in Lunenburg) also rents bikes, and will deliver to the area.
The nearby historic seaside towns of Mahone Bay (35min drive to LaHave) and Lunenburg (25min drive to LaHave) are also great places. Each town offers a wide selection of B&Bs, restaurants, museums and unique shops. They are both very walk-able towns, full of colourful historic streetscapes that make for a pleasant stroll. Of course, you can also rent bicycles from Sweet Ride Cycling in Mahone Bay, or Rhumb Line Bicycle Rentals in Lunenburg. There are great trails to check out too!
The nearby town of Bridgewater is located just off of highway 103, on the beautiful LaHave River. There are several B&Bs, as well as larger name brand hotels. It's also home to the bigger grocery stores in the area, and it's a great place to stock up on supplies. Don't forget to grab a bite at Fancy Pants Café, sample some local microbrew at FirkinStein Brewing or King Street Beer Co. & check out the newly developed Pijinuiskaq Park on King Street.
Nearby Windhorse Farms makes for a stunning retreat with beautiful farmhouse & cabin accommodations, or check out in-town Accommodations
You can find more Nova Scotia travel planning resources here. We look forward to welcoming you to our stretch of coast. Sea you soon!