Uncovering a sandy shoreline in Nova Scotia is as uncomplicated as going for a drive along the coast. Approximately 200 stretches of silver, coffee, or brick-toned beach interrupt the 7500km (4660 miles) of its coastal line.
The Atlantic shore on either flank of Halifax boasts a particularly dense array of magnificent beaches. Crafting sandcastles, immersing in a book or leisurely wandering across the smooth sands are beloved activities, but in a locale where overcrowding is rarely a worry, beaches are equally alluring for their ecosystems – over 50 are safeguarded within provincial or national parks.
Tourists usually perceive beaches on the Atlantic coast as too chilly for swimming, yet those on alternate coasts or by rivers are exceptions. Below are 15 of our cherished beaches to relish in Nova Scotia.
1. Rissers Beach
Best beach for camping
The coastline in this provincial park is next to a campground – an ideal selection if you’d like to spend a bit more time delving into the vicinity. Although the beach endured hurricane harm in September 2023, it’s still immensely worthy of a visit to savor a walk along the white sandy coastline. Some campsite facilities that were affected during the hurricane will completely reopen later in 2024 following restorations.
Detour: Explore the artisan shops such as Westcote Bell Pottery and halt for lunch or a rustic loaf at the LaHave Bakery in nearby LaHave.
2. Summerville Beach
Best beach for Atlantic swimming
Summerville Beach extends away from beachfront lodgings at one extremity and twists around the opposite point into the entrance of Broad River. Its warm, fresh water forms an excellent swimming area. Dunes create a division between the beach and a salt marsh brimming with avian life.
Local tip: Sample the Quarterdeck, a superb restaurant in a contemporary building that pays homage to local architecture with floor-to-ceiling glass and a deck gazing over the beach.
3. St. Catherine’s River Beach
Best beach for wildlife
Seals, shorebirds, and even bears are routinely seen at this coastal portion of the inland Kejimkujik National Park. The trek from the parking area to the beach may take an hour, yet the wild locale at the endpoint justifies every stride. Camping provisions are present if you’d enjoy staying a tad longer and exploring the park and its remarkable hiking routes.
4. Carters Beach
Best beach for photos
The contrast amid the fine, white sand and the Caribbean-like turquoise waters adorned by rugged spruce formations renders Carters an exceedingly photogenic choice. Many regard this as the most picturesque beach in Nova Scotia. Nestled at the end of the tranquil village of Port Mouton, this formerly little-known beach now frequently becomes overwhelmed with visitors. The small parking facility often exceeds capacity, and locals find the throngs tiresome, so approach with respect and moderation in thought.
5. Crescent Beach, Lockeport
Best beach for events
The band is electrifying, and the waves are cascading at the annual Crescent Beach Bash in Lockeport. The beach and its dunes connect to the town, so inhabitants merely meander over to the grand festivities when they wish. Otherwise, the aesthetically appealing Beach Centre with restrooms and changing facilities serves one of the loveliest beaches in Nova Scotia – it was once depicted on the rear of the 50-dollar bill.
Local tip: The beachfront cottages are immensely sought-after – secure a booking several months in advance to avoid disappointment.
6. Mavillette Beach
Best beach to uncover Acadian culture
A provincial park oceanfront, Mavillette is situated at the southern extent of Nova Scotia’s French Acadian coast. Supported by tall dunes and an extensive salt marsh, Mavillette is bordered to the north by the single-road village of Cape Saint Marys.
Detour: Traverse the fishing wharf and promontory topped by a lighthouse where interpretive signage and monuments narrate the tale of Acadian settlement and lost seafarers.
7. Blomidon Beach
Ideal beach for witnessing the planet’s highest tides
Positioned beneath crimson, decaying cliffs, Blomidon Beach stretches indefinitely in both directions away from the provincial park camping grounds. Tiny waterfalls splash down onto the coast, and as the Bay of Fundy’s global record-setting tides recede, immense mudflats come into view.
Detour: The sea vista around here shapes the viticulture of grapes grown and marketed at the nearby Blomidon Estate Winery.
8. Scots Bay Beach
Perfect beach for rock collecting
Beyond a slender spine from Blomidon is an expansive curve of stones. Rather than having sand, the variety of agates, amethysts, and quartz worn smooth by rolling tides is what lures visitors to Scot’s Bay. If collecting rocks is not your passion, you can sift through plenty of driftwood as well.
Detour: Cape Split, which marks the end of Scots Bay Road, is an extraordinary trail for hiking enthusiasts in Nova Scotia.
9. Lawrencetown Beach
Top beach for surfing
Surfers tackle the currents at Lawrencetown Beach throughout the year, typically donning wetsuits. Flanked by verdant promontories, waves rush in from the vast Atlantic to this sandy stretch. Newcomers can join group sessions taught by local surfing experts like East Coast Surf School.
10. Clam Harbour Beach
Premium beach for sand sculpture making
The highlight of August at Clam Harbour Beach is the annual sandcastle contest, attracting multitudes keen to either compete or observe the artistic endeavor of sculptors. Both professionals and talented amateurs compete for awards, alongside children in separate categories. Beyond this event, the meticulous craft of sand art is routinely celebrated here.
11. Melmerby Beach
Top beach for tepid waters and family visits
Nova Scotia’s spot for swimming is Melmerby, with its warm waters and mellow waves. Positioned on the sheltered Northumberland Strait facing Prince Edward Island, the beach experiences elevated water temperatures. The presence of showers, dressing areas, toilets, and beach monitors enhances its appeal as a family-friendly location within the province’s park.
12. Arisaig Beach
Best location for fossil exploration
Brimming with fossils, the cliff lining this brief beach, adjacent to a petite fishing dock and lighthouse, is bursting with ancient life. Marine species, present on Earth over four hundred million years prior, are unearthed and distributed across the beach waiting to be found.
Detour: Ascend a steep ascent to Steinhart Distillery for tastings of a German-themed menu and drinks concocted using award-winning spirits.
13. Inverness Beach
Top beach for golfing and brewery visits
The tale of Inverness is a notable regeneration narrative of a small town in Canada, transitioning from a historic coal mining hub into a global tourist destination. Among its finest offerings is its shoreline, located a short stroll downhill from its high street past anchored lobster vessels.
Detour: Golf enthusiasts, prepare to be amazed. Positioned before this beach are a pair of the world’s leading 50 golf courses—Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs. Ale aficionados can enjoy drinks at Route 19 Brewing, a bustling taproom situated across the avenue.
14. Black Brook Cove Beach
Best beach for diverse experiences
Situated in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a brook meanders through this small oasis as it journeys from forested areas. After immersing yourself in the ocean’s chill, venture inland along Black Brook to Mary Ann Falls, one of the premier swimming locales in Nova Scotia, where you can swim right up to the cascades.
15. Winging Point
Leading spot for an isolated trek
Nova Scotia’s most untamed beach is Winging Point. Characterized by bird-like configurations, dual beaches resemble extended wings arching elegantly outward from a stony point. Eagles circle overhead eying prey while seals lounge on the sands. To reach this breathtaking site, embark on a 4 km (2.5-mile) trek through the Gabarus Wilderness Area.
Detour: Fortress Louisbourg, dating back to the 18th century and being North America’s most extensive historical reconstruction, is not to be missed by any visitor to the Cape Breton coast.