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A surfer paddles in at Martinique Beach

Eastern Shore

Discover the Eastern Shore

Pristine wilderness, historically-themed attractions, authentic fishing communities, and beaches stretching as far as the eye can see offer explorers an array of off-the-beaten-path adventures on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore.

Surf’s up year-round and the pounding waves at Lawrencetown and Martinique Beaches beckon surf enthusiasts to some of the best surfing conditions on the east coast. For something more subdued but just as intrepid, explore the 100 Wild Islands. Protected in perpetuity, these islands offer explorers sheltered coves, clear turquoise waters, windswept headlands and unique boreal rainforests.

Explore Cities & Towns on the Eastern Shore

Explore communities by clicking the points on the map.

  • East Lawrencetown

    East Lawrencetown

    Known for Lawrencetown Beach, a year-round surfing destination. Connect to The Great Trail here; a trail system that stretches across Canada.

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  • Guysborough

    Guysborough

    Find yourself surrounded by unspoiled nature and rugged coastal beauty in quiet little villages nestled into safe harbours where tales of rum running are still told.

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  • Sherbrooke

    Sherbrooke

    Step back in time at Sherbrooke Village, a preserved village of homes and businesses where you can chat with costumed interpreters and even dine on traditional foods.

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  • Sheet Harbour

    Sheet Harbour

    Discover the protected 100 Wild Islands, spend the day hiking the coast or white sand beach at Taylor Head Provincial Park as you visit this quaint coastal community.

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  • Musquodoboit Harbour

    Musquodoboit Harbour

    Explore the protected 100 Wild Islands as you follow coastal roads to beautiful beaches, local markets, fresh seafood, and cozy oceanfront accommodations.

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Top Experiences on the Eastern Shore

Explore the 100 Wild Islands

  • Explore sheltered turquoise coves, white sand beaches, windswept headlands, and unique boreal rainforests, bogs, and barrens
  • Paddle the sheltered coves with Coastal Adventures and Norse Cove Sea Kayak Tours & Rentals
  • Murphy’s Scenic Boat Tours offers boat tours, kayak rentals & island drop-off
  • Further up the coast, Nova Nature Adventures provides nature-based tours both on land & water
Three people walk along a path with a costumed interpreter at a Memory Lane Heritage Village alongside two goats.

Memory Lane Heritage Village

  • Award-winning living history village with costumed interpreters depicting life in rural Nova Scotia during the 1940s
  • Explore 16 restored buildings including a general store and cookhouse, with authentic 1940s meals served daily
  • During summer, learn about clam digging and give it a try during the Clam Harbour Clam Digging Adventure
  • Nova Scotia’s first 100% solar-powered museum with an EV Charging Station
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A mom and two kids wave at a man riding an old fashioned bicycle at Sherbrooke Village Museum.

Sherbrooke Village

  • Experience life in the 1860s when timber tall ships and gold ruled life along the St. Mary’s River
  • 19th century heritage is brought to life by costumed interpreters, including blacksmiths, potters, weavers and printers
  • Dress in period attire, try your hand at quilting or have your picture taken at Canada’s only Ambrotype glass photo studio
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Cold Water Surfing

  • Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park and Martinique Beach Provincial Park are some of the best places to surf in Nova Scotia!
  • Both offer consistent waves, lifeguards, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean
  • Private and group surf lessons and rentals are offered by East Coast Surf School, Halifax Surf School and Surfdonkey
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White Sand Beaches

  • Martinique Beach Provincial Park: As the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia, this is a popular spot for birding, beachcombing, and surfing
  • Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park: Noted for its surf, the beach also connects to the popular, multi-use Salt Marsh Trail along former railbed
  • Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park: This large, family-friendly beach also has a picnic area and coastal hiking trail
  • Tor Bay Provincial Park: Has sweeping sand beaches, boardwalks, and interpretive panels
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia is one of the best cold water surfing destinations in the world!  With a shoreline totally exposed to the swells from the Atlantic Ocean, the best time to surf in Nova Scotia is in the fall.  The fall provides a combination of warmer waters and waves created during hurricane season. To find out more, visit the surfing page.

Off the coast of the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, lies a little known yet incredible natural treasure- a vast and beautiful archipelago of over 100 Wild Islands.  This is one of the last remaining intact and ecologically rich island groups of its size in North America.  Here you will find untouched white sand beaches, idyllic sheltered coves, and dramatic, windswept headlands to welcome the intrepid wilderness paddler or sailor. The unique coastal rainforests, bogs and barrens, and over 250 kilometres of shoreline have been largely undisturbed by humans for over 10,000 years. A rich diversity of birds find refuge in the islands, from majestic eagles and osprey to over 100 species of seabirds, songbirds and shorebirds. Many of the outdoor operators on the Eastern Shore offer boat tours to visit the islands. Discover More >

Along with beaches and parks throughout this region, visit Memory Lane Heritage Village in Lake Charlotte to experience life in Nova Scotia in the 1940s complete with a cookhouse restaurant serving up traditional meals, cool cars, a store and even friendly farm animals. Stop at our largest living history museum when you visit Sherbrooke Village Museum where you can step back in time over 105 years. Stoll the village and visit the blacksmith, have your photo printed on glass as a keepsake, and more. Don’t forget to visit the resident farm animals and to pick up some candy at local shop.

Download Regional Guide & Listings

Find the top things to see and do in the Eastern Shore region. View the PDF regional guide and business listings online or download to your device for easy access while travelling.

A couple eats ice cream on a sunny summer day on the Guysborough Waterfront.
Guysborough Waterfront

Featured Packages on the Eastern Shore

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People viewing the bison herd on a farm walking tour at Lindsay Lake Farms & Lodge in Musquodoboit Valley, Nova Scotia Hands-on Learning

Bison Sunset Walk

$17.50/Per Person

Enjoy a beautiful Lindsay Lake Farms sunset as you stroll around the bison fence line.

  • Lindsay Lake Farms
  • Location An icon to show the location Lindsay Lake
  • Date An icon to show the date January 24, 2026 – December 19, 2026
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The Bison herd at Lindsay Lake Farms & Lodge in Musquodoboit Valley, Nova Scotia Guided Tours • Hands-on Learning

Guided Bison Tour

$35/Per Person

This unique adventure offers an up-close look at the majestic bison, creatures that symbolize strength, resilience, and a deep connection to the land.

  • Lindsay Lake Farms
  • Location An icon to show the location Lindsay Lake
  • Date An icon to show the date January 25, 2026 – December 20, 2026
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Hands-on Learning • Outdoor Adventure • Relaxation

Healing Hooves & Nature’s Feast

$220/Starting Price

Immerse yourself in a soulful encounter with Clydesdale horses, then savour a picnic of farm-fresh delights at Lindsay Lake Farms.

  • Lindsay Lake Farms & Lodge
  • Location An icon to show the location Lindsay Lake
  • Date An icon to show the date September 15, 2025 – May 30, 2026
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Food & Drink • Overnight Stay • Relaxation

Oceanfront Chef Dinner & Stay

$1,399 – $3,499/Per Family*

Gather your friends or family for an oceanfront cottage getaway with chef-led 3-course dinner onsite, plus hot tub and sauna.

  • Sidanna Retreat – multiple locations
  • Location An icon to show the location Sugarloaf
  • Date An icon to show the date October 4, 2025 – December 31, 2026
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A group of four people sit at a table outside. A fifth person is serving their meal - burgers and home fries. In the background there are trees and a lake. Arts & Culture • Food & Drink • History & Heritage

Bison Farm Adventure: Tour & Dine

$250/Per Person

Watch majestic bison roam the land on a farm tour with the Teerling family, before dining lakeside on a German-inspired 3-course farm-to-table meal.

  • Lindsay Lake Farms & Lodge
  • Location An icon to show the location Lindsay Lake
  • Date An icon to show the date January 15, 2025 – May 30, 2026
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Guided Tours • Outdoor Adventure

Guided ATV and SXS Tours with Porters Peak

$159 – $199/Starting Price • Per Person

Get your adrenaline pumping on a high energy ATV or SXS guided tour on wooded and rugged trails near Halifax with Porters Peak!

  • Porters Peak
  • Location An icon to show the location Porter’s Lake
  • Date An icon to show the date October 15, 2025 – October 14, 2026
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Family • Food & Drink • History & Heritage • Outdoor Adventure

Clam Harbour Clam Digging Adventure

$100 – $175/Starting Price

Known as E’se’katik by the Mi’kmaq (meaning “at the place of clams”) this harbour has been known for its reliable clam harvests since time immemorial.

  • Memory Lane Heritage Village
  • Location An icon to show the location Lake Charlotte
  • Date An icon to show the date July 2, 2026 – August 22, 2026
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Trip Ideas on the Eastern Shore

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