Skip to Content
A group kayaks blue clear waters on the south shore

South Shore

Learn More About the South Shore

From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town Lunenburg, with its colourful waterfront and narrow streets, to the inspiring views of the coast and its 40-plus lighthouses, the South Shore is much more than the home of Bluenose II and the must-photograph Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and surrounding fishing village.

Whether it’s solitude you seek or adventure you crave, a visit to this region will satisfy. It can be luxurious oceanside accommodations or back-country camping; lobster freshly plucked from the sea or spirits aged aboard a tall ship; strolling the white sand beaches or hiking the canopied forest trails, or maybe even all the above.

Quintessential Nova Scotia awaits you here.

Explore Towns on the South Shore

Explore towns by clicking the points on the map.

Towns on the South Shore

  • Chester

    Chester

    Experience popular yacht races during Chester Race Week, garden parties, band concerts as well as marvelous restaurants, art galleries, shops and boutiques.

    Learn More
  • LaHave & Petite Rivière

    LaHave & Petite Rivière

    Visit with artists and artisans in their open studios and galleries and spend the day exploring one of the area’s white sand beaches with crystal blue waters.

    Learn More
  • Peggy’s Cove

    Peggy’s Cove

    Visit Canada’s most photographed lighthouse in a small working fishing village with artists, unique shops, and restaurants, all while taking in breathtaking ocean views.

    Learn More
  • Lunenburg

    Lunenburg

    Stroll the colourful streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit the Bluenose II, a replica of the famous racing schooner depicted on the Canadian 10 cent coin.

    Learn More
  • Oak Island

    Oak Island

    Discover the world’s longest running treasure hunt from the TV series The Curse of Oak Island by water with Salty Dog Sea Tours, departing from Oak Island Resort’s marina.

    Learn More
  • Bridgewater

    Bridgewater

    Nestled along the LaHave River, discover internationally inspired restaurants, craft breweries, nearby white sand beaches and riverside parks and trails.

    Learn More
  • Liverpool

    Liverpool

    Learn about country music legend, Hank Snow, experience Privateer Days, and relax at nearby beachside resorts, White Point Beach Resort and Quarterdeck Beachside Villas.

    Learn More
  • Barrington

    Barrington

    Visit the Lobster Capital of Canada for a delicious meal. Explore beautiful white sand beaches, historic lighthouses and enjoy some of the best birdwatching in the East.

    Learn More
  • Mahone Bay

    Mahone Bay

    Discover the popular Three Churches reflecting on Mahone Bay as you browse unique shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the popular Scarecrow and Father Christmas festivals.

    Learn More
  • Shelburne

    Shelburne

    In 1783, 3,000 Black Loyalists escaped to freedom, arriving in Shelburne. Visit Birchtown to learn more and visit historic Dock Street.

    Learn More

Top Experiences on the South Shore

Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, Birchtown

Taste of Birchtown

Highlights

  • Guided tour of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre with access to the Black Loyalist Heritage Site and Black Loyalist Heritage Trail
  • Receive a copy of Birchtown and the Black Loyalist Experience: From 1775 to Present
  • Charcuterie and craft beer tasting at Boxing Rock Brewing Company where you’ll sample Back to Birchtown ale
Learn More

Oak Island Tour

Highlights

  • Enjoy exclusive access to Oak Island, a privately-owned site only open during guided tours, and explore the setting of the world’s longest-running treasure hunt, hearing expert insights, local stories, and intriguing theories about the 230 year-old mystery.
  • Visit famous sites from The Curse of Oak Island, including the Money Pit, Smith’s Cove, The Swamp, and more.
  • Check out the Oak Island Treasure Shop to take home a souvenir to remember your adventure.
Learn More
People sitting at picnic table on the beach

LaHave Islands Glamping Adventure

Highlights

  • Seafood dinner of local lobster and mussels steamed over seaweed on the beach
  • Active adventure, including guided kayaking, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), yoga and SUP yoga with Cape LaHave Adventures
  • Canvas tent from East Coast Glamping, with beds, bedding and camp chairs included
Learn More
Two people observe a knife making demonstration at Wildertools

Forging Lunenburg Memories

Highlights

  • Guided introduction on the art of bladesmithing with professional smith, Rick Marchand with hands-on forging demonstration
  • Experience the art of bladesmithing as you create your own custom forged piece in the wheelchair accessible forge
  • Flavours of Lunenburg gift basket also included
Learn More
Lobster at Capt. Kat's Lobster Shack

2026 South Shore Lobster Crawl

Highlights

  • This month long event celebrates all things lobster on Nova Scotia’s South Shore from February 1-28, 2026
  • Cheer on “Lucy, the shadow-seeking lobster” on the shores of Barrington, the Lobster Capital of Canada, on Groundhog Day
  • Don’t miss the 7th annual Lobster Roll-Off competition, a crowd-favourite
Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

The Oak Island mystery has captured the interest of millions, not only is it one of the top-rated shows on the History Channel but it is located here in Nova Scotia.  These blog posts will help you to learn more about the area and the ways you can experience Oak Island while visiting Nova Scotia. https://www.novascotia.com/places-to-go/regions/south-shore/oak-island    https://www.novascotia.com/trip-ideas/stories/experience-treasured-stories-oak-island

Peggy’s Cove is famous for its natural beauty and geological history. For being a picturesque working fishing village. For its iconic lighthouse perched atop a rugged granite rock coastline. For decades Peggy’s Cove has been a place of inspiration for painters and photographers. It is said that the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

The Peggy’s Cove lighthouse was built in 1915.

Most people here will tell you that ‘Peggy’ is short for Margaret and being the first cove at the mouth of St. Margaret’s Bay, Peggy’s cove seemed like an appropriate name for the village. Others say that Peggy’s Cove was name after a women named Margaret who was the survivor of a ship wreck off the coast, and that people would come to visit “Peggy of the Cove” and the cove eventually became known as Peggy’s Cove.

There is a long and detailed answer to this question. But in short, what you see today at Peggy’s Cove is the work of glaciers. Twenty thousand years ago, continental glaciers one kilometre thick moved through this area, carving out the landscape and leaving behind erratic rocks along its way.

The region is renowned for its seafood offerings, with freshly caught lobster, scallops, and fish featuring prominently on many menus. Don’t miss the chance to try a classic Nova Scotian dish like fish and chips or lobster rolls at a local restaurant. Favourite South Shore restaurants include Shore Club Lobster Suppers, Grand Banker Seafood Bar & Grill, Salt Shaker Deli, The Quarterdeck, Capt. Kat’s, and many more.

The LobsterCrawl festival is one of the most delicious annual events in Nova Scotia. Held for the month of February, from Barrington to Peggy’s Cove, you can expect all kinds of yummy celebrations that feature the lobster. From the Lobster Roll Off competition to the Lobster Chowder Chowdown Showdown, the month is packed with delicious events. Check out the LobsterCrawl festival website for the most up to date details https://www.lobstercrawl.ca/ .

Featured Packages on the South Shore

View All Packages
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
  • Date An icon to show the date October 4, 2025 – December 31, 2026
Read More
Hands-on Learning • Outdoor Adventure • Relaxation

Beachfront Stay & Clam Digging

$480 – $650/Per Couple

Dig into adventure on a 2-night beachfront escape, clam-digging by day, and the freshest seafood feast by night.

  • Seaside Cottages at Ginger Hill
  • Location An icon to show the location Lockeport
  • Date An icon to show the date September 15, 2025 – November 14, 2025
Read More
Family • History & Heritage

Oak Island Tour

$35 – $99/Per Person

Experience the mystery and drama of the world’s longest-running treasure hunt on a two-hour guided tram tour of Nova Scotia’s famous Oak Island.

  • Oak Island Legend
  • Location An icon to show the location Martin’s Point
  • Date An icon to show the date July 26, 2025 – October 26, 2025
Read More
An exterior view of one of the cottages at Lockeport Campground & Cottages Overnight Stay

Lakeside Cottage two night Getaway

$350/Starting Price • Per Couple

Take advantage of our free two-hour e-bike rental and explore the picturesque surroundings—great for making lasting memories.

  • Location An icon to show the location Lockeport
  • Date An icon to show the date April 25, 2025 – October 25, 2025
Read More
Food & Drink • Outdoor Adventure • Overnight Stay

Lunenburg Sea-cation

$799/Per Couple

Tucked in a sheltered cove near Lunenburg, relax on a 2-night floating cottage getaway with local flavours and guided boat tour of Mahone Bay Islands.

  • Location An icon to show the location Lunenburg
  • Date An icon to show the date June 12, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Read More
A sea kayaker pointing to a sea bird as it flies away with Cape LaHave Adventures Outdoor Adventure

Afternoon Seals & Sights Kayak Tour

$85/Per Person

Join us for a short 3hr sea kayak tour in the protected waters of Dublin Bay, Nova Scotia.

  • Cape LaHave Adventures
  • Location An icon to show the location LaHave
  • Date An icon to show the date May 21, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Read More
Two hands join together to create the shape of a heart during sunset with the light shining through their hands Overnight Stay • Romance

Romance Hideaway at Oak Island

$309/Starting Price • Per Couple

Stroll hand-in-hand along the breakwater, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and let the stunning views set the stage for perfect moments.

  • Location An icon to show the location Western Shore
  • Date An icon to show the date April 14, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Read More
Two people enjoying a glass of wine at Oak Island Resort and Conference Centre Overnight Stay • Romance

Savour and Sail Away at Oak Island

$295/Starting Price • Per Couple

Nestle in and enjoy ocean views and the warmth of our beautiful fireplace located in the Three Sheets Bar & Social where our Happy Hour runs daily.

  • Location An icon to show the location Western Shore
  • Date An icon to show the date April 14, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Read More
Two people holding hands and smiling at each other outside of Amos Pewter in Mahone Bay Nova Scotia in the summertime with the colourful garden flowers in bloom Arts & Culture • Hands-on Learning

Amos Pewter’s Hands-on Experience: Mahone Bay

$15/Starting Price • Per Person

Join us for a captivating experience. Be introduced to one of our talented Artisans who will show you the art of crafting our pewter designs.

  • Location An icon to show the location Mahone Bay
  • Date An icon to show the date January 2, 2025 – December 23, 2025
Read More
Two people cheers their beer at a high top bar. Overnight Stay • Relaxation • Romance

It’s a Shore Thing at Oak Island

$275/Starting Price • Per Couple

Relax oceanside at a full-service resort overlooking famous Oak Island. Savour local chocolate, rum cream & onsite dining with live music nightly.

  • Location An icon to show the location Western Shore
  • Date An icon to show the date November 1, 2024 – October 31, 2025
Read More
Arts & Culture • Hands-on Learning • History & Heritage

Knifemaking in Lunenburg

$650/Starting Price • Per Person

On this 2-day experience, get insight into the methods and art of a modern bladesmith, before swinging the hammer and crafting your very own knife!

  • Location An icon to show the location Lunenburg
  • Date An icon to show the date January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026
Read More
Outdoor Adventure

Coastal Explorer Sea Kayaking Tours

$140 – $175/Starting Price • Per Person

Join us for a full day on the water – it will surely be the highlight of your summer! ​Your sea kayaking tour will leave from our s…

  • Location An icon to show the location Terence Bay
  • Date An icon to show the date May 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Read More
Outdoor Adventure

Seascape Sea Kayaking Tour

$60 – $75/Starting Price • Per Person

A quick escape onto the ocean just before a flight is a great way to end your trip to Nova Scotia.

  • Location An icon to show the location Terence Bay
  • Date An icon to show the date May 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Read More
Two people sit in red Adirondack chairs at the end of a wharf. They both hold wine glasses. The sun is setting and the light is casting a perfect reflection of the sky in the water. Everything is lush and green. Food & Drink • Relaxation • Romance

Escape to River Ridge Lodge

$875/Per Couple

Savour delicious local culinary, craft beer tasting, and trail exploring on this five-night getaway!

  • Location An icon to show the location Martin’s River
  • Date An icon to show the date May 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025
Read More
Food & Drink • Relaxation • Romance

Oceanfront Spa, Sauna & Seacuterie

$1,399 – $2,999/Per Family*

Enjoy a getaway by the ocean! Savour delicious seacuterie or charcuterie & wine, unwind with a massage & relax in a private outdoor hot tub & sauna.

  • Sidanna Retreat – multiple locations
  • Location An icon to show the location Hunts Point
  • Date An icon to show the date October 4, 2025 – December 31, 2026
Read More
A colourful scallop dish sits on a black plate. Food & Drink • Relaxation • Romance

Oceanfront Indulgence

$450/Per Couple

Treat yourself and your special someone to a 1-night getaway on Shelburne Waterfront. Savour a 4-course seafood meal, paired with Tidal Bay wine.

  • Location An icon to show the location Shelburne
  • Date An icon to show the date January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Read More
Interior of beachside sauna at Wilson's Coastal Club Outdoor Adventure • Relaxation • Romance

Beachfront Pedal & Steam

$458 – $1,857/Per Couple

Explore nearby trails by e-bike with this year-round getaway, before relaxing in a wood-fired hot tub or sauna overlooking St. Margaret’s Bay.

  • Location An icon to show the location Boutiliers Point
  • Date An icon to show the date March 1, 2025 – May 14, 2026
Read More
Food & Drink • Relaxation • Romance

Romance at White Point

$817/Starting Price • Per Couple

Escape for a 2-night oceanside getaway with 3-course dinners, Nova Scotia wine and house-made truffles, chocolate-covered strawberries or brownies.

  • Location An icon to show the location White Point (Liverpool area)
  • Date An icon to show the date January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Read More
Food & Drink • Relaxation • Romance

White Point Glome & BBQ

$845 – $901/Starting Price • Per Couple

Melt your cares away in a lakefront hot tub on a 2-night glome escape with oceanfront dining, live music and dinner of BBQ favourites ready to grill!

  • Location An icon to show the location White Point (Liverpool area)
  • Date An icon to show the date September 1, 2025 – May 14, 2026
Read More
Arts & Culture • Family • Hands-on Learning

Forging Lunenburg Memories

$380/Starting Price • Per Couple

Discover the tools and artistry of an award-winning blacksmith—then swing the hammer to forge your own keepsake!

  • Wildertools
  • Location An icon to show the location Lunenburg
  • Date An icon to show the date January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026
Read More
Family • Food & Drink • Relaxation

SEA’scape Getaway Package

$762/Starting Price • Per Couple

Bring a friend or loved to sample the shore life on this all-inclusive 2-night getaway at White Point Beach Resort.

  • Location An icon to show the location White Point (Liverpool area)
  • Date An icon to show the date January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Read More
Arts & Culture • Food & Drink • Overnight Stay

3 Course Thursdays + Ceilidh

$205/Starting Price • Per Couple

Head to Mahone Bay for a fun night of live, Celtic music with delicious 3-course meal and overnignt stay at a boutique inn—all conveniently onsite!

  • kitch'inn
  • Location An icon to show the location Mahone Bay
  • Date An icon to show the date September 11, 2025 – May 14, 2026
Read More
A family of four, two parents and two children, bikes along a trail. It is a sunny day and the trees and grass are lush. There is a yellow house in the background. Family • Food & Drink • Outdoor Adventure

Family Fun at River Ridge Lodge

$619/Per Family*

Enjoy a two-night stay in a two-bedroom suite and easy adventures on the Rum Runners Trail, complete with a picnic and bikes or snowshoes!

  • Location An icon to show the location Martin’s River
  • Date An icon to show the date May 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025
Read More
A person holds a pint of beer at a table at Boxing Rock Brewing Company in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. Food & Drink • History & Heritage

Taste of Birchtown: Guided Museum Tour & Craft Beer Tasting

$75/Per Couple

Learn about Black Loyalists who arrived at Birchtown Bay in 1783 with a guided heritage tour, then savour charcuterie and locally inspired craft beer.

  • Boxing Rock Brewing Company
  • Location An icon to show the location Birchtown
  • Date An icon to show the date September 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026
Read More
Arts & Culture • Food & Drink • History & Heritage • Outdoor Adventure

Essential Lunenburg Walking Tour

$15 – $75

Discover the fascinating sites, stories, history and architecture of Old Town Lunenburg UNESCO World Heritage Site on this 1.5-hour walking tour.

  • Location An icon to show the location Lunenburg
  • Date An icon to show the date May 15, 2025 – October 30, 2025
Read More
Two people sit on a dock in red Adirondack chairs overlooking the calm water. Both people hold glasses of wine. It is a sunny day with a blue sky and few clouds. Food & Drink • Relaxation • Romance

Relax and Renew at River Ridge Lodge

$479/Per Couple

Escape to the riverside for a 2-night stay with local flavours, custom gift basket, craft beer tasting and adventures on the Rum Runners Trail.

  • Location An icon to show the location Martin’s River
  • Date An icon to show the date May 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025
Read More
Family • Food & Drink • Outdoor Adventure

Island Explorer Sea Kayaking Tours

$75 – $185/Starting Price • Per Person

Explore protected bays, secluded beaches, and the rugged coastline at a comfortable pace with a skilled guide

  • Location An icon to show the location Terence Bay
  • Date An icon to show the date May 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Read More
Family • Outdoor Adventure • Relaxation

Family Beach Break

$949/Starting Price • Per Family*

Take a Family Beach Break at White Point – all meals included! Enjoy pool fun, children’s activities, white sand beach, marshmallow roasts and more!

  • Location An icon to show the location White Point (Liverpool area)
  • Date An icon to show the date January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Read More
Food & Drink • Overnight Stay • Relaxation

Mahone Bay Room with a Brew

$205/Starting Price • Per Couple

Explore seaside Mahone Bay and tap into Nova Scotia’s distinctive and delicious craft beer plus modern, queen suite accommodations.

  • kitch'inn
  • Location An icon to show the location Mahone Bay
  • Date An icon to show the date October 17, 2025 – May 16, 2026
Read More
Food & Drink • History & Heritage

The Tasting Room Experience

$30/Per Person

Savour 6 unique Boxing Rock brews on a guided beer and food tasting. Learn craft beer characteristics and insights on pairing your favourite flavours!

  • Boxing Rock Brewing Company
  • Location An icon to show the location Shelburne
  • Date An icon to show the date September 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026
Read More
Family • Outdoor Adventure • Relaxation

Sunset Sea Kayak Tour

$60 – $100/Starting Price • Per Person

End your day in Nova Scotia with a spectacular sunset sea kayak tour. Paddle along the picturesque and rugged coastline as the sun sets on the horizon

  • Location An icon to show the location Terence Bay
  • Date An icon to show the date May 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Read More
Arts & Culture • Family • History & Heritage

Haunted Lunenburg: Ghost Walk

$15 – $75

As night falls, uncover the secrets of Lunenburg's chilling past on a guided tour with tales of hauntings, witches, and ghost sightings.

  • Location An icon to show the location Lunenburg
  • Date An icon to show the date May 17, 2025 – October 30, 2025
Read More
Food & Drink • Outdoor Adventure

Island & Coastal Sea Kayaking and Hiking Tour

$150 – $190/Starting Price • Per Person

Join us for a full day on the water in the tiny fishing village of Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia and along the beautiful coast of Terence Bay

  • Location An icon to show the location Terence Bay
  • Date An icon to show the date May 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Read More
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse in summer at sunset with a person on the rocks

Download Regional PDF

Coastal charm, outdoor adventure, sea-inspired artisans and cuisine – all here on the South Shore!

Download

Trip Ideas on the South Shore

Visit Our Blog

Tag your travel photos to be featured.

Back to top