Nova Scotia’s North Shore Beaches
Beachside Vacationing along the Sunrise Trail
If the seashore's your thing, you'll enjoy a beach-hopping vacation along Nova Scotia's Sunrise Trail, where you'll find the warmest ocean waters in Canada.
For many people, the vacation of choice is one of blissful relaxation on a sunny, sandy beach. If that’s your cup of tea, you’ll want to consider vacationing in Nova Scotia. The province bills itself as Canada’s Seacoast, and there are 120 accessible beaches to enjoy, each offering something to suit every beachgoer’s taste. Some of the best are found along the Sunset Trail on the Northumberland Strait, which offers the warmest ocean water temperatures in Canada. The following are a few of the choicest seaside spots along the route. Many of these beaches have change houses, and all have restroom facilities.
Amherst Shore
Begin your beachy vacation at Amherst Shore near the start of the Sunrise Trail. The beach is a combo of rocky and sandy areas, so it’s perfect for both swimming and beachcombing. At low tide you can explore the vast tidal flats as the ocean recedes by as much as 1.5 kilometres. A provincial park provides camping and hiking along the tidal inlet.
Northport Beach
The beach is a red expanse of sand accessible only by stairs. When the tide goes out, there are sand bars to comb and warm tidal pools to paddle around in. Watch for small sea creatures that get trapped in them. It’s great fun for children. Picnic facilities and water outlets are available.
Fox Harbour
This is one of those get-away beaches that is seldom crowded, even at the height of the season. It’s a good place to go for some rest, relaxation and seaside solitude. The beach is fine, red sand, and there is a small picnic area.
Rushtons Beach
Rushton’s is a must-visit beach. There are great sandbars at low tide, and the saltwater marsh here attracts hundreds of waterfowl and shorebirds for your bird watching pleasure. The beach is sandy and perfect for walking, along the water’s edge or on the boardwalk. There is a picnic area and observation platform.
Waterside Beach
Possibly one of the finest beaches on the north shore, this may also be one of the more crowded, as it offers some great bird watching and beachcombing. The fine sand along this lengthy stretch of beach attracts swimmers, and it’s a great spot for a long stroll. Picnic area and water outlets are available
Caribou/Munroes Island
A walk along this extensive swatch of Caribou’s red, sandy beach brings you to the Monroe’s Island Wilderness Reserve, where you can watch for bald eagles and osprey along the rocky shores. There is a full-amenity campground here.
Melmerby Beach
Another highly popular spot, Melmerby is a dune edged, mile-long, sandy beach with a boardwalk. Though there’s no camping, there is a canteen, showers and picnic tables. Expect it to be populated, though.
Arisaig Beach
Arisaig is a beachcomber’s dream, as the pebbly shoreline harbors many treasure from the sea. Rock hounds will also be fascinated by the four hundred million year old fossils embedded in the sedimentary rock above and along the shore. The park offers interpretive trails and a picnic area.
Malignant Cove
Despite its name, Malignant Cove is stunningly beautiful. You can picnic near the Cape George lighthouse overlooking the water, where on a clear day you can see Prince Edward Island on the horizon. If you're into photography, you'll definitely want to stop here.
These are only some of the beautiful beaches awaiting your discovery along Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore. The Sunrise Trail runs from Amherst, near the New Brunswick border, to the Canso Causeway that crosses into Cape Breton, and there’s plenty of accessible shoreline along the 316 kilometre route. From water sports to beachcombing, bird watching to rock hounding, the plentiful north shore beaches offer something for every costal vacationer.
