Nova Scotia Beach Vacation Guide
Visit the Best Beaches in Cape Breton and Northumberland, NS, Canada
Dec 2, 2008
Nova Scotia offers endless sandy coastline for beach lovers. Be it beach-combing for seashells, surfing double-overhead waves, or relaxing by the sea and sand, there’s a Nova Scotia beach that will be the perfect fit for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Nova Scotia Weather
Just as beach weather should be, summers in Nova Scotia are sunny and moderately hot. Expect days about 20°C (68°F) throughout most of July and August, with extreme highs close to 30°C (86°F). While surfers dive into the waves year-round wearing wetsuits, swimmers usually head to the beaches from mid-July through mid-September.
September, when children have returned to school, is often considered the most beautiful month in Nova Scotia for its reliable weather, warm days, and minimal fog. But like most places, Nova Scotia weather can be unpredictable—so be sure to check a forecast.
Cape Breton Island Beaches
With coastline surrounding the entirety of Cape Breton Island, there are more than a few stunning beaches.
- Cabots Landing Provincial Park: This national historic site comemorates the explorer John Cabot, who sailed from Ireland to North America in 1497. But the sandy shores also make the perfect destination to hike or take a quick dip. The beach sits at the tip of Cape Breton Island, north of the stunning Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
- Mira River Provincial Park: This beach and provincial park is a convenient distance to Sydney and Louisbourg, a national historic site. The beach offers nearly 150 campsites and a long stretch of sand along the Mira River.
- Battery Park Beach: This provincial park sits on the Bras d’Ors Lake Scenic Drive and features adventures beyond getting a sun tan. The long history of this spot includes being a seasonal encampment for the Mi’kmaq, a base for Portuguese fishermen in the 1500s, and a French merchant trading post in the 1600s. Take a swim in St. Peter’s Bay, explore the ruins of an old fortress, or walk along the shore to the lighthouse.
Nova Scotia Beaches on the Northumberland Shore
A trip to the Northumberland Shore can be combined with a trip to Prince Edward Island, or a detour en route from Halifax to Cape Breton Island. The area is rich with quiet, sheltered beaches and deep historic roots.
- Northport Beach: Red sands and views of Prince Edward Island give this beach a distinct appeal. Low tide reveals the fantastic sea life of tide pools. Vist the beach en route from Amherst to Cape Breton, if traveling north along the Northumberland Shore.
- Caribou/Munroes Island Provincial Park: Warm salt water makes this beach a popular swimming spot on the Northumberland Shore. The park lies just east of the terminal for the Wood Islands-Caribou Ferry to Prince Edward Island.
- Arisaig: Walk the trails of this provincial park to uncover fossils that reveal the history of the earth millions of years ago. Located 27 km (17 miles) north of Antigonish, the park is also a great spot to hike and watch for wildlife.
Planning a Nova Scotia Beach Vacation
With so many beaches along this fantastic coast line, remember that these sandy shores are just a few picks from the Cape Breton and Northumberland regions. There also also lovely spots close to Halifax that are ideal for a Halifax beach day trip. Throughout the year visitors will experience something unique: catch the sun in the summer, storms in the fall, and snow-covered dunes in winter.
From waves to history, a summer family vacation in seaside Nova Scotia is sure to please.
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