Nova Scotia's Lighthouse Route
Exploring Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay on the NS South Shore
Jul 4, 2009
Nearly a dozen scenic driving routes divide Nova Scotia into manageable road trips. Along the south shore of Nova Scotia the Lighthouse Route tours travelers to coastal outcrops, isolated beaches, uninhabited islands, and (of course) plenty of lighthouses. Seafood feasts, foggy mornings, and fishing boats are staple sights in the area, where the ocean has long provided the way of life.
Visiting Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia
Many swoon for the rocky shores of Peggy’s Cove. It could be the hard-living that the locals have eked out here for nearly two centuries, the endless photo opportunities, or the village’s signature lighthouse. Regardless, the charm of Peggy’s Cove makes it a favorite destination in any season.
The smooth granite shores, untamed waves, rolling fogs, and views of the Atlantic Ocean give visitors a feel of being on the world’s edge. Many bus tours stop in Peggy’s Cove so visitors will find ample spots to cruise for souvenirs, Nova Scotia folk art, and local eats, such as dried dulse seaweed.
Lighthouse Route to Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg
From Peggy’s Cove, the Lighthouse Route journeys along the coast through quaint small towns. Chester, NS, is a favorite destination for boaters with its annual Chester Race Week, while the antique shops and local galleries attract weekend visitors.
In Mahone Bay, the postcard-favorite shot of the three waterfront churches warrants a stop. With a range of diverse cafés, stopping in Mahone Bay for lunch complements an afternoon of shopping or a kayaking tour.
Further along the coast from Mahone Bay, the Lighthouse Route extends to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Lunenburg, travelers can visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic where the touch-tank and docked museum boats always rate highly with kids. Foodies will enjoy the fresh seafood served in the many restaurants along the Lighthouse Route. From the classic special of lobster to tender scallops and local mussels, the region serves up daily seafood feasts.
Other Lighthouse Route Destinations
About 2 leisurely hours along the Lighthouse Route lies the industrial town of Liverpool. Former home to country music performer Hank Snow, the town still honors its country king with the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame. From Liverpool, the Lighthouse Route continues on to Yarmouth and the southern end of Nova Scotia. Daily ferries leave Yarmouth for Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine.
Planning a Lighthouse Route Trip
Peggy's Cove lies a convenient 50km down the Nova Scotia coast from Halifax, or the Lighthouse Route can be accessed from the U.S. via ferries from Maine.
Guides such as Nova Scotia Tourism’s Doers and Dreamers provide comprehensive dining and accommodation information, grouped by region. Mahone Bay, Chester, and Lunenburg all offer historic bed-and-breakfasts that have a quaint charm and personable service. During the summer, visitors are likely to catch a local festival. From the July Classic Boat Festival in Mahone Bay to the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival in August, the summer calendar delivers diverse adventures (and not just lighthouses) along the Lighthouse Route.
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