A Summertime Staple: The Beaches of Nova Scotia
Written by Jenna McConnell
Thumbnail Photo by Harjinder on Unsplash
Nova Scotia is known across Canada for its landscapes. From our wooded national parks to seaside attractions like Peggy’s Cove, the province has no shortage of natural beauty. For instance, our beaches offer a unique way for visitors and locals alike to experience some well-deserved fun in the sun! But are they really worth visiting? Besides swimming, what can you even do at a beach?
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Picnic on the Beach
Who doesn’t love a good picnic? Grab a cute basket and fill it with your favourite snacks and drinks. Bring some friends along, lay out a blanket, and you’ve got a fun little beach party! It is a super fun activity for the warmer months and a very popular one.
Search for Sea Glass
Nova Scotia’s beaches are positively full of shimmering sea glass; in fact, we’re known for it! You barely have to look for more than ten minutes before finding a blue or green gem hidden by the shore. Many people sell or collect these tiny shards, and beautiful art pieces are made and sold out of them. You could spend countless hours scouring through the sand, potentially coming away with a great find!
Surf the Waves
If you’re looking for something more active, try surfing! Many beaches offer beginner lessons and rentals, so it is easy to try. Some of our beaches are known for their large waves and currents, making surfing an attractive option.
Tan and Relax
If you’re not one for swimming, get a towel or lawn chair and get your tan on! A good book and some music make for a quiet and relaxing time outdoors for any introvert.
Are you sold yet? The question now becomes, where do you go? Nova Scotia has so many amazing options throughout the province; how can a person choose only one? Below are just five of our home’s beaches that many people would recommend are a must see.
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Martinique Beach Provincial Park (193 Martinique Beach Rd, East Petpeswick)
Martinique Beach Provincial Park is the longest beach in Nova Scotia, with 5km of white sand. It offers large picnic areas and surf rentals, and has bathroom facilities available. Visitors can also spot various wildlife, such as clams, foxes and gulls. The water stays cool at around 17 degrees throughout the summer, perfect for beating the heat. Located about an hour’s drive from downtown Halifax, it is a beautiful place for walking the boardwalks.
Rainbow Haven (2248 Cow Bay Rd, Cow Bay)
A classic for any born-and-raised Halgonian, Rainbow Haven is one of the most popular beaches in the HRM. This lively saltwater beach has powerful currents but has clearly marked swimming areas for everyone to enjoy. Bathroom and shower facilities are available during the summer season, as well as lifeguard services during the supervised swimming times. Located approximately 30 minutes from downtown, it is ideal to spend a sunny afternoon with friends!
A hidden gem also in the Halifax area, McNabs Island has a picturesque view near the mouth of the Halifax Harbour. It is the largest island in the Halifax Harbour, offering hiking trails, historical sites and more. You will need a boat to access the island; however, it is accessible via water taxi or charter boat taking only 30 minutes from Halifax. It is also a good spot if you are interested in fishing, as a large dock is there for use.
Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park (4348 Lawrencetown Rd, East Lawrencetown)
For the surfers out there, Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park is the place to be. With lessons offered for beginners, you can ride the beach’s large waves and currents like a pro! These strong rip tides and currents make for less-than-ideal swimming conditions; however, there are supervised swim areas in July and August. Located approximately 45 minutes from Halifax on the Eastern Shore, it is a unique and exciting place to explore.
Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park (158 Beach Rd, Clam Harbour)
Although it is a bit farther away, Clam Harbour Beach offers a highly unique experience. The wide sandy area is excellent for picnics, with warm water and shallow tides. There are large sand bars that are possible to swim out to as well that make this beach fun for everyone! Its biggest attraction by far is the annual Clam Harbour sand castle competition, drawing huge crowds every year. Each August, artists flock to the beach to create a mosaic of designs out of sand. These impressive structures have been created for over 40 years. Located approximately 75 minutes from downtown Halifax, it is well worth the travel.
These iconic landmarks are summertime staples. Thousands of Nova Scotians and visitors alike will spend their days here, as they offer hours of entertainment. Students can take advantage of this as the warm weather creeps in and celebrate the season with their friends and loved ones.