From Lunenberg to Peggy's Cove, Mahone Bay to the Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia's south shore is beautiful. We've rounded up our best Nova Scotia pictures taking the southern route from Halifax to Yarmouth. If you want more Nova Scotia, check out our best pictures from the Cabot Trail.
Nova Scotia Pictures
Lunenburg at sunset
Lunenburg
Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and probably one of the most well-known towns in Nova Scotia. Famous for its colourful houses, it's one of the most picturesque cities on the entire East Coast of Canada.
The undefeated racing schooner, The Bluenose calls it home and here you can take a walking tour of Lunenburg hosted by an 8th generation local who will tell you tales passed down from years gone by.
Peggy's Cove
Sunset at Peggy's Cove
Peggy's Cove is the most famous tourist destination in all of Nova Scotia. Located just 30 minutes outside of Halifax.
It attracts tourists from around the world who marvel at the rocky landscape of the Atlantic Coast where a lone lighthouse stands guard warning ships of the treacherous waters that lie ahead.
Sunrise at peggy's cove
Peggy's Cove is still a working fishing village and stilt houses line the harbour where boats constantly move in and out in search of lobsters, salmon and other Atlantic fish as they have done for centuries before.
Check out our video of our time in Nova Scotia
Yarmouth
Cape Forchu Lighthouse in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Yarmouth is a city located on the South West shore of Nova Scotia, and here you'll find another historic lighthouse standing proud in a striking setting.
The Cape Forchu lighthouse dates back to 1840 and is second only to Peggy's Cove as Nova Scotia's most photographed lighthouse.
Get the Lonely Planet's Nova Scotia, New Brunswick & Prince Edward Island (Travel Guide)
Fishing Culture
Fisherman's Museum at Lunenberg
The Fisheries Museum is an excellent place to learn about the history and fishing culture of Nova Scotia.
This province was built on fishing and it is still a large part of their heritage.
Mahone Bay
The famous three churches at Mahhone Bay
The three churches of Mahone Bay are a must stop on the lighthouse route. The three spires lining the waterfront are a popular spot for photographers.
Blue Rocks
sunrise at blue rocks
Located just outside of Lunenburg, Blue Rocks is yet another picturesque fishing village.
Make your way to Blue Rocks at sunrise when the tide is low for the most stunning captures.
Beautiful Skies
Nova scotia night skies
Nova Scotia is famous for Astral Photography with a night skies preserve at Kejimkujik National Park.
We didn't make it to the dark skies preserve, but the noise pollution is light wherever you go in Nova Scotia and we managed to snap this shot from our Peggy's Cove accommodation – Oceanstone Resort
Halifax
The new and modern halifax library
Downtown Halifax is growing fast with construction all over town. The new Halifax Library is a modern piece of architecture winning a Lieutenant Governor’s Design Award in 2014.
La Have Bakery – The Lighthouse Route
Catching sun at La Have Bakery
The LaHave is a good stop for lunch, coffee or snacks while driving through Nova Scotia's South Shore.
Located just 15 minutes from Bridgewater, it's a popular gathering point for cyclists, and road trippers making their way along the Lighthouse Route (rte 331)
Stunning Sunsets
Sunset on the South Shore
Make sure to take the time to really explore the coast. Nova Scotia has a gorgeous coastline that constantly changes before your eyes.
It's the rocky landscape that is the most captivating.
Nova Scotia Lobster
Lobster Poutine is a Nova Scotia Staple
Lobster is everywhere in Nova Scotia and locals are always creating new ways to enjoy it.
While fresh out of the pot is preferred by all, there's lobster mac and cheese and this dish above: Lobster Poutine
The view from the Fort Point Lighthouse in Nova Scotia
Lighthouse Route
Liverpool was home to the Privateers defending the area in the 18th century.
The Fort Point Lighthouse is a small lighthouse on the route, but it's worth a visit with an informative video, a picturesque setting and interpretive stations as well as a chance to blow the fog horn!
Piper at Peggy's Cove
When visiting Nova Scotia, chances are you'll see a piper or two playing traditional music.
Get your Peggys Cove LightHouse Snowflake Porcelain Ornament
Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking on the south coast of Nova Scotia
The best way to explore the coast is by kayak. There are several places you can rent kayaks along the lighthouse route, including blue rocks, Argyle and just outside of Peggy's Cove at Lower Prospect Point.
Book your kayaking adventure from Halifax with Get Your Guide for just $70
Crescent Beach in Nova Scotia
Don't miss Crescent Beach, it's the only beach you can drive on in Nova Scotia and it stretches for 2 km.
Inside the La Have Bakery
Nova Scotia is fast becoming known for it's culinary treats. With many places promoting farm to table and utilizing local produce, it's a delicious journey through the province.
Quiet Gardens
The Halifax Public Gardens in Nova Scotia
The Halifax Public Gardens are 16 acres of quiet solitude in the heart of the city.
Seafood at Fleur de Sel
The award-winning Fleur de Sel Restaurant in Lunenburg has been voted one of the best places to eat in Canada. It's a must when visiting Halifax. Their specialty of local scallops is a must and don't forget to try the lobster.
Calm morning for Sunrise at Blue Rocks
A picture says a thousand words and these photos of Nova Scotia will transform you to an easy-going destination filled with beauty, culture, and an interesting maritime history.
We hope you are enjoying these Nova Scotia pictures of the sensational South Shore.
Haksapa Berries in Mahone Bay
The haskapa berry is the next superfood. With more nutrients than blueberries, it has three times the antioxidents of other bush berries and more vitamin C than an orange.
Originating in Japan, Nova Scotia is fast becoming the place to buy this healthy treat.
Sunrise at Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
When visiting Peggy's Cove, the crowds can be brutal. Make sure to stay in a nearby lodge and get up early to have it all to yourself.
A word of caution, stay off the black rocks. People have been swept out to sea by ignoring the warnings. Don't let that be you!
Our travels to Nova Scotia were in partnership with Nova Scotia Tourism, visit their website for more information travel to the Atlantic Province.
Carl Estheimer says
I do very much miss Lunenburg, Halifax, Mahone Bay, Tim bits, and pebble ice under my skates.
I lived in one of the homes in Lunenburg that you showed in the first photo, and years ago on the back of the $100.
Now on the West coast, and a neighbor Dr. here in Seattle, used to be a neighbor a block down the street in Halifax.
It really is a small world.
Keep traveling, and have fun.
farenexus says
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Faheem Ahmed Khan says
I love to be there
it’s really fascinating and attracting me.
i do not have words to explain my feelings
but
do not have enough budget also to go.
I Hope to Almighty that One day i will be there.
Eyes are full from tears i do not know why.
I love this place like heaven.
Daniel waits says
Could you PLEASE give us a dose of reality & share the same, or different, pictures taken during January or February?
Why?
Because the beauty of winter in arp and as much or more than the fleeting days of summer!
Thanks
Dave And Deb says
We would love to come back to Nova Scotia in Winter and take photographs. When we do, we’ll definitely share.
Melia Helson says
I lived in Lunenburg for 3 years in the early 1990’s in a house right above the shipyards where the various iterations of the Bluenose were created. Bluenose II wintered in the dry docks right in front of my kitchen window. My kitchen window view across the bay – just remembering it, leaves me without words for the lightness and the beauty. There is a quality of light on NS’s South Shore that lifts the spirits like no other place I have been. I live in Ontario for family reasons, but my heart remains in NS.
Your photos capture the light very well. It brought me great joy to recognize so many of the places you showed us. LaHave Bakery is known for the wonderful quality of its baked goods, and back in my day, they used to deliver into Lunenburg. Maybe they still do?
I can hardly wait to go back.
Denise Brownell says
As a native Nova Scotian I have been to most of these locations. I am putting LaHave on my summer to-visit list though!
Dave and Deb says
Cool! Have a muffin for me!
Eleanor Conaway says
Your photos are breathtaking and the site excellent. However, I have one unpleasant comment. Because your site is so good I thought it should be noted. Spellings/grammar: Second picture down , it says “tales past down…” . Should be “tales passed down..”. Sunset at Peggy’s Cove photo says “lay ahead” ;should be “lie ahead”. Sorry – I do love your photos!
Dave and Deb says
Thanks for the correction. I really appreciate it. I try to catch all the grammar but sometimes things slip through.
Sakura Juli says
See million of stars in the sky is one thing i miss so much, last time i can see stars in the sky is when i’m 5 years old and that so amazing.
David Ramirez says
Great pictures, make you want to visit there!
Angel says
I’m hoping to visit very soon my wife and I have been watching the show “HAVEN” and there’s a lot of spots that we wish to visit were that episodes? of the show was filmed.
Lynda Rice says
Beautiful photos that capture the wonder of Nova Scotia. One of the photos shows the delightful breads and treats at LaHave Bakery in the village of LaHave. Do stop for brunch or lunch on your way to Crescent Beach. Also visit the NS handcraft store behind the bakery. All in all a very worthwhile stop.
Gretta Morash says
With Nine Wineries and the Maritimes “Bread Basket” the agriculture area of Wolfville, and the Annapolis Valley…?????Where is it????????
Pauline kulp says
I wish I could come. I have cousins in Nova Scotia. I haven’t been there since I was a little girl.
Sharon Murphy says
Thank you for the lovely photos, I was born and now live in Nova Scotia. I love the South Shore and the Annapolis valley but my favorite is Cape Breton Island. I am glad you enjoyed your trip.
gabin Jean luc says
Nous sommes allés en nouvelle Écosse en 2015 au mois de juin en particulier au cap dauphin dans le cap breton découvert de merveilleux paysages , des gens ouverts . Vos photographies sont sublimes .
Peggy (Wigglesworth, Hartling) Anderson says
I grew up in Liverpool on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. I go back almost every year. I love to visit and have been to all the places you have shown. It is so good to finally have someone show off the South Shore as no one has done that before. Thank you. I also use to live in LaHave for many years out on the point where the lighthouse museum is. The LaHave bakery is fabulous. The South Shore is a treasure. Did you visit Summerville Beach or Carters Beach outside Liverpool. Another treasure. Thank you
Terri Courtney says
We are heading that way in June. Are there any good places to camp in the area? Stunning pictures, thanks.
Dave and Deb says
There is lots of camping in Nova Scotia. You might want to check this website out. http://www.campingnovascotia.com/ Have fun!
Maulana says
The photos are very excellent. i just loved them I can’t wait myself to visit such places.
Annie says
The photos are good, Nova Scotia is a beautiful place. Thank You so much.
Lynn MacKenzie says
I live in a small community of Heffley Creek, near Kamloops, British Columbia, but I will always call the South Shore of Nova Scotia my “Home”. I so much enjoyed these stunning pictures of the South Shore – it brought back memories of my teen age years in the ’60s. I lived in East LaHave, right at the mouth of the LaHave River. I looked out my window at the Fort Pointe Lighthouse, could also see the Riverport Fish Plant. During the time I lived there, the freighters quite often anchored in front of our house before making the trip up the river for lumber. It was just a short walk up from my house to the LaHave Ferry, a motor launch that took us the short ride across the river to LaHave, where we had many a fresh baked treat at the LaHave Bakery. There was also a factory there that made denim wear – I lived in cheap jeans! My Dad was a Commissionaire at the newly built National Sea Products in Lunenburg for 20 years, starting in 1963. I witnessed the launching of the Bluenose11 at the Smith & Rhuland Yards, also the replica of the Bounty, in 1962. The highlight of the year was the Nova Scotia Fisheries Exhibition in Lunenburg & Fisherman’s Memorial. My first job was in Mahone Bay at the nursing home – did not fully appreciate the beauty of the churchs! I could go on & on – my love of the lighthouses, of course tasty meals of scollops & lobsters, & my wonderful extended family who still live in Riverport & Bridgewater. Thank you so much for bringing back the memories!
Dave and Deb says
Hi Lynn, thank you so much for sharing your memories. It sounds like you had a wonderful childhood. The South Shore is a beautiful part of the country and I can understand why you remember it fondly. That is amazing that your dad was the Commissionaire and that you witnessed the launch of the BluenoseII, that is quite an event. It’s true, it is easy to go on and on about the beauty of Nova Scotia. I’m glad you enjoyed our photo journey and we look forward to going back one day soon!
Heather S says
Fantastic photos (as usual)! I’m a huge fan of Nova Scotia’s south shore, especially Brier Island (which I’m not sure you had a chance to visit on your trip). It’s waaaay at the end of the Digby Neck, two car-ferries get you there. It’s the westernmost point of Nova Scotia, and a really wonderful place to visit. My husband and I love it so much we made a guide to help people enjoy it! I hope you’ll be able to visit Nova Scotia again and visit Brier Island. 🙂
Dave and Deb says
We didn’t make it to Brier Island, yet another thing to add to the list!
Ron Robbins says
Such a beautiful place – definitely worth a visit. I’d love to check out the fishing museum as well as all the docks. Do you know what the primary catch they live off of or does it vary from season to season? 🙂
Dave and Deb says
It varies from season to season. Lobster is a big catch in Nova Scotia, but Lobster and crab are the biggest catch in Nova Scotia. Other fish are cod, tuna and mackerel. You will love Nova Scotia.
Anita MacLellan says
Would like you to enjoy a visit to the Cobequid Bay/Minas Basin part of the Bay of Fundy. At Burncoat, Economy and Five Islands, the tide will COMPLETELY disappear right before your eyes, exposing amazing rock formations sculpted by the tides, sandy coves, a place where you can walk for several hours on “the bottom of the sea” and a few hours later that same area will be covered with over 50 ft of salt water. Can you imagine fishing with no water! A stop at the Cobequid Interpretive Centre in Economy to learn how this is possible and learn so much more about the geology, history and culture of our whole shoreline and best of all, how you can experience it. Hope to you you in 2016!
Heather Vos says
Can I get permission to paint the gorgeous photo of Mahone Bay?
nestor csm says
lovely photos.
Bambang Rahardjo says
What a great photos! Nova Scotia is an amazing place 🙂
hopefully someday i can go there 😀
Sopheap says
I really want to move to Canada and especially Nova Scotia. I want to enjoy a real life of Canadian nature.
Cathy Sweeney says
Oh, you guys! I’m yearning for Nova Scotia after seeing your awesome photos. I was on a a similar road trip in 2014 when I fell in love with Nova Scotia — the towns, landscapes, and awesome food. Lunenburg and Blue Rocks were big highlights and you captured them so beautifully.
Dave says
Moved to Guelph two months ago to be near my family, really miss Cape Breton, especially the sea. Looking forward to seeing your photos of my island in the future.
Paula Rowell says
My sister and I are planning a trip in the spring to explore our genealogy. These photos are spectacular, now I more than ever can’t wait to go!
Dave and Deb says
have a great time. What an excellent reason to travel. I’d love to explore my roots the next time we go there. My mom grandmother lived there when the Halifax explosion happened.
Hasan Imtiaz says
The photos are excellent. i just loved them I can’t wait myself to visit such places. Thanks.
Dave and Deb says
Thank you for the kind words. Nova Scotia is pretty spectacular.
dragan says
great article
Dave and Deb says
Cheers!
Izy Berry says
Incredible pictures i am impress
Dave and Deb says
Thank you very much!
Marj Elmquist says
Cape Breton is calling me again…absolutely stunning scenery! But it’s the beautiful friendly people that make it a place you want to go back to!! It’s like a whole different world there.I have no desire to visit Mexico,Cuba,Hawaii….but Cape Breton and Nova Scotia won my heart!! Thank you for sharing.
Dave and Deb says
I look forward to going to Cape Breton when we go back to Nova Scotia.
Duncan Robertson says
Also a place right near the lahave bakery in dublin shore that is a fantastic place to kayak is Cape LaHave Adventures
http://www.capelahaveadventures.ca
Dave and Deb says
Thanks for the tip. When we go back we’ll have to go kayaking there. We love it.
Debbie Smith says
Visitors to the area in July, don’t miss the ten day arts festival in the St. Margaret’s Bay area. Over 90 artists participate in plein air painting, arts fair and a huge studio tour. Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts, July 7 to 17, 2016.
Dave and Deb says
Thanks for the update. If we come back in July, we’ll be sure to check it out!
Linn says
STUNNING photographs showing beautiful province of Nova Scotia…There are many other gorgeous and interesting places not shown so must have been hard to narrow it down to these. I do believe besides two Crescent Beaches in NS there is also a Crystal Crescent Beach in Sambro area.
Dave and Deb says
Thank you Linn, we definitely have only scratched the surface of all there is to see and do in Nova Scotia. But that gives us a reason to come back. I love seeing the passion that everyone has for this province. It is loved by many.
Sue Muise says
Beautiful shot of Cape Forchu light! I call Yarmouth home and call me prejudiced but Peggys Cove light cannot hold a candle to ours. When visiting Yarmouth make a point of travelling “up the French Shore”to Maivelette Beach. You will love that beach!
Dave and Deb says
I have to agree. Peggy’s Cove many be the more famous of the two, but Cape Forchu is quite striking. Which is saying a lot because the setting for Peggy’s Cove is spectacular. So there you go! Two spectacular locations in one province. I like how there are no crowds at Cape Forchu. We look forward to coming back and we will check out that beach. We only had 10 days to see what we saw, so we definitely need to return.
john Niblett says
Superb pictures of a superb country, I always want to come back.
Dave and Deb says
Thank you very much!
E Hogg says
Lovely photos! One thing: it looks like “haskapa” is the brand of that juice. The berry is actually called the haskap berry and is prized in Russia as well as in Japan. Cheers
Dave and Deb says
Thank you for the correction. You are absolutely right. I’ll make the change.o
Darice Greene says
I am proud to say I have Been to all of these wonderful places in the south shore of Nova Scotia.
Recently stayed in Port Medway- Amazing!!
Dave and Deb says
Amazing! Glad to see you are well travelled in Nova Scotia. And thanks for the heads up about Port Medway, we’ll check it out next time.
Heather Colls says
Thank You, beautiful pictures but the province has beautiful scenery everywhere. I was born in Halifax but grew up mostly in LaHave area. I learned to drive on Crescent Beach and the LaHave Bakery has wonderful food and their light meals are delicious. I now live in Kanata, Ontario and will have to stay here as our children are settling here and I want to be part of their lives. My heart is still in Nova Scotia.
Dave and Deb says
Thanks for sharing Heather. We are from Ontario too. The thing I love about Canada is how diverse and beautiful it is everywhere. Kanata is a great location. But I completely understand. Your heart always seems to stay with the place you grew up.
Jonathan Joseph says
That lobster poutine from the Argyler looks delicious.
Dave and Deb says
It was divine.
Karen Foley says
Being From Nova Scotia, and from the south shore, i call Liverpool my hometown. There is so many beautiful places in Liverpool that are breath taking…..
Dave and Deb says
That’s awesome! Liverpool is so scenic. I’d like to come back and spend more time there.
Robert says
All wonderful photographs. My only complaint would be the repetitiveness of Peggy’s Cove. Yes, it’s a beautiful spot, but showing it over and over again at the exclusion of some other, less well known South Shore sites is a bit unfortunate.
Dave and Deb says
Thanks Robert. We spent 3 days at Peggy’s Cove and then split the rest of our trip in 1-2 days at the other destinations. I agree though, we’ll have to come back to see more!
W Boudreau says
I take it back this is the South Shore
Dave and Deb says
Cheers! and yes, it’s just the South Shore. Next time we’ll definitely have to see more of Nova Scotia
W Boudreau says
Odd that although I like your 22 pictures of Nova Scotia Cape Breton being one of the to 10 placdes to visit is not even mentioned. No mention or pics of the various cultures that really make Nova Scotia what it is, a great palce to visit
Dave and Deb says
We didn’t get a chance to visit Cape Breton and are definitely looking forward to coming back to Nova Scotia. This will definitely not be our last trip to the beautiful province. And as this a photostory of landscapes, we didn’t include the cultural aspect of Nova Scotia, but we agree, it is the people and culture that make Nova Scotia such a wonderful destination.
Katie says
Hey guys!! Great article! As a Lunenburger myself (well, Second Peninsula 10 mins away), I am so proud to have my hometown featured so beautifully! Just to clear up a little misconception, Lunenburg is, in fact a town, not a city (a little too small!), and the boat you would have seen is actually the Bluenose II, as the original Bluenose sunk off of Haiti in 1946. Great article! 😀
Dave and Deb says
You are right, I actually said city and town in the same paragraph, my bad 🙂 and thank you for clarifying the Bluenose II not the original that sadly sunk after retirement from racing. Cheers!
Tammy Mahon says
These are stunningly beautiful I will definitely be putting Nova Scotia on my list.
Dave and Deb says
Glad we could entice you to put Nova Scotia on your lise!
margaret says
would like to see a photo of Cresent Beach in Lockeport, N.S…and a picture of Shelburne waterfront…these pics are beautiful but we should be represented too !!!! Thanks !!
Dave and Deb says
Thanks Margaret, we didn’t know there was a second Cresent Beach. The next time we visit (which we surely will) we will make sure to check it out!
Jon G says
Please denote that your picture of Crescent Beach, is one of TWO beaches with this name On the South Shore, the other is in Lockeport, Shelburne County and you CANNOT drive on that one, also when facing “West Head” from the beach just past Cranberry Hill there is a small peninsular Island with a house and barn on it, That area of the beach used to be on the back of the Canadian $50 bill, many, many years ago.
Dave and Deb says
Thank you for letting us know, we didn’t realize there were two Crescent Beaches in Nova Scotia. There is still so much more for us to see and do!
Lillian says
Amazing photos! As a Canadian I’m ashamed to say I’ve never been to that part of the country… I’ve explored more of other countries than my own! This makes it very enticing to go there.
Dave and Deb says
I know how you feel. This was our first visit to Nova Scotia as well! We always seem to put off exploring our own back yard. I think it’s human nature. Especially for Canadians. I believe we all dream of warm weather in the winters and end up going to someplace like Cancun. It takes us awhile to finally appreciate our home and native land. I know for us, it’s only been in recent years that we’ve really started exploring Canada and we are proud to say that we are finally getting around to seeing a lot of it and it is spectacular!
Tripbeam says
Beautiful photographs and a wonderful place. Thanks for sharing this useful information. Will definitely plan a trip to Nova Scotia.
Dave and Deb says
Thank you! Glad you are thinking of a Nova Scotia visit in the future.
Ryan says
Stellar photos! The one looking up with the headlamp into the milky way, mind blowing! I miss Nova Scotia, only spent a couple nights there!
Dave and Deb says
Thank you! Dave really wanted to get a night sky while we were in Nova Scotia. We want to go back to the Dark Sky Preserve next time. We hear it is incredible.