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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

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5 Epic Destinations on Nova Scotia’s South Shore

Last Updated: November 23, 2022 · Canada, Nova Scotia

If you enjoy the sight of untamed craggy coastline and fresh seafood on your plate, or reading about seafaring stories and tales of pirates and buried treasure, then you’ll love exploring Nova Scotia’s South Shore region!

Before visiting Halifax and the South Shore of Nova Scotia, I had never really heard about what to see and do there.

It’s only thanks to our van life travels that we were able to spend nearly 2 weeks discovering Nova Scotia’s capital down to the small towns that sprinkle this bucket list-worthy coastline.

Here’s our Nova Scotia South Shore itinerary which covers the most popular places to visit for a 5, 7, or even 10-day road trip!

Table of Contents show
Nova Scotia’s South Shore Bucket List
1. Peggy’s Cove / Peggy’s Point Lighthouse
2. Mahone Bay
3. Lunenburg!
4. Blue Rocks
5. LaHave Islands
More Places to Visit on Nova Scotia’s South Shore

Nova Scotia’s South Shore Bucket List

Also Read: 20 Best Things to Do in Nova Scotia

1. Peggy’s Cove / Peggy’s Point Lighthouse

5 Epic Destinations on Nova Scotia' South Shore #novascotia BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com #canada #adventure #travel
Peggy’s Cove at sunset | Bucketlist Bri

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Peggy’s Cove is perhaps one of Nova Scotia’s most popular fishing towns, thanks to its iconic lighthouse which sits perched atop enormous coastal rocks.

Out of the 150+ historic lighthouses spread out across Nova Scotia, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse easily tops the charts!

Both the town and the lighthouse are emblematic of the Nova Scotian style. That is to say, it’s a very typical and traditional fishing village!

Besides the tourists who flock to Peggy’s Cove to photograph the picturesque lighthouse (which was once a working post office), the town remains very down-to-earth.

On-site is a restaurant, gallery, and gift shop, a large parking lot, and of special mention – a monument and memorabilia honoring the famous sculptor and painter who lived in Peggy’s Cove – William E deGarthe.

Traveler’s Tip: Peggy’s Cove sits just under an hour’s time outside of the vibrant capital city of Halifax. You can easily rent a car and visit Peggy’s Cove in a day or less.

2. Mahone Bay

5 Epic Destinations on Nova Scotia' South Shore #novascotia BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com #canada #adventure #travel
Mahone Bay’s quaint harbor | Bucketlist Bri

Being a fairly small town, Mahone Bay will take you minutes to drive through. But it’s likely you will react to how cute it is during those brief moments.

Mahone Bay caught our eye as we were heading to Lunenburg (in the end we went to Lunenburg first and drove back to stay in Mahone Bay a week later).

If you have the chance, definitely stop over to pay a visit to this endearing little town.

Charming to say the least, Mahone Bay offers the traveler a quiet and comfortable stay with lots of artsy galleries, earthy shops, colorful houses, and tasteful restaurants.

And let’s not forget what makes Mahone Bay so unique..!

There are three heritage churches practically standing side-by-side on the same street which famously mark the Mahone Bay skyline.

Traveler’s Tip: Don’t miss out on the special, cozy atmosphere at The Barn cafe. Their specialty coffees and cozy interior will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

3. Lunenburg!

5 Epic Destinations on Nova Scotia' South Shore #novascotia BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com #canada #adventure #travel
Lunenburg’s historic waterfront | Bucketlist Bri

The colorful town of Lunenburg is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once you visit you immediately understand why.

On top of some of the most well-preserved examples of British colonial architecture and grid streets, Lunenburg has two National Historic Sites and is the official birthplace of the world-famous Bluenose Schooner – the winning fishing and racing vessel now immortalized into Canada’s proud seafaring heritage (it even appears on the Canadian license plate!).

Lunenburg will trap you under its charm spell the minute you stroll down its historic harbor.

You can visit the impressive Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic right on the port or stroll down the main street on foot and pass by row after row of colorful houses, shops, and eye-catching eateries serving up fresh, local seafood.

If I haven’t said it already, I love Lunenburg! You can read all that there is to see and do in this adorable postcard-worthy town in my Lunenburg travel guide here.

4. Blue Rocks

5 Epic Destinations on Nova Scotia' South Shore #novascotia BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com #canada #adventure #travel
Bucketlist Bri

Oh, Blue Rocks. How we missed you by a hair! Blue Rocks is another quaint fishing village located only a short ten-minute drive from Lunenburg.

The town is as cute as can be with colorful sheds on the inlet, and crystal clear water which you can navigate by kayak during the summer with Pleasant Paddling.

Blue Rocks is gaining in popularity, which is why I include it here, due to its picturesque views, tranquil waters, and serene landscape.

Many artists and photographers come here to get inspired by this charming town that only a lucky few get to call home.

5. LaHave Islands

5 Epic Destinations on Nova Scotia' South Shore #novascotia BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com #canada #adventure #travel
Somewhere lost in the LaHave Islands | Bucketlist Bri

The last place we visited on our Nova Scotia South Shore itinerary before returning to Halifax was LaHave Islands and the Rissers Beach Provincial Park.

While a little out of the way from Lunenburg, it’s definitely worthy of a leisurely Sunday drive.

On your way, consider stopping at the Rissers Beach Provincial Park. To our surprise, a long stretch of sandy beach sat just on the other side of the dense pine trees along the highway.

It’s the perfect place to get out and stretch and walk the trails. There’s also a pretty trail on a long boardwalk that crosses the marsh.

LaHave Islands are extremely beautiful, and you can just drive and drive. We saw wildlife, tipped-over boats from the hurricane, on top of loads of lakes and quaint houses, and even a few museums and shops along the way.

While Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, and Peggy’s Cove attract different kind of visitor, LaHave Islands and the surrounding area truly takes you a step away from the business of the towns. I imagine this is especially the case during the crowded summer months.

Our Nova Scotia South Shore road trip happened to fall just at the end of August – the beginning of September so already there were fewer people.

Traveler’s Tip: On your way to/from LaHave Islands from Lunenburg, it’s possible to take a ferry taxi that will carry you and your car across LaHave River from LaHave town. This is super convenient so that you don’t have to drive all the way up to Bridgewater and back down.

More Places to Visit on Nova Scotia’s South Shore

Van Life Journal Week 5 | Bucketlist Bri www.bucketlistbri.com
Our first night @ Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia | Bucketlist Bri

I hate to say it, but we didn’t get to see everything we wanted to see on our Nova Scotia South Shore road trip!

We also planned to visit these other must-see places:

Kejimkujik National Park – There are waterfalls and a Dark Sky Preserve here perfect for outdoor adventures!

Cycle Rum Runners Trail – Rum running is quite popular in Nova Scotia, so much they named a 100km+ cycling trail after it! You can bike from Lunenburg to Halifax via this trail.

Oak Island – Oak Island conjures up old pirate tales of buried loot worth millions somewhere on Oak Island in Nova Scotia. So many people across the last century have tried to unearth the hidden treasure and unravel the mystery! Will it ever be found?

I’m happy to report that I was able to check off a few bucket list items from my trip to Nova Scotia’s South Shore, but it looks like I’m going to have to go back! And this time I won’t forget to bring my metal detector… 😉

Do you have any recommendations for things to do and see along this Lighthouse Route? Drop your comments below or reach out to me by email if you have questions!

5 Epic Destinations on Nova Scotia' South Shore #novascotia BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com #canada #adventure #travel
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By: Bri · In: Canada, Nova Scotia

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Comments

  1. Oscar says

    January 25, 2021 at 5:24 pm

    Chester deserves a visit.

    Reply
    • Bri says

      January 25, 2021 at 8:03 pm

      Oh, sounds lovely! I’d really enjoy another visit to the South Shore.

      Reply
  2. Gayle Zaunscherb says

    March 3, 2020 at 11:57 am

    your trip sounds fantastic. I’m so glad you enjoyed the South Shore region. It is one of my favourite spots in Canada. I don’t mean to offend you in anyway but i just saw a couple of small thing you might want to fix: the beloved Blue Nose Schooner appears on our 10 cent coin. We have provincial licence plates not a Canadian Licence plate. And the Rum Runner Trail is named for US prohibition where Canadians smuggled liquor from Canada to the US on various routes and became known as Rum Running – Read more about it if you google Rum Runners of Canada or the Rum Runner Trail – many fun stories. Sorry but it is the proud Canadian in me that hopes to make things we read on the internet correct where possible. My apologies in advance if i offended you. Certainly did not mean to. Thank you and i hope you visit again soon.

    Reply
    • Gayle Zaunscherb says

      March 3, 2020 at 12:01 pm

      Sorry Bri – The Blue Nose does also appear on the Nova Scotia Licence plate as well as the 10 cent piece. My apologies.

      Reply
      • Bri says

        March 3, 2020 at 12:33 pm

        No problem! I thought I remembered seeing it several times! Hehe 🙂 Don’t worry.

        Reply
    • Bri says

      March 3, 2020 at 12:33 pm

      Hey Gayle! Thanks so much for commenting and of course you didn’t offend me! I will update the article with this info! Thank you and yes I hope to get back to Nova Scotia one day too!

      Reply

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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Add “diving with sea lions” to your adventure Add “diving with sea lions” to your adventure bucket list!! 

Literally a dream come true to be in the water with these playful pups 🦭✨🤿

Just watch your head and fingers, they like to nibble 😂 

📍 Los Islotes, Baja California Sur
🤿 w/ @thedivegurusmex 

Would you do this!?! Send to someone who would!🦭🥹

#divinglife #losislotes #lapazmexico #bajacalifornia #scubadivingmag #padi #divemexico #bajasur #seaofcortez #sealions #espíritusanto #mexicoadventures #ecotourism #ecoblogger #adventureblogger #wildlifelover
Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

#costarica #bucketlisttrip #puravida #costaricaitinerary #lafortuna #manuelantonio #monteverde #ecotourism
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