A Maritime Adventure Along Rugged Shores

Spanning 300 kilometers along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, the Atlantic Coast Drive (Lighthouse Route) is a journey through postcard-perfect fishing villages, UNESCO sites, and windswept lighthouses. From Halifax to Yarmouth, this route blends maritime history, dramatic coastal cliffs, and the rhythmic crash of the Atlantic.

Begin in Halifax, Nova Scotia’s vibrant capital. Fuel up on seafood chowder at the Historic Properties before heading southwest on Highway 333/103.

Key Stops & Highlights

1. Peggy’s Cove. Canada’s most iconic lighthouse perches on wave-battered granite. Wander the boulder-strewn coast and snap photos of the red-and-white Peggy’s Point Lighthouse.
2. Mahone Bay. A storybook town framed by Three Churches, a photogenic waterfront trio. Browse artisan shops and time your visit for the Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival (October).
3. Lunenburg. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with colorful 18th-century buildings. Tour the Bluenose II schooner or dive into maritime history at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.
4. Blue Rocks. A serene fishing hamlet with cobalt-hued tidal pools. Kayak or photograph weathered wharves against the Atlantic.
5. Kejimkujik National Park Seaside. Hike coastal trails through wildflower meadows to secluded beaches like Harbour Rocks. Watch for seals and piping plovers.
6. Shelburne. Step back in time at the Shelburne Historic Waterfront, where Loyalist architecture lines the harbor. Don’t miss the Dory Shop Museum.
7. Cape Forchu Lighthouse. End near Yarmouth at this apple-core-shaped lighthouse. Walk the windswept trails for panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy.

Conclude in Yarmouth, a gateway to the Cat Ferry to Maine. Explore the Yarmouth County Museum or savor fresh lobster at a local shack.

Tips for the Drive

• Road Conditions: Well-paved but narrow in villages; watch for cyclists and fog.
• Season: June–Sept for warm weather; September–October for fall foliage and fewer crowds.
• Wildlife: Spot seals, whales (July–Oct), and seabirds like puffins (Bon Portage Island).
• Detours: Add the LaHave Islands or Crescent Beach for hidden coves.

For maps, festivals, and ferry bookings: novascotia.com/explore-by-region/south-shore/