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Nova Scotia Beaches: Guide to 41 Best Beaches in Nova Scotia

Looking for the best beaches in Nova Scotia? Here’s the complete guide to Nova Scotia beaches – including the longest, warmest and best surfing beaches.

Nova Scotia beaches

Despite its northern location, Nova Scotia is known for having some of the warmest waters north of the Carolinas. And with 7500 km of coastline, there are a lot of beaches.

In Nova Scotia, it’s impossible to be more than 67 km (42 mi) from the ocean.

In this post, I’ll share the best beaches in Nova Scotia. Each of the 41 beaches is organized by region (South Shore, Halifax, Eastern Shore, Cape Breton, Northumberland Shore, Annapolis Valley /Bay of Fundy, and Yarmouth / Acadian Shore).

For each beach, I include a photo/video, map, and overview including facilities, address, and more.

But first, here are the longest, warmest and best surfing beaching in Nova Scotia.

Table of Contents

Nova Scotia Beaches: Longest, Warmest, Best for Surfing

Note: This article is still growing. Want to suggest a beach or an update? Leave me a comment at the end of the page.

  • Longest beach in Nova Scotia: The longest sandy beach is Martinique Beach at 3.4 km. Martinique Beach is located on the Eastern Shore, south of Musquodoboit Harbour.
  • Warmest beach in Nova Scotia: While this can change, depending on the day, you should definitely check out the beaches on the North Shore, including beaches on the west coast of Cape Breton: Melmerby Beach (Northumberland Strait), Port Hood (Cape Breton) and Queensland (South Shore, near Halifax).
  • Best surfing beach in Nova Scotia: Based on popularity, Lawrencetown Beach wins hands down. But if you’re looking for another option, you might consider Conrad’s Beach – located just a few minutes before Lawrencetown Beach.

Nova Scotia beaches

41 of Nova Scotia’s Best Beaches

Here’s the full list of Nova Scotia beaches.


South Shore Beaches

  1. Carters Beach
  2. Sandhills Beach
  3. Queensland Beach
  4. Rissers Beach
  5. Crescent Beach
  6. White Point Beach
  7. Kejimkujik National Park Seaside
  8. Bayswater Beach
  9. Hirtle’s Beach
  10. Cleveland Beach

Carters Beach, Port Mouton

Overview: Carters Beach is located about 20 km south of Liverpool, on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. It is actually made up of three crescent beaches of soft, white sand.

The ocean floor is full of sand dollars and there are often many on the beach.

Carter’s Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Nova Scotia. It’s the closest to a tropical-style, white-sand beach that you’ll find here in Nova Scotia.

But all is not perfect at Carter’s Beach. The parking is awful, there are no facilities and the water can be icy cold. And while the water warms up by August, it is still colder than many of the other beaches on the South Shore.

Carter’s Beach used to be a bit of a local secret. I remember going there as a kid with my grandparents (more than 20 years ago) and there were just a handful of people there.

This past summer there were hundreds of people at a time. As with all of these beaches, you can avoid much of the crowd by visiting during the week and away from holidays.

Looking for beaches will some smaller crowds? Read on.

Carters Beach, Port Mouton (Nova Scotia)

  • Facilities: Virtually none. We heard that there was a Porta-Potty installed in August 2016. There are a few garbage cans. And parking for 6-8 cars. Everyone else must park on the narrow road.
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Queens
  • Region: South Shore (Lighthouse Route)
  • Address: Carters Beach Rd, Port Mouton, NS B0T 1T0
  • Nearest town: Liverpool (about 20 km).
  • Directions to Carters Beach: Travel Highway #3 (Lighthouse Route) west towards Shelburne/Yarmouth. In the village of Port Mouton, you’ll turn left onto Central Port Mouton Road. You’ll travel 2.5 km and take Carters Beach Road to the left. This road is just under 1 km and the parking is at the end.

Travel note: Update (March 5, 2017) A reader let us know that Google Maps are correct now – showing the new bypass that makes the old Hwy 103 become Hwy 3.


Sandhills Beach, Barrington

Overview: Sandhills Beach is a 2.5 km white-sand beach in Barrington. The water is warm because it is heated by the sand flats as the tide comes in. This makes it great for swimming and snorkeling.

The beach is located in a provincial park and is good for beach-combing, deep-sea clamming, kite-flying, and picnics. Sandhills Beach is popular for bird-watching.

  • Facilities: Change rooms, washrooms, outdoor showers, and water taps.
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Shelburne
  • Region: South Shore (Lighthouse Route)
  • Address: 28 Sand Hills Beach Road, Villagedale, Nova Scotia
  • Nearest town: Barrington (6 km)
  • Directions: From Barrington, travel south on Trunk 309. After 4.4 km turn right. Park is at the end of the road.

Queensland Beach, Hubbards

Overview: Queensland Beach is especially family-friendly – with calm, warm water. Because of its sheltered location on St. Margarets Bay, Queensland beach is especially safe – there are no rips or currents. And there is very little surf.

This is one of Nova Scotia’s warmest beaches.

Queensland Beach is located in Hubbards, about 35 km from Halifax (and 50 km from Bridgewater). It has been supervised by the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service since 1973.

Queensland Beach Provincial Park, Nova Scotia

Photographer Izzy Dempsey

  • Facilities: Change rooms, outhouses, and a 300m beach with gentle waves.
  • Lifeguard: Yes. During the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Halifax
  • Region: South Shore (Lighthouse Route)
  • Address: Hwy 3, Halifax, B0J 1T0.
  • Nearest town: Hubbards (about 2 km).
  • Directions: From Halifax, travel west on Highway #103 (Lighthouse Route) and take the exit for Hubbards/Queensland. You’ll go left off the exit onto Mill Lake Road. Then take another left onto Highway #3 and travel into Hubbards (4.9km).

Rissers Beach, Petite Riviere

Overview: Rissers Beach is a 1-kilometer, white sand beach located 25 km south of Bridgewater. Because it is managed by Nova Scotia Provincial Parks, it’s clean and well maintained. There is a huge parking lot with a walking trail (under the road) to the beach.

Rissers Beach is a very safe beach. Its location in Green Bay keeps the water relatively calm. Surf seldom exceeds 1 meter and there are no drop-offs.

Water temperature can change dramatically from one day to the next.

Dogs are permitted if they are on a leash.

Rissers Beach, Nova Scotia

  • Facilities: Picnic areas and a large supervised beach. Bathrooms, change rooms with showers, and a canteen. There is a boardwalk along an inland marsh.
  • Lifeguard: Yes. During the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted. 
  • Camping: Yes – 93 sites including 19 serviced sites (electrical and water). The campground is divided into two sections. The beachfront camping (Little Rissers) has outhouses only and no showers. The sheltered camping area (North Rissers) is well equipped with shower and bathroom facilities.
  • County: Lunenburg
  • Region: South Shore (Lighthouse Route)
  • Address: 5463 Highway #331, Petite Rivière
  • Nearest town: The community of Petite Riviere has a couple of stores (1.5 km west). The nearest town of any size is Bridgewater (25 km north).
  • Directions: From Bridgewater, take the 331 W along the LaHave River. Travel approximately 25 km. There will be signs clearly marking the beach and campground. You’ll turn right (away from the water) for both camper registration and public beach parking (free).

Crescent Beach, Petite Riviere

Overview: Crescent Beach is a 2 km long, white sand beach. It is located less than 1 km away from Rissers Beach. The beach actually forms a causeway that connects Georges Island (the closest of the Lahave Islands) to the mainland.

It is windy and is great for kite flying. Windsurfers and kite buggies (see video below) are also seen there frequently. The beach is open to drive on and the sand is hard-packed. Although you should be careful.

Crescent Beach is located in Lunenburg County, south of Bridgewater. This is not to be confused with the similarly named Crystal Crescent Beach located up the shore in Halifax county. See more about Crystal Crescent Beach below.

  • Facilities: There are a couple of Porta-Potty units and some garbage cans. The beach stays generally clean and is great for walking.
  • Lifeguard: No.
  • Camping: No.
  • County: Lunenburg
  • Region: South Shore (Lighthouse Route)
  • Address: Crescent Beach Road, Petite Rivière
  • Nearest town: The community of Petite Riviere has a couple of stores (1.5 km west). The nearest town of any size is Bridgewater (25 km north).
  • Directions: From Bridgewater, take the 331 W along the LaHave River. Travel approximately 24 km. There will be signs clearly marking the beach. You’ll turn left onto Crescent Beach Road.


White Point Beach, White Point

Overview: White Point Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Nova Scotia. It’s located south of the town of Liverpool on the South Shore. It is 1 km of fine white sand.

This beach is unique because it is private. A $ 10-day pass gives you access to the beach and related facilities and services.

The beach is owned and operated by White Point Beach Lodge – a luxury accommodation, providing guest rooms and beach cottages. The history of the lodge goes back to 1928.

For more information about lodging, check out: White Point Beach Lodge

  • Facilities: With your day pass ($10), you get access to all their recreation facilities, programs, services, and Wi-Fi.
  • Lifeguard: Not listed
  • Camping: No
  • County: Queens
  • Region: Lighthouse Route (South Shore)
  • Address: 75 White Point Beach Resort Rd, White Point, Queens County, Nova Scotia, B0T 1G0
  • Nearest town: Liverpool (10 km)
  • Directions: Take Highway 103 from Halifax. Take Exit 20A. At the intersection of the highway connector and Route 3, turn right onto Route 3. Follow Route 3 (White Point Road) west to White Point Beach Lodge.

Kejimkujik National Park Seaside, Port Joli

Overview: Kejimkujik Seaside is a large reserve of 22 square km of coastline. The park and beaches are on the same peninsula as Carter’s Beach (see above). This park is managed by Parks Canada and admission is free.

Kejimkujik Seaside is known locally as Keji Adjunct or the Seaside Adjunct. The Seaside Adjunct is part of a larger park, Kejimkujik National Park.

There are two trails:

  • Harbour Rock Trail (5.2  km return)
  • Port Joli Head Trail (8.7 km return)

You can see seals and many varieties of shorebirds. The endangered piping plovers nest here.

Read more about Kejimkujik Seaside.

Keji Seaside Adjunct Beach, Nova Scotia

Photographer Scott Munn

  • Facilities: There are bathroom facilities at the start of the hike and outhouses near the beach. There are also benches, interpretation exhibits, and telescopes (for viewing wildlife).
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Queens
  • Region: Lighthouse Route (South Shore)
  • Address: 1188 St Catherines River Rd, Port Joli, NS B0T 1S0
  • Nearest town: Liverpool (30 km)
  • Directions: Take Highway 103 from Halifax. Take Exit 22. Continuing towards Port Joli and turning onto St. Catherine’s River Road while following the Parks Canada signs.

Bayswater Beach, Hubbards

Overview: Bayswater Beach is a white sand beach and picnic area. It also has outdoor barbecue grills, change rooms, and toilets. This is a supervised beach during the months of July and August.

The beach is safe with no rips or currents. Because of the slope of the beach, there can be occasional “dumping” waves that occur close to shore.

  • Facilities: Change rooms, bathrooms, picnic area, and a 500m beach.
  • Lifeguard: Yes. During the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Lunenburg
  • Region: South Shore (Lighthouse Route)
  • Address: 4015 Hwy 329, Bayswater.
  • Nearest town: Hubbards (about 20 km north).
  • Directions: From Hubbards, travel south on the 329. It is located at the end of the peninsula, between the communities of Aspotogan and Blandford.

Hirtle’s Beach, Kingsburg

Overview: Hirtle’s Beach is a 3 km long, crescent-shaped beach on Hartling Bay. Located roughly 18 km south of the town of Lunenburg, Hirtle’s Beach is located at the end of a usually shaped peninsula.

At the west end of the beach, you can take a hike of 3.5 km (return) to Gaff Point. Gaff Point Trail is an easy and scenic hike. Allow roughly 2 hours for this hike.

Because of its location, there are fewer crowds than on many of the other large beaches.

  • Facilities: A basic picnic area and boardwalk. Washrooms.
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Lunenburg
  • Region: South Shore (Lighthouse Route)
  • Address: Hirtle Beach Rd, Kingsburg, NS B0J 2X0
  • Nearest town: Lunenburg (about 18 km north)
  • Directions: From Lunenburg, take the 332 West towards Riverport for 12 km. At Rose Bay, turn left onto Kingsburg Road. After 4 km, turn left onto Hirtle Beach Road and drive to the end.

Cleveland Beach, Black Point

Overview: Cleveland Beach Provincial Park is just a few kilometers east of the larger, and better-known Queensland Beach. There is ample parking and a couple of outhouses.

  • Facilities: Outhouses
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Halifax
  • Region: South Shore (Lighthouse Route)
  • Address: 8880 St Margarets Bay Rd, Black Point, NS B0J 1B0
  • Nearest town: Hubbards (about 6 km).
  • Directions: From Halifax, travel west on Highway #103 (Lighthouse Route) and take the exit for Hubbards/Queensland. You’ll go left off the exit onto Mill Lake Road. Then take another left onto Highway #3 (St. Margarets Bay Road) and travel through Hubbards, past Queensland Beach. Cleveland Beach will be on your right.


Halifax Beaches

  1. Crystal Crescent Beach
  2. McNabs Island
  3. Rainbow Haven Beach
  4. Lawrencetown Beach
  5. Conrad’s Beach
  6. MacCormacks Beach
  7. Chocolate Lake

Crystal Crescent Beach, Sambro

Overview: Crystal Crescent Beach is located directly south of Halifax (25 km). It is managed by Provincial Parks and comes equipped with outhouses, boardwalks, and two large parking lots.

The Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park has 3 crescent-shaped white-sand beaches.

It should be noted that the 3rd (and furthest beach) has been used as a nude/naturalist beach.

From the parking lot, you can hike Pennant Point – a 20 km return hike ideal for bird watching.

  • Facilities: Outhouses at the first two beaches, two parking lots, boardwalks to the first two beaches.
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Halifax Regional Municipality
  • Region: Halifax Dartmouth
  • Address: Crystal Crescent Beach Road, Sambro, Halifax Metro, B3V 1L8
  • Nearest town: Sambro (4 km)
  • Directions: From Halifax, travel south on Northwest Arm Drive (Hwy 3). Turn left onto Old Sambro Road (Hwy 306). In Sambro, turn right (at Mishoo’s Take Out) onto West Pennant Road. After 1.3 km, turn left onto East Pennant Road. Then take Sambro Creek Road (2nd left). Your next left will be Crystal Crescent Beach Road.

Maugers Beach, McNabs Island

Overview: Maugers Beach is located on the west side of McNabs Island, which sits at the entrance of Halifax Harbour. McNabs Island forms part of the McNabs and Lawlor Provincial Park.

This island is just a short boat ride from Halifax or Eastern Passage.

Read more about the island: Friends of McNabs Island Society

There are a number of beaches on the Island. Most notable is Maugers Beach, located on the southern end of McNabs Cove.

To the west of Maugers Beach is the Maugers Beach Lighthouse.

  • Facilities: Outhouses are located at 6 locations on the island – a few within walking distance of Maugers Beach.
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: With the approval of the NS Department of Natural Resources (Waverley 902-861-2560) you can camp on the island. Campfires are not permitted – only camp stoves. There is no drinking water available on the island.
  • County: Halifax Regional Municipality
  • Region: Halifax Dartmouth
  • Address: McNabs Island, Halifax Harbour, Halifax Regional Municipality.
  • Nearest town: Halifax or Eastern Passage
  • Directions: A short boat ride from either Halifax or Eastern Passage. Trips take 20-30 minutes (Halifax) or 10 minutes (Eastern Passage). Cost ranges from $15-20 per person.

There are a number of charters and water taxis that run daily. Here’s more about getting to McNabs Island.


Rainbow Haven Beach, Cow Bay

Overview: Rainbow Haven is a very popular beach for families. The beach is just 25 minutes from Dartmouth and is operated by the Nova Scotia Provincial Parks.

The 1 km beach is fine white sand and the beach is quite wide. Known for cold water and great kite flying.

The beach at Rainbow Haven has a tidal channel that creates very strong currents. Lifeguards regularly patrol the beach to discourage swimmers from unsafe areas, including the channel. Hazard signs mark unsafe areas.

  • Facilities: Change houses, cold outdoor showers, washrooms, and large parking lots. Wheelchair access to the beach via boardwalks.
  • Lifeguard: Yes. During the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Halifax
  • Region: Marine Drive (Eastern Shore)
  • Address: 2249 Cow Bay Rd, Cow Bay, Eastern Shore, Halifax County
  • Nearest town: Cole Harbour (7 km)
  • Directions: From Dartmouth, take Hwy 207 (Portland Street) east. After crossing Dorothea Drive / Caldwell Road intersection, the road name becomes Cole Harbour Road. Take the #322 right (Marine Drive) south. Turn left at the Cow Bay Road intersection to enter Rainbow Haven Beach Park.

Lawrencetown Beach: Surfing near Halifax

Overview: Lawrencetown Beach is a 1.5 km surfers beach just 30 minutes from Dartmouth.

Safety warning: Lawrencetown Beach has strong rip tides and currents. Swimmers and surfers must exercise caution. The beach is supervised during July and August, but only within the 200-meter area – and surfers aren’t allowed in this area.

According to the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service, lifeguards regularly walk patrols to keep swimmers away from rips or high surf areas like the reef.

Don’t know how to surf? No problem. You can get surf and SUP lessons (and rentals) from Kannon Beach, Happy Dudes, and East Coast Surf School.

Lawerencetown Beach, Nova Scotia

  • Facilities: Change houses, cold showers, washrooms, and large parking lots.
  • Lifeguard: Yes. During the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Halifax
  • Region: Marine Drive (Eastern Shore)
  • Address: 4348 Lawrencetown Road, Lawrencetown, Halifax County
  • Nearest town: Cole Harbour (12 km)
  • Directions: From Dartmouth, take Hwy 207 (Portland Street) east. After crossing Dorothea Drive / Caldwell Road intersection, the road name becomes Cole Harbour Road. After passing Cole Harbour, the road name becomes Lawrencetown Road. Follow this road to Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park. The beach is on the right.

Conrad’s Beach, West Lawrencetown

Overview: Conrad’s Beach is a 1.3 km long white-sand beach, located minutes before Lawrencetown Beach (see above). The lack of facilities keeps the crowds going to other local beaches, like Rainbow Haven Beach (to the west) and Lawrencetown Beach (to the east).

While Conrad’s Beach comes very well-reviewed, it is still somewhat of a local secret. It’s very popular with locals and the eight-spot parking lot fills quickly.

There is lots of space on the roadside, but be sure to stay on the east side of the road.

Conrad’s Beach is known as one of the best spots on the east coast for standup paddleboarding and wind/kite surfing.

Watch for signs identifying Piping Plover Breeding Areas. Piping Plovers are small tan-colored birds that run along the beach. Conrad’s Beach is a protected breeding ground for these endangered birds and they are protected by the Piping Plover Guardian Program. Please remain on the boardwalk and watch for the signs.

  • Facilities: Conrad’s Beach has no facilities (washrooms, change rooms, or food stands). The parking lot is small.
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Halifax
  • Region: Marine Drive (Eastern Shore)
  • Address: Conrad Road, West Lawrencetown, Halifax County, NS B2Z 1S5
  • Nearest town: Cole Harbour (9 km)
  • Directions: From Dartmouth, take Hwy 207 (Portland Street) east. After crossing Dorothea Drive / Caldwell Road intersection, the road name becomes Cole Harbour Road. After passing Cole Harbour, the road name becomes Lawrencetown Road. Follow this road to Conrad Road across from the Lawrencetown Community Center and turn right. Follow the road to the end.

MacCormack’s Beach, Eastern Passage

Overview: MacCormack’s Beach Provincial Park is located in the community of Eastern Passage (Halifax Harbour). It is located south of Fisherman’s Cove, a restored 200-year-old fishing village. From here, you can get a boat charter to either Lawlor or McNab’s Islands.

The beach is popular for walking and clam digging. It is not safe for swimming near the point due to the dangerous currents and undertow in the water that runs between Lawlor Island and the mainland. The 1.2 km boardwalk that runs parallel to the beach is wheelchair accessible (1 m wide).

McCormack’s or MacCormacks Beach? (Mc or Mac?) As with many names in Nova Scotia, there is a bit of confusion about how to spell (and thus pronounce) the name of this beach. It seems that only the Province of Nova Scotia and TripAdvisor spell it Mc. Just about everywhere else you’ll see it spelled MacCormack (Mac).

On Instagram, MacCormick’s Beach Provincial Park is a place and #maccormacksbeach has more than double the posts than its slightly shorter counterpart. So if hashtags were votes, MacCormack’s Beach wins.

  • Facilities: A few picnic areas and a walking trail. More facilities at nearby Fisherman’s Cove.
  • Lifeguard: No. Swimming is not permitted near the point – because of hazardous currents.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Halifax Regional Municipality
  • Region: Halifax Dartmouth
  • Address: 1641 Shore Rd, Eastern Passage, NS
  • Nearest town: Eastern Passage
  • Directions: Take Pleasant Street south (changing into Main Street) and follow to Fisherman’s Cove. MacCormack’s Beach is on the right.

Here is another beach in Halifax to consider:

  • Chocolate Lake Beach (freshwater lake): Located just off Herring Cove Road and minutes from downtown Halifax.


Eastern Shore Beaches

  1. Taylor Head Beach
  2. Martinique Beach
  3. Clam Harbour Beach

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Taylor Head Beach, Spry Bay

Overview: Taylor Head Provincial Park is located about 100 km east of Halifax/Dartmouth on a 6 km finger-like peninsula.

The beach has basic services and 4 large parking lots. The provincial park has 12.5 km of interconnected trails with a number of scenic look-offs.

  • Facilities: At the main beach, in Psyche Cove, there are outhouses, change rooms, picnic areas, and 4 large parking lots. There are 4 walking trails on the peninsula.
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Halifax Regional Municipality
  • Region: Marine Drive (Eastern Shore)
  • Address: 20140 Hwy 7, Spry Bay, Eastern Shore
  • Nearest town: Sheet Harbour (11 km)
  • Directions: Travel east on Hwy #7 (98 km) from Dartmouth.

Martinique Beach, Musquodoboit Harbour

Overview: At 3.4 km in length, Martinique Beach is Nova Scotia’s longest sandy beach. Located just 40 km outside of Halifax, it is a great place to spend an afternoon on a hot day.

The surf remains pretty consistent at 2-4 feet through the summer. Swimmers need to be careful when the surf is larger because it can create dangerous currents and rips.

The beach and park are protected areas for the endangered piping plover.

Martinique Beach, Nova Scotia

Photographer Scott Munn

  • Facilities: Picnic area, outhouses, and change houses. 8 small parking lots.
  • Lifeguard: Yes. During the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Halifax Regional Municipality
  • Region: Marine Drive (Eastern Shore)
  • Address: East Petpeswick Rd, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0
  • Nearest town: Musquodoboit Harbour (12 km)
  • Directions: Travel east on Hwy #7 (40 km) from Dartmouth. In Musquodoboit Harbour, turn right onto East Petpeswick Rd. Beach and park is at the end of the road.

Clam Harbour Beach, Clam Harbour

Overview: Clam Harbour Beach is a safe white-sand beach with small surf. There is a tidal channel that has a moderate current as the tide goes out. Be sure to check out the hilltop picnic area.

Like building sandcastles? You should enter the Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition. The event, which started back in 1982, now draws more than 10,000 people every year.

Clam Harbour Sandcastle Competition Beach

Photographer Scott Munn

  • Facilities: Picnic area, flush toilets, change rooms, hiking trails and boardwalks.
  • Lifeguard: Yes. On weekends, during the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Halifax Regional Municipality
  • Region: Marine Drive (Eastern Shore)
  • Address: 158 Beach Rd, Clam Harbour, NS B0J 1Y0
  • Nearest town: Lake Charlotte (10 km)
  • Directions: Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park is located in Clam Harbour (84 km from Dartmouth on Route 7) along the Eastern Shore.  At Lake Charlotte, take Clam Harbour Road south and follow the signs.

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Cape Breton Beaches

  1. Inverness
  2. West Mabou
  3. Port Hood
  4. Aspy Bay
  5. North Bay
  6. Ingonish
  7. Pondville

Inverness Beach, Inverness

Overview: Inverness Beach is a 4 km beach with soft sand. It is shallow and significantly warmer than most saltwater beaches in Nova Scotia.

In fact, it has the warmest waters north of the Carolinas. The average ocean temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).

Inverness Beach is located on the west coast of Cape Breton Island, in the small community of Inverness (also Inverness County). There are a few lodging options right on the beach. Choose from Inverness Beach Village (cottages and camping) or the more upscale Cabot Links (lodging, golf, dining).

Safety note: It is not recommended to walk on the breakwater. Rips and lateral currents can occur in high surf conditions.

Inverness Beach, Cape Breton

  • Facilities: Washrooms, change house, canteen, and boardwalk. Nearby campground.
  • Lifeguard: Yes. During the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted. Occasional high surf conditions.
  • Camping: Just up the road at Inverness Beach Village. There are cottages and campsites.
  • County: Inverness County
  • Region: Ceilidh Trail (Cape Breton Island)
  • Address: 158 Beach Rd. #1, Inverness (Mabou B0E 1X0) Cape Breton Island
  • Nearest town: Inverness (located in the community)
  • Directions: From Mabou, travel north on Trunk 19 (22 km). Turn left onto Beach Road #1. Beach and parking lot are at the end.

West Mabou Beach, Port Hood

Overview: West Mabou Beach is a large sand beach at the mouth of Mabou Harbour. It’s located just a few kilometers south of the more developed Inverness Beach. This is the only public beach in the Mabou area.

West Mabou Beach is popular for birding and hiking.

The Western Coastal Trail runs about 2 km and is an easy, family-friendly walkthrough twisted spruce, old pasture, and small hills.

West Mabou Provincial Beach, Nova Scotia

  • Facilities: Change houses, outhouses, hiking trails with picnic area, and interpretive site.
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Inverness
  • Region: Ceilidh Trail (Cape Breton Island)
  • Address: 1757 Little Mabou Rd, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
  • Nearest town: Mabou (9 km)
  • Directions: Travel south from Mabou on Trunk 19. Turn right on Little Mabou Road. Entrance to the beach is on the left.

Port Hood Beach, Port Hood

Overview: Port Hood Beach is a well-protected and safe beach, thanks to the shelter provided by Port Hood Island and a rock breakwater.

Water temperatures vary between 22-24 degrees Celsius (72-75 degrees Fahrenheit). Because of sandbars, the water is very shallow and heats up early in the season, and stays warm all summer.

  • Facilities: Washrooms, showers, and a canteen.
  • Lifeguard: Yes. During the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted. This is the only supervised beach in the community.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Inverness County
  • Region: Ceilidh Trail (Cape Breton Island)
  • Address: 40 Court St, Port Hood, B0E 2W0 Cape Breton Island
  • Nearest town: Port Hood (1 km north)
  • Directions: Travel north from Port Hastings on Trunk 19 (Ceilidh Trail) for 43 km. The entrance to the park and beach is on your left.

Cabots Landing Beach, Aspy Bay

Overview: The beaches at Cabots Landing Provincial Park are known by a few names: North Harbour, Cabots Beach, and Aspy Bay.

The beach is huge – its 8 km of sand is divided into 5 separate segments because of harbour inlets.

Cabots Landing Provincial Park is located 10 km north of the Cabot Trail. The park commemorates the 1497 landfall of Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot).

  • Facilities: Trails, picnic area, outhouses
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Victoria
  • Region: Cabot Trail (Cape Breton Island)
  • Address: 1904 Bay St. Lawrence Road, Sugarloaf, Cape Breton Island
  • Nearest town: Dingwall
  • Directions: At the northernmost part of the Cabot Trail, take Bay Saint Lawrence Road north to Cabot Landing Provincial Park. Watch for signs to Sugarloaf and Bay Saint Lawrence.

North Bay Beach, Ingonish Beach

Overview: North Bay Beach is located directly on the Cabot Trail in Ingonish Centre. This 3 km long white sand beach is a required stop on the trip around the Cabot Trail.

North Bay is very shallow and keeps high surf from reaching the shore.

North Bay Beach is located on North Bay, just after the 2.7 km finger-like peninsula that is home to the luxurious Keltic Lodge.

  • Facilities: Washrooms, change rooms, and picnic area
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Victoria
  • Region: Cabot Trail (Cape Breton Island)
  • Address: 37123 Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands NP, Cabot Trail
  • Nearest town: Ingonish Beach (3 km)
  • Directions: Take the Cabot Trail north, past Cape Smokey Provincial Park. The entrance is less than 3 km north of the community of Ingonish Beach. North Bay Beach is part of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Ingonish Beach, Ingonish Beach

Overview: Ingonish Beach is located on South Bay, which is just south of the aptly named North Bay. To the east, you can swim in saltwater, and to the west, you can swim in a freshwater lake. This is the only beach in Cape Breton Highlands National Park with both options.

There are lots of accommodation options in Ingonish. From basic camping to a luxury lodge.

  • Facilities: Washrooms, change rooms, and picnic area. Playground, tennis courts, and canteen (during July and August).
  • Lifeguard: Yes – on the saltwater beach, during the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted. Occasional high surf conditions.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Victoria
  • Region: Cabot Trail (Cape Breton Island)
  • Address: 90 Beach Rd, Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0, Cabot Trail
  • Nearest town: Ingonish Beach (3 km)
  • Directions: Take the Cabot Trail north, past Cape Smokey Provincial Park. The entrance is just after the community of Ingonish Beach. Ingonish Beach is part of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Pondville Beach, Arichat

Overview: This one km beach has sand dunes, a large lagoon, and a salt marsh. The local rec department plans activities throughout the summer.

To get to this beach, you’ll cross a causeway (Lennox Passage) from Cape Breton Island to Isle Madame.

This small island has a storied history and its roughly 4000 inhabitants can trace their ancestry back to 10 Acadian families that arrived in 1758.

  • Facilities: Outhouses, change rooms, and picnic areas.
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Richmond
  • Region: Fleur-de-lis Trail (Cape Breton Island)
  • Address: 219 Pondville North Rd, Arichat, Cape Breton Island
  • Nearest town: Arichat (4 km)
  • Directions: From the Canso Causeway (entering Cape Breton) take Highway 104 to Exit 26. Then take #320 south to Lennox Passage and cross onto Isle Madame. Follow the #20 to Pondville and then go right (east) to arrive at the beach, about 2 km.


Northumberland Shore Beaches

Because of their location on the Northumberland Strait, these beaches are warmer than other beaches on mainland Nova Scotia.

  1. Melmerby Beach
  2. Blue Sea Beach
  3. Rushtons Beach
  4. Pomquet Beach
  5. Bayfield Beach

Melmerby Beach, Little Harbour

Overview: Melmerby Beach is one of the warmest and busiest beaches in Nova Scotia. With 2 km of sandy beach, there’s lots of room to spread out and enjoy.

During the summer, water temperatures average more than 22 degrees Celsius (72F).

The beach was named after the barque “Melmerby” which sank off the beach on October 12th, 1890 returning from Quebec City.

Melmerby Beach, Nova Scotia

  • Facilities: Flush toilets, change houses, salt-rinse showers, picnic area, boat launch, and lots of parking.
  • Lifeguard: Yes. During the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Pictou
  • Region: Sunrise Trail (Northumberland Shore)
  • Address: 6280 Little Harbour Rd, Little Harbour, NS B0K 1G0
  • Nearest town: Little Harbour (7 km)
  • Directions: From New Glasgow, take Route 289 North towards Little Harbour. Follow #289 until you get to Melmerby Beach.

Blue Sea Beach, Malagash

Overview: Blue Sea Beach is a wide, 1.4 km long beach located in Malagash, on the Northumberland Strait. Great place for bird-watching and snorkelling.

During the summer, water temperatures average more than 22 degrees Celsius (72F).

  • Facilities: Change house, boardwalk, and small picnic area.
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Cumberland
  • Region: Sunrise Trail (Northumberland Shore)
  • Address: 651 Blue Sea Rd, Malagash Point, Northumberland Shore
  • Nearest town: Malagash (10 km)
  • Directions: From Truro, take Route 311 North to Malagash Road (62 km). Continue on Malagash Road Drive to Blue Sea Road on Malagash Point.

Rushtons Beach, Marshville

Overview: Rushtons Beach is located in Marshville, east of Tatamagouche. It features wide sandbars (low tide) and a salt marsh that is home to many varieties of birds.

There is a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk to the beach and a sheltered picnic area.

During the summer, water temperatures average more than 22 degrees Celsius (72F).

  • Facilities: Outhouses, change houses, picnic area. Wheelchair accessible.
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: No
  • County: Pictou
  • Region: Sunrise Trail (Northumberland Shore)
  • Address: 723 Hwy 6, Brule, Nova Scotia B0K 1N0
  • Nearest town: Tatamagouche (14 km)
  • Directions: From Tatamagouche, travel east on Highway #6 (14.2 km). Park will be on your left.

Pomquet Beach, Pomquet

Overview: This 3 km beach is located just minutes from the community of Pomquet. The beach has been identified as having the best example of dune succession in Nova Scotia, with a gentle slope and occasional sand bars.

While in Pomquet, you might want to stop by Chez Deslauriers – a heritage home now operating as a tearoom. The property includes an interpretive centre, an outdoor stage, and a 6 km coastal/inland walking trail. The purpose of the property is to promote Acadian culture and tourism.

Pomquet Beach Cottages are located by the gates to Pomquet Beach Provincial Park.

  • Facilities: Flush toilets, change house, interpretive display, boardwalks, and parking.
  • Lifeguard: Yes. During the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Antigonish
  • Region: Sunrise Trail (Northumberland Shore)
  • Address: 432 Pomquet Beach Road, Pomquet B2G 2L4 Nova Scotia
  • Nearest town: Pomquet (6 km)
  • Directions: From Pomquet, travel northwest on Pomquet Monks Head Road (3.4 km). Turn right (east) onto Pomquet Beach Rd. Beach is at the end.

Bayfield Beach, Afton Station

Overview: Bayfield Beach is a small, sand and pebble beach on St Georges Bay. It’s located near Antigonish on the Northumberland Strait.

Although you can almost see Pomquet Beach from Bayfield, the drive around Pomquet Harbour will take you almost 20 km out of the way.

  • Facilities: Outhouses, change houses, picnic area
  • Lifeguard: Yes. On the weekends, during the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Antigonish
  • Region: Sunrise Trail (Northumberland Shore)
  • Address: 151 Bayfield Beach Road, Afton Station, Antigonish County, Nova Scotia
  • Nearest town: Tracadie (9 km)
  • Directions: From the Trans-Canada Highway, take Exit 36A on Highway #4 (Sunrise Trail). Take Bayfield Road north (left). At the end of Bayfield Road, go left (west) and then take Bayfield Beach Road north (right).


Bay of Fundy Beaches

  1. Blue Beach
  2. Burntcoat Head
  3. Five Islands Beach

Blue Beach, Hantsport

Overview: Blue Beach is the place to find fossils. The beach is located in Hantsport and across the Minas Basin from Blomidon Beach.

Blue Beach is the home of the Blue Beach Fossil Museum an 1800 sq. ft. museum that displays some of the thousands of fossils found on this beach. The beach and museum come well-reviewed.

  • Facilities: Museum is open every day from April 15 to October 31. 9:30 am to 5 pm.
  • Lifeguard: No. Swimming is not recommended
  • Camping: No
  • County: Kings
  • Region: Bay of Fundy (Evangeline Trail)
  • Address: 127 Blue Beach Rd, Hantsport, NS B0P 1P0
  • Nearest town: Hantsport (6 km)
  • Directions: Take Exit 8A on Hwy 101 and travel north. At the stop sign, turn left (900 m). Turn right onto Hutchinson Road (1.5 km). At the end of the road, turn left onto Bluff Road (1.7 km). Then turn right onto Blue Beach Road.

Burntcoat Head Beach, Noel

Overview: The beach at Burntcoat Head Park is home to the world’s highest recorded tides. On the beach, you can walk (even dine) on the ocean’s floor – where just hours before there were more than 40 feet of water.

Every 13 hours, more than 160 billion tonnes of water flow into the basin. This is more than the combined flow of the world’s freshwater rivers.

Check the current tidal predictions for Burntcoat Head. Here’s more on the history and geology of the area.

Burntcoat Head, Nova Scotia

Photographer Scott Munn

  • Facilities: Walking trails, flush toilets, interpretive signs, picnic area, and wooden steps to the beach.
  • Lifeguard: No. Swimming is not recommended
  • Camping: No
  • County: Hants County
  • Region: Bay of Fundy (Glooscap Trail)
  • Address: 611 Burntcoat Rd, Noel, NS B0N 2C0
  • Nearest town: Noel (5 km)
  • Directions: From the town of Noel, take Burntcoat Road until you arrive (5 km).

Five Islands Beach, Five Islands

Overview: Walk on the ocean floor from the shore of the Bay of Fundy. 300-ft cliffs overlook the world’s highest tides.

This provincial park has 88 camping sites, and 5.2 km of marked hiking trails. There are two picnic areas.

  • Facilities: Large picnic shelter (20′ x 40′), two barbecue grills, washrooms. The shelter and washrooms are wheelchair accessible.
  • Lifeguard: No. Swimming is not recommended
  • Camping: Yes. Here’s all the info.
  • County: Colchester County
  • Region: Bay of Fundy (Glooscap Trail)
  • Address: Bentley Branch Rd, Five Islands, NS B0M 1K0
  • Nearest town: Parrsboro (30 km)
  • Directions: From Parrsboro travel west on Trunk 2 N (26 km). Turn right onto Bentley Road / Bentley Branch Road (3.5 km)


Annapolis Valley Beaches

  1. Blomidon Beach
  2. Halls Harbour Beach
  3. Morden Beach
  4. Margaretsville Beach

Blomidon Beach, Canning

Overview: Blomidon Beach boasts 180 m (600 ft) cliffs along the red beach. The beach is great for beach-combing and walking.

The park has a 14 km loop that includes an interpretive trail, look-offs, and a waterfall.

Caution is needed along the shore because of how fast the tide comes in.

  • Facilities: Camping, picnic areas, playground, outhouses, and hiking trails.
  • Lifeguard: No
  • Camping: Yes
  • County: Kings
  • Region: Bay of Fundy (Annapolis Valley)
  • Address: 3138 Pereau Rd, Canning, NS B0P 1H0
  • Nearest town: Canning (16 km)
  • Directions: Take Exit 11 from Highway 101 and take trunk 358 north. You’ll cross through Greenwich, Port Williams, Canard, and Canning. After passing the community of Canning, you’ll travel 2 km and then take Bessie North Road to the right (east). At the end of Bessie N Road, turn left on Pereau Road and follow to Blomidon Provincial Park.

Halls Harbour Beach, Halls Harbour

Overview: While Halls Harbour isn’t known for its beach (think high tides and lobster pound), the beach is a great place to beach-comb, eat some fish and chips, or watch the sunset.

Learn more about Hall’s Harbour.

  • Facilities: The Lobster Pound has washrooms and an eating area
  • Lifeguard: No. Swimming is not recommended
  • Camping: No
  • County: Kings
  • Region: Bay of Fundy (Annapolis Valley)
  • Address: 1157 West Halls Harbour Road, Halls Harbour, Nova Scotia
  • Nearest town: Centreville (11 km)
  • Directions: From Kentville, take Route 341 North. At the Y in the road, go left, take Route 359 North and follow to Halls Harbour.

Morden Beach (French Cross), Morden

Overview: Morden Beach is located on the Bay of Fundy and isn’t suitable for swimming. There are two main access points to the beach.

The first access is at French Cross – a small picnic area with a wooden staircase to the rocky beach. The other area is further down the road – just keep driving (with the water to your right) and you’ll drive down to the water level.

The road is dirt and can get kind of rough. It’s a great place for bonfires and beach-combing.

Watch for the tides – they come in fast and it’s easy to get trapped in a cove.

French Cross, Morden Nova Scotia

  • Facilities: Picnic tables and stairs to the beach
  • Lifeguard: No. Swimming is not recommended
  • Camping: No
  • County: Kings
  • Region: Bay of Fundy (Annapolis Valley)
  • Address: Morden, Nova Scotia B0P 1C0
  • Nearest town: Aylesford (15 km)
  • Directions: Travelling south on Hwy #1, in the community of Auburn take Morden Road (north) and travel to the end of the road. When you arrive at the shore, French Cross is just a few hundred meters west.

Margaretsville Beach, Margaretsville

Overview: Like Morden Beach, Margaretsville Beach is also great for beach-combing and watching the sunset.

Margaretsville Beach, Nova Scotia

  • Facilities: In the summer, there is a local art gallery (Artist’s Circle), a cafe, and a fish and chips stand.
  • Lifeguard: No. Swimming is not recommended
  • Camping: No
  • County: Annapolis
  • Region: Bay of Fundy (Annapolis Valley)
  • Address: 8 Lighthouse Rd, Margaretsville, NS B0S 1N0
  • Nearest town: Kingston (14 km)
  • Directions: From Kingston, take Highway 1 West (3.5 km) and turn right onto Stronach Mountain Road (4 km). Turn left onto Ben Phinney Road (7.5 km). At the stop sign, go right (300 m) and the beach will be directly ahead.

Other Annapolis Valley Beaches

  • Aylesford Lake (a freshwater lake): Located on the South Mountain (Kings County), 19 km south of Aylesford. Supervised during July and August.


Yarmouth & Acadian Shore Beaches

  1. Mavillete Beach
  2. Port Maitland
  3. Other Beaches in Yarmouth

Mavillette Beach, Mavillette

Overview: Mavillette Beach is a 2 km fine-sand beach located about halfway between Digby and Yarmouth. The water is shallow, and as a result, the tide goes out about 800 metres.

Safety warning: At one end of the beach, there is a third set of stairs. Lifeguards advise not to swim beyond that marker as there are strong rip currents.

The area in front of the supervised area is the safest place to swim. Waves can be up to 4 feet when the tide is coming in.

Mavillette Beach Nova Scotia

Photographer Scott Munn

  • Facilities: Change houses, toilets, parking, and boardwalk access to the beach. There is also a nearby restaurant and motel.
  • Lifeguard: Yes. On the weekends, during the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Digby
  • Region: Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
  • Address: 295–395 John Doucette Rd, Mavillette, B0W 2Ho
  • Nearest town: Meteghan (12 km north)
  • Directions: Travel west on Hwy 101 and take exit #32. At the stop sign, turn left onto Salmon River Rd. At the end, turn right onto Hwy 1 (Evangeline Trail) and travel 6 km. Turn left onto Cape St Marys Road.

Port Maitland Beach, Port Maitland

Overview: Port Maitland Beach is just down the road from Mavillette Beach and it is beautiful. Its 1 km sand beach is managed as part of the Nova Scotia Parks system.

The beach is safe with a gradual slope and shallow waters. The wharf and fishing boats at the end of the beach are popular subjects for photographers and painters. There is a large grass-covered picnic area above the beach.

  • Facilities: The beach is managed by Nova Scotia Provincial Parks and is equipped with outhouses, change houses, and a picnic area with running water.
  • Lifeguard: Yes. During the months of July and August from 10AM to 6PM, unless otherwise noted.
  • Camping: No
  • County: Yarmouth
  • Region: Yarmouth and Acadian Shores
  • Address: Spider Road, Port Maitland, B5A 4A5
  • Nearest town: Yarmouth (16 km)
  • Directions: Travel west on Hwy 101 towards Yarmouth. Take exit #33 and turn right onto Richmond Road. Then turn right on to Hwy 1 (Evangeline Trail). Turn left onto Main Shore Road. Turn right onto Spider Road.

Other beaches in Yarmouth to consider:

  • Bartlett’s Beach: Located north of Port Maitland Beach, on the same section of shore.
  • John’s Cove Beach: Located just 4 km from Yarmouth on the Cape Forchu peninsula (where the lighthouse of the same name is located). This cove was named after Cornelius John Fox in 1841 and is rich in history.
  • Lake Milo Boat Club: Supervised with a full set of facilities (700 Main Street, Yarmouth)
  • Lake Ellenwood Beach: This beach is part of the Provincial Park campground and is supervised and complete with washrooms, showers, a playground, and picnic shelter. (1888 Mood Road, Deerfield)

How are you planning on spending your time while camping? These camping games and activities should help.

Check out this set of 100+ Beach Quotes, Sayings, and Captions


And there you have it: the 41 best Nova Scotia beaches.

This article is still growing. Want to suggest a beach or an update? Drop me a comment below.

While you road trip around Nova Scotia, why not check out some of these lighthouses?

Tracy

Saturday 25th of July 2020

Hi

You seem to be missing a beach near Crescent and Risser’s Beach along the south shore. Around the bend from Risser’s is Green Bay which has small inlets of beach, making it more private, although you are right along side the road in and out of Green Bay. But my favourite one for sure of those three!

macky lasmu

Tuesday 30th of July 2019

Comprehensive guide with a great list of beaches. Some of these are on my bucket list!

Maureen MacKinnon

Wednesday 22nd of May 2019

This list is awesome. I have been to about half of them. You must go to Point Michaud beach outside St. Peter’s in Cape Breton! Cold, like all the beaches on the Atlantic side... the ‘Carolina’ temperatures being along the Northumberland Strait... but stunning mike or so of hard packed sand; and most summers they have a surf school and rentals! Enjoying this post!

R Kehoe

Wednesday 15th of May 2019

You are neglecting Beach Meadows Beach, which is another beautiful mile long silver sand beach, just outside of Liverpool. I don't understand how you could portend to make a definitive list of the "best 41" Nova Scotia Beaches, yet left off some of the truly gorgeous ones. I suggest you re-do the article with more thought put to just how many real beautiful beaches there are in Nova Scotia.

Susan Carey

Thursday 30th of August 2018

Just wanted to let folks know that currently the beach at Blomidon is "at your own risk" due to high tide damage to the rocks supporting the stairs down to beach. I love your blog.

Bryan Haines

Monday 3rd of September 2018

Thanks Susan!