Top Beaches In Nova Scotia
Surfing at Lawrencetown Beach. Tourism Nova Scotia / Photo by Acorn Art & Photography
Nova Scotia is home to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Canada. With a wide variety of coastlines to explore, there’s something in the province for every kind of beachgoer.
Whether you’re looking for rocky coves and dramatic cliffs or long expanses of sand dunes and sugar-white beaches, Nova Scotia has it all. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite beaches around the province that you might want to check out this summer. Did we miss your favourite? Let us know so we can add it to our list.
Mavillette Beach Provincial Park. Photo by @daveyandsky
What’s the best beach for finding seashells in Nova Scotia?
Mavillette Beach: if you like looking at seashells, come during low tide
Located between Digby and Yarmouth, Mavillette Beach is one of the province’s top beaches: relax along the 1.5-km stretch of sand, take a stroll along the boardwalk that protects the marram grass-covered dunes and take in the dramatic coastal scenery at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy. With its stunning cliffs, crashing waves and abundance of seashells, it’s easy to see why this beach made our list.
If you’re looking for a beach that’s slightly off the beaten track, then Mavillette is definitely worth a visit. Come at low tide to search for treasure along the ocean floor or at high tide to enjoy the waves.
Surfing at Lawrencetown Beach. Tourism Nova Scotia / Photo by Acorn Art & Photography
Where’s the best beach for surfing in Nova Scotia?
Lawrencetown Beach: big waves abound at this beach on the Eastern Shore
Located half-an-hour east of Dartmouth, this Atlantic-facing beach is one of the best in the province for surfing. With its long stretches of sand and consistent waves, it’s no wonder that this beach is a popular spot for surfers from all over the world. Whether you’re a pro surfer yourself, a beginner looking to improve or you just love to watch others ride the waves, Lawrencetown Beach is a spectacular choice for a day out by the water.
Nearby, you’ll find surfboard rentals and plenty of places that offer lessons. Go at low-tide if you’d like to play in the sand with the kids — so many great memories to be made.
Rainbow Haven Beach. Tourism Nova Scotia / Photo by Dean Casavechia
What’s the best beach in Nova Scotia for families?
Rainbow Haven Beach: great fun for the whole family
If you’re looking for a fun-filled day out with the kids, then head over to Rainbow Haven Beach. Located in Dartmouth, just east of Haifax, this family-friendly stretch of coastline is perfect for spending a sunny afternoon by the water.
With miles of soft sand and a shallow entry, it’s easy to see why Rainbow Haven Beach has become such a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. So if you’re looking for your next vacation destination, make sure to add Rainbow Haven to your list but prepare yourself for crowds on hot summer weekends!
Crystal Crescent Beach. Tourism Nova Scotia / Photo by Acorn Art & Photography
What’s the best beach for nature-lovers?
Crystal Crescent Beach: nature trails and white sand beaches
Located in Sambro Creek, just 40 minutes west of downtown Halifax, this stretch of coastline is perfect for anyone looking to combine hiking with a dip in the ocean. The park consists of three beautiful crescent beaches (the third one is clothing-optional) and is the starting point for the 10-km Pennant Point seaside trail. The hike winds along the coast and through the woods, offering spectacular coastal views along the way as well as good opportunities for viewing birds.
Cool off after your hike with a dip in the ocean or settle in to watch the sun set over the water. Perfection!
Martinique Beach. Photo by Adam Hill
What’s the best sand beach in Nova Scotia?
Martinique Beach: sand as far as the eye can see
It would be impossible to assemble a list of the best beaches in Nova Scotia and ignore Martinique. This gorgeous stretch of coastline on the Eastern Shore is home to the longest sandy beach in the province and — at 5 km of length — you won’t have trouble finding a quiet area all to yourself. There is also a nearby wildlife sanctuary with a protected area for the threatened piping plover. Soft sand and gentle surf make this a perfect beach day trip, just an hour from Halifax.
And if you like searching for seaglass, Martinique Beach is a great place to explore.
Inverness Beach. Tourism Nova Scotia / Photo by Hecktic Travels
What’s the best beach for strolling in Nova Scotia?
Inverness Beach: stunning location on Cape Breton Island
Located by the town of the same name, Inverness Beach is perfect for anyone who loves to stroll the water’s edge during a day at the beach. This picturesque coastline has 4 km of sandy shores, a beautiful boardwalk set along a golf course and stunning views of Cape Breton’s cliffs. Shallow, warm waters make this a top spot for families as well.
Other beaches to explore in Nova Scotia
When it comes to beaches, you really can’t go wrong in Nova Scotia. Each coast offers similarly beautiful coastal views, soft sand and access to the ocean.
Here are a few other beaches we love:
- Carters Beach: located in Port Mouton on Nova Scotia’s south shore, Carters Beach is consistently rated as one of the best in Canada. With its fine white sand and serene atmosphere, it’s easy to see why.
- Meat Cove: situated at the northernmost tip of Cape Breton Islant, Meat Cove is a beautiful and secluded stretch of coastline backed by towering cliffs. It is a perfect spot for hiking, whale watching and taking hundreds of stunning photographs.
- Rissers Beach: White sand, rustic charm and stunning dunes make Rissers Beach one of the top destinations on the south shore.
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