Explore
EXPERIENCE THE SOUTH SHORE
Nova Scotia's South Shore: Where history, culture, and national parks await you around every curve of its roads.
WHAT TO DO
Outdoor activities, Festivals & events, Heritage Museums
WHAT TO SEE
Port Joli - Wood's Harbour, Bridgewater - Liverpool, and St. Margaret's Bay - Lunenburg
WHERE TO EAT
Casual Dining, Beer & Wine, Bistros & Cafés
WHAT TO DO
The South Shore is full of outdoor activities, year-round festivals, and dozens of museums
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Sable River is a nature lover’s cottage getaway! Bird sanctuaries, hiking trails, beaches, and a coastal national park - all near your private hot tub. You can hike at Hirtle's Beach; surf at Bridgewater, Lunenburg, or Shelburne; paddle the waterways at Kejimkujik National Park Seaside; birdwatch at Port Hebert, Port Joli Bird Sanctuary, Sable River Bird Sanctuary, as well as bike, sail, hike, and fish throughout the region. Image: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Patrick Rojo
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
From the Shelburne County Lobster Festival to the Nova Scotia Marathon, Whirligig and Weathervane Festival to Privateer Days, the annual Hank Snow Tribute, Queens County Fair, Father Christmas Festival, and Chester Race Week, there are so many festivals to visit in every season!
HERITAGE MUSEUMS
The South Shore is full of museums, including H. Barrington Woolen Mill Museum, the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, Locke Family Streetscape, DesBrisay Museum, The Astor Theatre, Lordly House Museum, the Mahone Bay Museum, and so many more! Image: Tourism Nova Scotia
WHAT TO SEE
Plan your visit to Sable River with excursions to many locations within an hour's drive
PORT JOLI - WOOD'S HARBOUR
10-MINUTE DRIVE
Check out the Kejimkujik National Park, Baccaro Point Lighthouse, Historic Shelburne Waterfront, the Swinging Bridge at Sable River, the Osprey Arts Centre, or the Sand Hills Provincial Park.BRIDGEWATER - LIVERPOOL
20-MINUTE DRIVE
You'll want to see the Old Growth Hemlock Forest at Kejimkujik National Park, Port Medway Lighthouse, the South Shore Exhibition, Indian Falls, and Cameron's Brook Provincial Park.ST. MARGARET'S BAY - LUNENBURG
1-HOUR DRIVE
Head to the Blue Rocks Chester Sailboats and Islands, Hubbards Farmers' Market, Ironworks Distillery, the New Ross Christmas Festival, the famous Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, Three Churches in Mahone Bay, and Nova Scotia's oldest rural pub: Fo'c'sle Tavern.SHELBURNE - BARRINGTON PASSAGE
20-30 MINUTE DRIVE
You definitely want to try out the Lumberjack Experiences at Barrington, Sandy Point Lighthouse, Shelburne's Museums by the Sea, as well as several beautiful beaches such as Sandhills, Stoney Island, Crow Neck, South Side, and Cameron's Cove!WHAT TO EAT
Fine dining, casual dining, pubs, cafes, farmer's markets, canteens - the food is magic nearby
DINING
Our favourite places to eat year round at White Point and Quarterdeck. You can also try the Grand Banker Bar & Grill for a Lunenburger: a hamburger topped with lobster and a bacon-wrapped scallop; the Salt Shaker Deli for award-winning seafood chowder; and the Shore Club is known for its “World Famous” lobster suppers.
BEER & WINE
Visit one of the craft breweries on the South Shore to sample their latest creations. Try out Hell Bay Brewing Co. in Liverpool, Boxing Rock Brewing Co. in Shelburne, FirkinStein Brewing in Bridgewater, Shipwright Brewing Company in Lunenburg, or the King Street Beer Company in Bridgewater
BISTROS & CAFES
Head to these casual, sweet cafés and bistros across the South Shore for snacks and coffee: The Biscuit Eater, the Fancy Pants Cafe, the Old Black Forest, The Savvy Sailor, the Kiwi Cafe, and more.