Eastern Shore Nova Scotia: A Local’s Guide to What to See and Do

Looking for the best things to do on the Eastern Shore in Nova Scotia? This stretch of coast just east of Halifax is often overlooked—and that’s exactly what makes it special.

When most people plan a Nova Scotia road trip, they head straight for the Cabot Trail or stick around Halifax. But just east of the city, there’s a stretch of coast that’s often overlooked—and that’s exactly what makes it worth exploring.

We live right on the edge of Halifax and Lawrencetown, so the Eastern Shore is our backyard. It’s where we go for beach days, coastal hikes, and quiet drives that lead to places like Taylor Head, Sheet Harbour, or even a second Cole Harbour. Over the years, we’ve found some great stops – everything from quieter beaches to quirky folk art houses and animal therapy farms. 

If you’re looking for a less touristy slice of Nova Scotia, this guide covers the best things to do along the Eastern Shore. Whether you’re planning a road trip or a day trip from Halifax, you’ll find beaches, trails and local gems – perfect for road trippers looking to explore beyond the usual routes.

Best Things to See Along the Eastern Shore

This guide covers the full stretch of Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore—from the edges of Halifax to Guysborough—with stops that range from wild beaches and coastal trails to small museums, family farms, and quiet fishing villages.

It’s not as developed or well-signed as other parts of the province, so planning ahead can make a big difference. Whether you’re road-tripping the full length or just spending a day exploring, there’s plenty to discover.

👉 You’ll find a custom map at the end of the post with all the beaches, hikes, attractions, and food stops mentioned in this guide.

Eastern Shore Beaches and Surf Spots

The Eastern Shore has some of the best beaches in Nova Scotia—long stretches of white sand, rolling surf, and far fewer crowds than other parts of the province. Whether you’re up for a swim, a surf lesson, or just want to walk along the shore with a coffee in hand, here are some of our go-to coastal stops.

Martinique Beach Provincial Park

This is the longest white sand beach in Nova Scotia—a full 5 km of open Atlantic coastline. It’s a popular spot for surfers, with Halifax Surf School and East Coast Surf School offering lessons and rentals in the summer. But even if you’re not into surfing, it’s still one of the best beaches for a quiet walk or a full afternoon on the sand. The beach has a gentle slope, soft white sand, and plenty of space to spread out, even on warm summer days.

There are outhouses and change houses conveniently close to the parking lot, and the beach is supervised in July and August. Just don’t count on checking your phone—cell service is spotty or non-existent out here. We’ll sometimes head to the beach on weekday afternoons when I should be working, but I take the chance for a much-needed tech reset and bring my book instead. The kids play in the sand, and I get to truly unplug for a couple of hours.

Tip: We almost always stop at Martinique Desserterie on the way in—my kids love the cruffins, and it’s the perfect pre-beach treat (you’ll find it listed below under places to eat).

Lawrencetown Beach

Known as a year-round, cold-water surf destination, this beach has strong waves and a steady breeze, making it a favourite for experienced surfers. But even if you’re not hitting the water, it’s worth a stop for the views. 

The beach is more pebbly than sandy, with smooth rocks along much of the shoreline, so it’s not the best spot for a casual swim or a beach day with little ones—Rainbow Haven Beach nearby is a better choice for that. The waves here are rougher, with a steeper drop-off, so it’s not ideal for calm-water swimming, but it’s a great stop to experience a classic East Coast beach.

Surf schools operate here in the summer, and East Coast Surf School is located just down the road. Changerooms are available, and the beach is supervised in July and August.

There’s also a small café just before the beach—grab a coffee, then walk the short path behind it to a cliffside lookout with great views.

Conrad’s Beach

Just west of Lawrencetown, this is our personal favourite for an afternoon at the beach. The sand is soft, the waves are gentler than Lawrencetown, and it’s usually less busy than nearby Lawrencetown or Rainbow Haven. If Rainbow Haven is packed, this is where we go instead!

There are no washrooms or other facilities, or parking lots for that matter. There’s informal parking along the side of the road, which can get busy on weekends in the summer. We’ve had to walk up to 2km some weekend days in the summer (which is why we usually go through the week!).

Clam Harbour Beach

Clam Harbour is a wide, white-sand beach with boardwalks and a gentle slope into the water, making it one of the more accessible and family-friendly beaches on the Eastern Shore. There’s a picnic area, outhouses, and change houses, plus a wheelchair mat that extends right down to the sand. It’s best known for the annual Sandcastle Competition in August, which draws some seriously impressive entries. You can also book a clam digging experience nearby through Memory Lane Heritage Village—see below for more details.

Taylor Head Provincial Park

This beach sits just off the trailhead at Taylor Head and is a great spot to cool off after a hike. It’s smaller than some of the other beaches along the Eastern Shore, but it’s often quiet, even in the summer. 

The beach is just steps from the parking lot, so it’s easy to access whether you’re stopping in for a swim or finishing up a hike. The view stretches out over the coastline, making it a beautiful spot to relax with a packed lunch or take a quick dip. 

Outhouses and picnic table are available, but there are no lifeguards.

Bonus Beach: Rainbow Haven

While it’s not technically on the Eastern Shore, Rainbow Haven is just inland from Lawrencetown and often part of the same beach loop for locals.

The beach has a large, sandy shoreline and calm water that makes it ideal for younger kids. My kids have played in the shallows here for years – it’s one of the few beaches where I’ve felt comfortable letting them splash around when they were younger.

There are washrooms and showers at the main pavillion, and from there, a long boardwalk leads to the beach. The boardwalk is accessible and there’s also a mobility mat to the sand during the summer months.

Even on busy summer days, there’s lots of room to spread out and find your own spot. It’s a great option for families or anyone looking for a calmer spot to swim, and a more relaxed beach day. 

Rainbow Haven has a supervised swimming area, with lifeguards on duty every day in July and August.

Planning a beach day from Halifax?
If you’re road-tripping along the Eastern Shore, these beaches line up roughly in this order heading east from Halifax:
📍 Rainbow Haven → Lawrencetown → Conrod’s → Martinique → Clam Harbour → Taylor Head
You can hit one or two for a quick stop, or build a whole day (or weekend) around a few favourites.

Hikes and Trails on the Eastern Shore

If you’re looking to stretch your legs along the coast, the Eastern Shore has some of the most rewarding hikes in Nova Scotia—often without the crowds you’ll find closer to Halifax or Cape Breton. You’ll find everything from easy rail trails to more rugged loops with coastal views and waterfalls. Some are perfect for a quick detour, while others can fill an entire afternoon.

Taylor Head Provincial Park

This park has a mix of trail options, from shorter loops to longer day hikes. The Spry Head Trail is a favourite—it follows the headland with dramatic coastal views, and you can connect it with other trails to form a figure eight.

This might just be our experience, but the few times we’ve hiked here, there’s always been fog in the morning, so if you’re looking for clear views, try to time your hike later in the day.

Musquodoboit Trailway System

This is a fantastic system of trails, with something for almost every kind of hiker—from easy walking on an old railbed to steep climbs with rewarding views. The main trail is wide, flat, and follows the river, while the side trails (like Skull Rock and Gibraltar Rock) head into more rugged terrain.

The parking lot is just across the road from the arena, and most of trails start from there. Skull Rock is one of the shorter trails – it’s steep but the climb is worth it, especially in the fall. Gibraltar and Admiral Lake trails are longer and more challenging, but rewarding hikes.

Tip: Bring bug spray, especially in summer!

Liscomb River Trail

Located near Liscombe Lodge, there’s over 15km of trails but the river trail is the most popular, at 9.6 km. The trail follows both sides of the Liscomb River to a gorge, with a suspension bridge and a small waterfall. You’ll want to plan for 2-4 hours, depending on your pace. It took me and my kids just under 3 hours to do the hike.

West River Falls Trail (Sheet Harbour)

This shorter trail leads to a set of waterfalls right in Sheet Harbour. It’s more of a walk than a hike, but a great stop to stretch the legs along the way. It’s only about 20 minutes roundtrip and is best after the spring melt, or a good rain storm.

Half Island Point Trail (East Lawrencetown)

One of our favourites—this trail was a bit of a surprise the first time we hiked it, and it’s absolutely beautiful. The coastline views are the kind that make you pause and double-check that you’re not looking at a postcard.

It’s a 4.2 km loop that takes about 45 to 60 minutes, with just enough elevation to make it feel like a proper hike without being too difficult.

Heritage Villages and Museums

If you want to get a feel for the Eastern Shore’s history, these stops are well worth adding to your itinerary. From living history museums to old coastal homesteads, they’re hands-on, low-key, and often run by passionate locals who really care about preserving their communities’ stories.

Memory Lane Heritage Village (Lake Charlotte)

🔗 https://visitmemorylane.ca

This living museum recreates life in a 1940s coastal village, with costumed interpreters, hands-on exhibits, and heritage buildings you can walk through. There’s a general store, one-room schoolhouse, post office, and even an old truck you can ride in.

You can also book a clam digging adventure, which ends with a meal made from the clams you dug up yourself. It’s steamed, not fried, and very East Coast.

Fisherman’s Life Museum (Oyster Pond)

🔗 https://fishermanslife.novascotia.ca/

This small but lovely museum gives you a glimpse into the everyday life of an inshore fishing family. Set in a preserved homestead just off Trunk 7 between Musquodoboit Harbour and Clam Harbour, it’s quiet and peaceful, with well-tended gardens and simple displays that tell the story of how coastal families lived and worked.

Acadian House Museum (West Chezzetcook)

🔗 https://acadiedechezzetcook.ca/

A bit more inland, this museum shares the Acadian history of the West Chezzetcook area through food, farming, and storytelling. It’s another community-run spot that’s full of local pride.

Sherbrooke Village

🔗 https://sherbrookevillage.ca/

Set in the late 1800s, this larger, government-funded heritage site has over 25 buildings to explore, from a blacksmith shop and general store to a working post office and tea room. Costumed interpreters help bring the village to life, and let you see how life would have been a century ago.

One of the more unique experiences here is the Ambrotype photo session—a 19th-century-style portrait taken on glass using a real vintage camera. You’ll dress up in period costume and walk away with a keepsake that’s way more special than a smartphone selfie.

Farms and Animal Encounters

These spots are perfect if you’re looking for something a little slower-paced or if you’re travelling with kids (or just love animals). Whether you’re visiting a rescue centre or walking among donkeys and goats, these stops offer a different kind of connection to the Eastern Shore.

Ataraxy Farm (Lawrencetown)

🔗 https://www.ataraxyfarm.com

What started as a small animal therapy farm has grown into a great spot to visit on the Eastern Shore. Stop by and meet friendly goats, donkeys, horses, and chickens, take a free guided tour, or book a yoga class if you have a bit of extra time.

Their farm shop sells handmade bath bombs, soaps, and the absolute best-smelling shampoo bars. Saltwater Lavender is my favourite, and I always keep a Magnesium Relief bar on hand.

Hope for Wildlife (Seaforth)

🔗 https://www.hopeforwildlife.net/

This wildlife rescue and rehab centre offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work they do to care for injured animals. They host regular open days and guided tours where you can learn about their patients—from foxes and owls to the occasional porcupine.

Where to Eat and Drink Along the Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore isn’t packed with restaurants, but the spots you’ll find are locally run and full of character. Think roadside food trucks, cozy cafés, and breweries tucked into small towns. Many of these are perfect to pair with a beach day or trail stop—and a few are worth the drive on their own.

Lawrencetown Café

Just before you reach the beach, this spot is great for coffee, espresso, baked goods, or a light lunch. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, but we suggest taking a short walk behind the café up to the bluff—it’s one of the best lookouts in the area and perfect for watching the surf.

Bentley’s Burgers & Fries (Musquodoboit Harbour)

This food truck, located along Highway 207 between Lawrencetown and Musquodoboit Harbour, serves handcrafted smash burgers, pizzas, and even macaroni and cheese poutine. It’s a great choice if you’re heading inland from the beach or looking to refuel after a hike.
This isn’t just our suggestion, but also one of the top recommendations in our local Facebook group too.

Harbour Fish N’ Fries

Right across from the railway museum in Musquodoboit Harbour, this roadside fish and chips spot is a great spot to stop for a quick bite. It’s not fancy, but excellent fish and chips and great service. Just across the road at the railway museum is the Polar Express ice cream truck, with plenty of flavours to choose from and one of favourite places for ice cream in Nova Scotia.  

Martinique Desserterie

Located just before the turnoff to Martinique Beach, this spot sells cakes, pastries, sandwiches, and gluten-free desserts. It’s the perfect place to stock up before a beach day.

Harbour Brewing Company (Musquodoboit Harbour)

Tucked just off the highway in Musquodoboit Harbour, Harbour Brewing is a small-batch brewery with a relaxed, local feel. There’s a cozy indoor space and a dog-friendly patio, making it a great stop after Martinique Beach or a hike on the Musquodoboit Trailway. I don’t drink beer myself, but it’s said to be excellent—and the people behind it are lovely.

Marmalade Café (Sheet Harbour)

This cozy café serves good coffee, fresh sandwiches, and homemade baked goods. It’s located right in Sheet Harbour, about 10 minutes from the Marmalade Motel. Whether you’re passing through or looking for a lunch spot after exploring nearby trails, it’s an easy and worthwhile stop.

Henley House Pub (Sheet Harbour)

This pub-style restaurant has fish and chips, burgers, chowder, and local beers. It’s one of the more substantial sit-down options along the route, and it’s right near the falls trail.

Sober Island Brewing Co. (Sheet Harbour & Musquodoboit Harbour)

This brewery got its name from a nearby island (not a lifestyle choice) and serves up small-batch beer with creative flavours—yes, even oyster stout. They have two locations: the main taproom in Sheet Harbour, and a smaller satellite location at the Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum in the summer. Both spots have kid-friendly and dog-friendly patios, making them a great stop after a hike or a visit to the beach.

Authentic Seacoast (Guysborough)

This is more than just a brewery. They make Rarebird beer, Fullsteam Coffee, and a wide range of spirits, maple syrup, and even goat’s milk soap. You can stop in for tastings or shop their full product line in one place. There’s a nice indoor space for tasting, and there’s also some unique glamping yurts on the property if you’re staying over.

Hidden Gems and Side Trips

These are the places we love telling people about—the quirky, offbeat, or just plain beautiful spots that don’t usually show up on top 10 lists. Some are perfect little detours, others are the kind of places you end up remembering most from your trip.

Fisherman’s Cove (Eastern Passage)

This colourful boardwalk is full of small shops, folk art, candy, and signs that lean toward the playful and bizarre. We go here regularly—mostly for the ice cream at Jo’s Olde-Fashioned Candy & Ice Cream Parlour, but we’ve also picked up Christmas ornaments, fun souvenirs, and more than a few lobsters rolls from What’s the Scoop over the years.

The Pumpkin Patch is always a fun shop to browse if you’re into quirky signs or handmade home decor. And the purple unicorn shop is a hit – especially with the unicorn standing outside. It’s a great stop before or after a beach day—especially if you’re heading to nearby Rainbow Haven. 

Port Bickerton Lighthouse

This active lighthouse is tucked away on a quiet point and makes a great short stop if you’re venturing east of Sherbrooke. You can walk the trail, take in the ocean views, and even take a short ferry (weather and schedule permitting) depending on your route. It adds a bit to the drie, but it’s a good photo stop if you’re heading toward Tor Bay or Guysborough.

Tor Bay Provincial Park

Not as well-known or accessible as some of the larger parks, Tor Bay is a quiet coastal area near the far eastern tip of the shore. It’s a bit of a detour, but if you’re looking for a scenic spot for a picnic or a walk, it’s worth the drive. There’s long sandy beaches and a boardwalk through the trees, but no lifeguards or other services.

Liscombe Salmon Ladder

This one’s easy to miss, but it’s a nice short hike that follows the river to a suspension bridge and a salmon ladder used during migration season. It was the bridge that convinced my kids to do the hike in the first place.

It’s located right near Liscombe Lodge, and makes for a spot to stretch your legs if you’ve been driving along the Eastern Shore for a bit.

Murphy’s Boat Tour (Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean)

From the family-run Murphy’s Camping, you can join a boat tour of the 100 Wild Islands, one of the last remaining untouched archipelagos on the East Coast. It’s a quiet, guided trip through the kind of scenery you’d usually have to paddle to reach. Tours vary by season and by weather, so it’s best to call ahead. There’s also the option to rent kayaks if you’d rather explore solo.

Musquodoboit Harbour Farmers Market

Held Sundays from 10 to 2 (May to September, then bi-weekly through the off-season), this community market features everything from fresh produce and baking to locally made crafts and skincare. Located right off the highway near the arena, it’s a good spot to pick up snacks for the drive (or the hike – the trailhead is just across the road).

Where to Stay on the Eastern Shore

Accommodations are spread out along the Eastern Shore, and that’s part of the charm. You won’t find big hotel chains here—instead, you’ll come across motels with retro flair, family-run campgrounds, and a few creative spots for glamping and cabins. Here are a few places we’ve stayed (or have bookmarked for next time) that make great base camps.

Marmalade Motel (Port Dufferin)

One of our favourite stays along the shore. This retro-style motel is small, newly renovated, and full of personality—with themed rooms, a fire pit, board games, and even optional charcuterie or breakfast boxes delivered to your room. It’s about 15 minutes west of Sheet Harbour, making it a central base for a multi-day trip.

👉 Check rates and availabilty here

Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean (Murphy Cove)

Family-run since the ’60s, this campground sits right on the ocean and offers tent, RV, and seasonal sites. They also run boat tours of the 100 Wild Islands right from the dock, which makes this one of the most scenic and activity-packed places to stay along the coast. It’s a great option if you’re road-tripping with your tent or trailer.

Norse Cove Camping (East Ship Harbour)

This eco-friendly campground offers wood platforms for tents, Nordic huts, and small cabins—just enough space to sleep comfortably, with minimal impact on the land. It’s a low-key, peaceful place to stay and perfect if you want to rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the nearby coastline.

Authentic Seacoast Yurts (Guysborough)

This unique glamping spot features Mongolian-style yurts, complete with sunlight domes, screened windows, bunk beds for families, fire pits, and BBQs. Each unit has a hot tub and sauna, and some yurts have electricity. A few yurts are set apart from the others for a more private feel—one’s even on a semi-island. It’s off-grid but comfortable, and my kids loved it.

Liscombe Lodge

Located right on the Liscombe River, this lodge has cabins and lodge rooms, plus an on-site restaurant and trail access. It’s one of the more traditional accommodations on the shore, but with a classic riverside feel.

Boylston Provincial Park

We stayed here one night on the way back from Cape Breton—a bit of a last minute decision—and were pleasantly surprised by how nice it was. It’s a basic campground with tent sites, pit toilets, and fire pits, but the location is peaceful and close to Guysborough.

How to Plan Your Trip Along the Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore isn’t the kind of place you can rush through—it rewards the slow route. Whether you’re planning a full road trip from Lawrencetown to Guysborough or just piecing together a few day trips from Halifax, here are a few tips to make the most of it.

Suggested Routes

• Day trip from Halifax: Head out to Lawrencetown, stop at Ataraxy Farm, hit a trail like Half Island Point, then wind down at Martinique Beach or Clam Harbour.
• Weekend loop: Start at Fisherman’s Cove, follow Trunk 7 east through Musquodoboit Harbour, Taylor Head, and Sheet Harbour, overnight at Marmalade Motel or Norse Cove, then continue to Liscomb or Guysborough the next day.
• Full scenic route: From Halifax to Guysborough, stretch it over 2–4 days with stops at beaches, trails, heritage villages, and local food spots along the way.

👉 Need a full plan? Check out our 3-day Eastern Shore itinerary for a detailed route, including where to stay and what to see.

What You Need to Know

• Cell service can be patchy, as it is in many spots in Nova Scotia. I don’t get service at Martinique Beach and some spots further along the Eastern Shore.
• Gas up before you need to—stations are spread out in places.
• Bring cash, especially for markets, small museums, and roadside stands.
• Fog is common on coastal hikes early in the day—especially at places like Taylor Head.
• Some businesses (like farm tours, cafés, and food trucks) are seasonal—check ahead.
• Plan ahead for food. While there are some great spots to eat (see above), they’re spread out—and often seasonal. You won’t find a place to stop every few minutes like you would in the city, so it’s a good idea to pack snacks or picnic supplies, especially if you’re heading to a beach or trail.

Map of Beaches, Trails, and Stops Along the Eastern Shore

To make planning easier, here’s a custom map that includes all the beaches, hikes, museums, food stops, and hidden gems mentioned in this guide. Click around to explore and start plotting your own Eastern Shore adventure.

📍 Map created with help from my kid, who mapped every stop we’ve written about
(and added a few suggestions of his own, like the ice cream and desserts stops).

Final Notes Before You Hit the Road

The Eastern Shore might not have the fame of the Cabot Trail or the crowds of Peggy’s Cove—but that’s exactly why we keep coming back. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always a new beach, trail, or backroad café to discover.

We’ve spent years exploring this stretch of coast, and still find new favourites each season. We hope this guide helps you plan a few memorable stops—whether you’re road-tripping the whole route or just heading out for a quiet day at the beach.

Looking for More Nova Scotia Inspiration?

If this guide has you dreaming about ocean drives and quiet coastal stops, we’ve got plenty more to help you plan your trip. For a bigger-picture look at the province, check out our 10-day Nova Scotia itinerary, our list of the best places to see in Nova Scotia, or these great Nova Scotia road trips that explore every corner of the province—including the scenic Marine Drive along the Eastern Shore. If you’re visiting in warmer months, our post on things to do in Nova Scotia in summer is full of seasonal ideas and these. And if you’re staying close to the city, you might like our roundups of things to do in Halifax and the best day trips from Halifax—many of which include stops along the Eastern Shore.