10 Best Things to Do in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
Looking for the best things to do in Mahone Bay? Here’s 10 ideas to fill a relaxed afternoon.
Just under an hour from Halifax and minutes from Lunenburg, Mahone Bay is one of those places that feels instantly inviting. Maybe it’s the colourful storefronts, the iconic trio of seaside churches, or the fact that everything you’d want to see is within a short, scenic walk.
We’ve visited Mahone Bay in every season—most often in summer, but also for the festive Scarecrow Festival in the fall, and during long weekends in the winter. It’s the kind of place where you can pick up a coffee, browse a few shops, and stumble across something unexpected (like a fairy house tucked along a wooded trail).
In this guide, you’ll find 10 easy ways to enjoy Mahone Bay—no rigid itinerary required. Just a few hours, some comfortable shoes, and an appetite for local flavour.
Top Things to Do in Mahone Bay
From iconic photo spots to local shops, trails, and unexpected touches, here are ten easy ways to enjoy this small but scenic South Shore town.
1. Snap a Photo of the Three Churches
No visit to Mahone Bay is complete without a stop to admire the town’s most iconic view: the three waterfront churches standing side by side along Edgewater Street. They’re one of the most photographed scenes in Nova Scotia—and it’s just as picturesque in person as it is in photos.
You’ll get the best view (and photo) from across the bay, near the public parking lot beside Rebecca’s. From there, the churches line up perfectly, with boats bobbing in the foreground and seasonal flowers or snow depending on the time of year.
2. Browse Local Shops and Studios
Shopping is half the fun in Mahone Bay, with plenty of independent boutiques and studios lining the main strip. The town is known for its artisan galleries, curated home goods, and colourful storefronts—many housed in heritage buildings along Main Street.
One shop I always try to pop into is The Teazer, Mahone Bay’s oldest gift shop. It’s a little quirky—in the best way—with everything from funny greeting cards to home décor and Nova Scotia-made products.
Another favourite is Northern Sun Gallery & Gifts, where you’ll find everything from handcrafted pottery and prints to beautiful, locally made jewellery. It’s the kind of shop where there’s always something new and unique – I picked up some gorgeous earrings here the last time we visited—couldn’t resist!
Whether you’re gift hunting or just browsing for fun, it’s easy to spend an hour (or more) popping in and out of shops. And because the town is compact and walkable, you won’t need a plan—just take your time and see what catches your eye.
3. Sip Craft Beer at Saltbox Brewing Co.
Right in the heart of town, Saltbox Brewing Co. is a relaxed and welcoming spot to take a break. The small-batch brewery serves up a rotating list of craft beers—including some fun, seasonal releases. If the weather’s good, grab a seat on the patio and settle in for a bit of people-watching or just enjoy the slower pace.
Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, it’s worth popping in—Saltbox usually has a solid cider on tap too. The vibe is casual, and you’ll often find locals stopping in for a pint or a flight. Depending on the day, there might be live music or a food truck parked out front. There’s no kitchen on-site, but the taproom keeps a stack of takeout menus from nearby restaurants if you’re planning to hang out for a while.
It’s an easy stop to build into your visit—whether you’re starting your afternoon here or winding it down.
4. Explore the Faerie Trails of Mahone Bay
Tucked along quiet corners and forested edges of Mahone Bay, the Faerie Trails are one of the town’s most unexpected (and fun) experiences. Follow the path that’s dotted with tiny handcrafted fairy houses, whimsical displays, and seasonal touches—some hidden, some proudly on display.
My boys and I visited recently and we all loved it. The trail was a bit longer than I expected, starting near the Aquatic Garden and winding its way back toward Main Street, but well signed all along the way. Some of the fairy houses had incredible detail—tiny clotheslines, mushroom roofs, incredibly detailed bridges, miniature tools—and it felt like we discovered something new at every turn.
There’s even a spot where you can leave your own wish for the faeries, so be sure to bring a slip of paper and a pen if you want to add one. It’s a creative, community-built space that invites you to slow down, look closely, and enjoy something truly local.
5. Visit During the Scarecrow Festival
If you’re looking for something fun to do in September, the Scarecrow Festival in Mahone Bay kicks off the last weekend of the month. But even if you’re visiting after the official launch, the scarecrows are displayed until Canadian Thanksgiving, which falls on the second weekend in October.
During that time, the whole town gets in on the fun, with hundreds of scarecrows set up along the streets, in shop windows, and tucked into unexpected corners.
We’ve visited a few different years and it’s always fun to see the creativity on display. You’ll spot everything from traditional crows in overalls to more elaborate figures—past years have featured everyone from Charles and Camilla to Kate and William, along with witches, fishermen, and plenty of quirky characters.
6. Grab a Coffee at The Barn Coffee & Social House
Just off Main Street, The Barn Coffee & Social House is the perfect spot to pick up a coffee before exploring the town. Housed in—you guessed it—a renovated barn, the café has a relaxed vibe with high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and a steady stream of locals and visitors.
The coffee here is excellent, and they’ve got a nice selection of baked goods if you need a snack to go with it—my kids love the German cake. It’s the perfect stop to grab a coffee before exploring town, but if you’re looking for other options, you’ve got a few: Jo-Ann’s Deli Market & Bake Shop and The Nosy Crow Bistro (we had an excellent lunch there) sit right beside each other, and if you’re more of a tea fan, Spill the Tea is another great choice.
7. Go Biking on the Bay to Bay Trail
If you’re looking to stretch your legs a bit more, rent a bike and hit the Bay to Bay Trail, a former rail line that connects Mahone Bay with nearby Chester and Lunenburg. The trail is mostly flat and easy to ride, with plenty of coastal scenery and wooded stretches along the way.
Sweet Ride Cycling in Mahone Bay rents bikes and can point you toward the best route for the time you have. You can do a short spin just outside of town or make a longer day of it by riding all the way to Lunenburg. Either way, it’s a great way to see a different side of the South Shore at a slower pace.
8. Visit Oak Island
Just down the road from Mahone Bay, Oak Island is famous for its legends of hidden treasure and centuries of mystery. While you can’t freely wander the island itself, there are still ways to experience it.
One of the best is with Salty Dog Sea Tours, which takes you out on the water for a close-up look at the island while sharing the history and treasure-hunting tales that have made it so well known.
We haven’t done the tour yet—it’s high on our list, especially since my son researched Oak Island for a school project last year—but even from shore, the area has a certain pull. Between the scenery and the stories, it’s an easy add-on when you’re already in Mahone Bay.
9. Explore the Mahone Bay Museum
Right in the centre of town, the Mahone Bay Museum offers a glimpse into the area’s history and culture. It’s a small museum, but it covers a lot—everything from shipbuilding and early settlers to the stories behind Mahone Bay’s most recognizable landmark, the three churches.
It’s worth popping in if you’re curious about the town’s past or just want to add a little context to your visit. Exhibits change from time to time, so there’s often something new to see, and admission is by donation.
10. Try a Lobster Roll (or Ice Cream) from Rebecca’s
For a classic South Shore bite, head to Rebecca’s. The restaurant itself is a sit-down spot, but in summer the kiosk out front is the real draw—serving lobster rolls, fish and chips, and ice cream to go.
It’s also one of the best places to enjoy the view of Mahone Bay’s three churches, since the kiosk sits right across from the waterfront. We’ve stopped here plenty of times for lobster rolls and a cone before wandering back through town, and my kids declare it one of the best lobster rolls in Nova Scotia—and they’ve tried a few!
Practical Tips for Visiting Mahone Bay
Parking:
There is some street parking along Main Street, but it’s often easier to find a spot on a side street and walk in. The town is small, flat, and very walkable.
Timing:
Mahone Bay is easy to explore in half a day, but you could easily linger longer—especially if you combine it with a stop in nearby Lunenburg.
Best Seasons:
Summer and early fall are the most popular times to visit, with plenty of shops and cafés open and events like the Scarecrow Festival adding extra fun. That said, Mahone Bay is pretty year-round.
Getting There:
Mahone Bay is less than an hour from Halifax by car. If you don’t have your own vehicle, there are tours from Halifax that combine Mahone Bay and Lunenburg into an easy day trip.
This small group tour visits both Mahone Bay and Lunenburg, as well as Peggy’s Cove, while another option includes a few hidden gems to give you a real taste of the South Shore.
Final Thoughts on Mahone Bay
Mahone Bay may be small, but it’s full of things that make it worth the stop. From browsing shops and sampling local flavours to exploring trails and taking in the famous waterfront view, it’s a town that rewards both quick visits and slower wanders.
Whether you’re making a day trip from Halifax or combining it with a visit to Lunenburg, these 10 things to do in Mahone Bay show why it deserves a spot on any Nova Scotia itinerary.
