3-Day Eastern Shore Itinerary: From Halifax to Guysborough
The Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia is remote, rugged, and often overlooked—but that’s exactly why it’s worth the trip.
Unlike the busier South Shore, the Eastern Shore is quieter and more laid-back. Small fishing villages dot the coastline, beaches stretch for kilometres, and the landscapes feel untouched. It’s a side of the province that still feels local and lived-in.
We’re based on this side of the harbour, so spots like Lawrencetown Beach and Musquodoboit Harbour are regular weekend stops. And the more we explore, the more we’re convinced this coast offers some of the best road trip scenery in Nova Scotia.
This three-day Eastern Shore itinerary starts just outside Halifax and winds along the coast to Guysborough, with suggested stops for hiking, beach time, local eats, and great overnight stays. You can end in Guysborough and carry on to Cape Breton or the Northumberland Shore—or loop back to the city, depending on your plans.
Day 1: Halifax to Sheet Harbour
Highlights: Lawrencetown Beach, Musquodoboit Harbour, Martinique Beach (optional), Taylor Head Provincial Park
The Eastern Shore begins just outside of Halifax—on, you guessed it, the eastern side. If you’re starting in Halifax, cross over to the Dartmouth side and head toward Highway 7. From here, the road winds along the coast and into quieter parts of the province.
Lawrencetown Beach
This well-known beach is a popular year-round surf spot, and easily one of the best beaches near Halifax. Even if you’re not into surfing, it’s a great place to walk along the shore and take in the fresh ocean air. It’s one of our go-to beaches, no matter the season—you’ll often find us here walking along the rocks or the path above the beach, especially when the waves are rolling in.
There’s also the Lawrencetown Beach Café just before you reach the beach. It’s a good spot for a mid-morning coffee or snack, especially if you want to sip on something warm while walking along the beach.
Musquodoboit Harbour Trailway
Pronounced mus-ka-dob-it, this small town is one of our regular stops. There’s a short but steep hike here—Skull Rock Trail—that’s part of the Musquodoboit Trailway network. It’s one of the best hikes near Halifax, with a quick climb and a rewarding viewpoint at the top.
Lunch in Musquodoboit Harbour
After your hike, stop for lunch at Uprooted Market & Café, a cozy café with fresh, local meals. If you’re visiting in summer, the old train station is one of our favourite spots for ice cream, or across the road you’ll find great fish and chips at Harbour Fish N’ Fries.
In December, the station also features a lobster trap Christmas tree. One year, we lucked out and when we visited, Santa and Mrs. Claus were inside the tree, greeting kids.
Optional Detour: Martinique Beach Provincial Park
If you have a couple of extra hours and the weather’s good, take a detour to Martinique Beach—one of our favourite beaches in the province. It’s the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia, with soft white sand and waves that are perfect for surfing—or in our case, body surfing with the kids. It’s a great spot to stretch out, relax, and let the day slow down a bit – cell reception is limited here, so you really will sit back and slow down!
Kayak the Wild Islands
Head to Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean near Tangier, where you can get out on the water and explore the 100 Wild Islands – a protected stretch of undeveloped coastal wilderness. You can rent a kayak, join a guided kayak tour, or take a boat tour (no paddling required). The area is full of sheltered coved, sandy island beaches, and wildlife like seals and seabirds.
We haven’t made it out yet ourselves, but it’s been on our list for a while. Seeing the Wild Islands is of the top things to do on the Eastern Shore and we’ve only heard great things from those who have done it. Whether you’re up for paddling or prefer a boat ride, it’s a unique part of the Eastern Shore that you won’t want to miss.
Alternate option: Taylor Head Provincial Park
If getting on the water isn’t in the plan, or if you have time after your tour, consider stopping at Taylor Head Beach instead. The beach here is just steps from the parking lot, and it’s one of the best beaches along the Eastern Shore. We’ve been twice now—and both times we arrived in the morning, only to find the trails and coastline completely fogged in. You’d think we’d learn by now, because like clockwork, the sun came out just as we were packing up to leave. If you can time your visit for later in the day, the views are incredible.
(not our photo, because it’s always so foggy when we are there…)
Dinner: Henley House Pub & Restaurant
After your afternoon at Wild Islands or Taylor Head, head into Sheet Harbour for dinner at Henley House. It’s a casual spot with a great patio, local beer on tap, and a simple, but good menu.
Where to Stay
- The Marmalade Motel (Port Dufferin)
About a 15-minute drive past Sheet Harbour, this oceanfront motel is small but stylish. It may feel like a slight backtrack, but it’s the best option in the area—and it’s absolutely worth the drive. I’ll be honest—the first time I heard my neighbour mention they were staying here, I didn’t think much of it. I pictured a dated, roadside spot. But I was very wrong. The rooms are beautifully done, the views are amazing, and the owners are incredibly welcoming. - Norse Cove Camping
If you’re camping, this spot just before Sheet Harbour is a great choice. The sites are set on wood platforms right along the coast, and it’s one of the most scenic campgrounds we’ve seen. There’s also an option to take a kayak tour of the Wild Islands, which is still on our bucket list. We’ve only heard good things and hope to finally do it this summer.
Day 2: Sheet Harbour to Liscomb Mills
Highlights: Taylor Head Provincial Park, West River Falls, Sober Island Brewing, Liscombe River Trail
While it might feel like backtracking a bit, heading back into Sheet Harbour in the morning makes sense—it’s only about 15 minutes from the Marmalade Motel and the best place nearby to grab coffee, explore a bit more, and start the day at a slower pace.
Sheet Harbour
Start with a coffee and snack at the Marmalade Café. They serve great coffee, breakfast items, and a variety of sandwiches—most of which can be made gluten-free.
West River Falls & Boardwalk (Sheet Harbour)
After picking up a coffee and breakfast, head for a walk along the West River Falls, right in the heart of Sheet Harbour. There’s a short boardwalk with great views of the waterfalls and a pedestrian bridge across the river. It’s not a long stop, but it’s a beautiful spot.
Optional: Taylor Head Provincial Park
Just a 12-minute drive from Sheet Harbour, Taylor Head is an easy addition to the day if you didn’t visit the day before—or if you want to return for a longer hike.
You can simply visit the beach, which is beautiful and easy to access, or head out on one of the trails. The Spry Bay Trail is a great shorter option, or try one of the longer loops if you’re up for a challenge. Either way, the scenery is worth the stop—and it’s one of our top picks to recommend along this stretch of coast.
Sober Island Brewing Co.
After your morning at Taylor Head, head back to Sheet Harbour and stop in at Sober Island Brewing. Whether you’re up for a cold drink, a snack, or just want to sit outside for a bit, this is an ideal spot to pause before continuing your drive.
Liscombe Lodge & River Trail
Continue to drive further east to Liscombe Lodge, about a 40-minute drive along the coast. Once there, take some time to explore the Liscomb River Trail. You can simply walk a short section along the river, or do the full loop, which takes anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours depending on your pace. The trail includes a suspension bridge and passes a salmon ladder, and while it’s not overly difficult, it’s definitely a longer walk—so plan accordingly. The riverside views are well worth the time if you’re up for it.
Dinner: At the Lodge
The on-site restaurant at Liscomb Lodge is your best choice here. Digby scallops are always my choice, but the cedar planked salmon also comes highly recommended. Portions are generous and the view alone makes it worth staying in for the evening.
Where to Stay
- Liscombe Lodge
This riverside lodge is a good spot to stop in the middle of the Eastern Shore. While it’s sometimes described as a resort, it’s more of a comfortable lodge-style property, with chalet-style cabins, traditional lodge rooms, and amenities like a pool, tennis courts and bikes, and an outdoor firepit. You’ll find walking trails right from the property, with river views and plenty of quiet. Cell service is limited, but Wi-Fi is available—just don’t expect to be constantly connected. We suggest booking a cabin if you can—they’re a bit more private and worth the upgrade.
Day 3: Liscomb Mills to Guysborough
Highlights: Sherbrooke Village, scenic coastal drive, Guysborough yurts or camping
Today’s route takes you inland for a bit of Nova Scotia history, then back out to the coast, ending in Guysborough—a quiet, scenic town that’s a great place to relax or launch your next adventure.
Sherbrooke Village
After breakfast at Liscombe Lodge, make your way to Sherbrooke Village—about a 40-minute drive inland. This living history museum is one of the largest in the province, with over 25 heritage buildings depicting life in Nova Scotia around 1867.
Walk through the old post office, visit the blacksmith, or check out the printing press—many of the interpreters are in costume and working in character, which brings the place to life. Plan to spend an hour or two here depending on your interest level. It’s an easy visit to do with kids, too.
Lunch
If you’re hungry after exploring the village, Beanie’s Bistro nearby is a good local stop. They serve coffee, sandwiches, soups, and salads—but they do close early (often by 2 pm), so plan ahead.
Optional Add-On: Tor Bay Provincial Park
If you’ve got a bit of extra time after visiting Sherbrooke Village, Tor Bay Provincial Park is a worthwhile detour. Located about 30 minutes southeast of Sherbrooke, this small park adds roughly 45 minutes of extra driving—but if you’re not in a rush, the remote beach and peaceful setting make it well worth it.
- A short boardwalk leads through low, wind-shaped trees
- The beach is sandy, scenic, and rarely busy—a perfect place to stretch your legs
- Feels truly off the beaten path, without the crowds of better-known parks
You’ll loop back inland before continuing toward Guysborough, so it does add a bit of extra driving—but it’s a worthwhile detour if you’re not in a rush.
Guysborough
From Sherbrooke, it’s about an hour’s drive to Guysborough. The road winds through quiet inland communities before bringing you back to the coast. If you’re not in a rush, this is a good time to stop for photos or short breaks along the way.
Where to Stay
- Yurts at Authentic Seacoast
One of the more unique stays in the region—these oceanfront yurts are set on a private vineyard and offer both comfort and a bit of adventure. You’ll have your own space, a hot tub and firepit, and views out over Chedabucto Bay. Plus, on-site in the main building, you’ll also find a distillery, brewery and coffee roaster. - Boylston Provincial Park
If you’re camping, Boylston is just across the harbour from Guysborough and offers wooded sites with views of the water. It’s peaceful, low-key, and a great place to wind down the trip. - DesBarres Manor Inn (optional upgrade)
If you’re looking for something more upscale, DesBarres Manor is a historic inn right in Guysborough. It’s elegant but laid-back, with one of the best dining rooms in the area.
From Guysborough, you’re in a good spot to continue on to Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail via the Canso Causeway, head north to Antigonish and the Northumberland Shore, or slowly make your way back to Halifax.
Travel Tips for the Eastern Shore
- Fill up when you can: Gas stations are few and far between along this route.
- Pack snacks and water: Some stretches don’t have many food stops, especially outside of summer.
- Book accommodations in advance: Options are limited, especially during peak season.
- Cell service can be spotty: Download maps or directions ahead of time to be safe.
- Be ready for variable weather: Mornings are often foggy, and even in summer, it can be chilly along the coast. Bring layers and plan beach visits for the afternoon.
- Want more help packing? Check out our Nova Scotia road trip packing list for essentials.
Wrapping Up: Where to Next?
This three-day road trip along Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore takes you through some of the province’s most peaceful and lesser-known coastal communities. It’s a route we keep coming back to—not just because it’s close to home, but because it still feels authentic and low-key in the best way.
From surf beaches and quiet hikes to local breweries and coastal kayaking, there’s a lot to see here—but it doesn’t feel rushed. And whether you end your trip in Guysborough, or keep going toward Cape Breton or the Northumberland Shore, the drive feels like its own reward.
We hope this guide helps you plan your own Eastern Shore adventure. If you’ve got favourite stops along the way—or end up adding your own detours—we’d love to hear about them.
Planning more adventures in Nova Scotia?
If this guide has you dreaming about ocean drives and quiet coastal stops, we’ve got plenty more to help you plan. Take a look at our 10-day Nova Scotia itinerary for a bigger-picture view of the province, or check out our guide to the best places to see in Nova Scotia.
We’ve also rounded up some of the best Nova Scotia road trips, including scenic routes like the Marine Drive along the Eastern Shore. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, don’t miss our list of things to do in Nova Scotia in summer—it’s packed with seasonal favourites.
And if you’re basing yourself in Halifax, we’ve got suggestions for things to do in the city and the best day trips from Halifax—many of which include stops along this stretch of coast.
