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If you’re into lighthouses, stunning scenery, and maritime heritage, get yourself to Nova Scotia, Canada for a road trip along Nova Scotia’s Lighthouse Route.
Lighthouses are an integral part of Nova Scotia’s maritime history, each with its own unique character, scenic outlook and tale to tell. The lighthouse route makes for a fabulous, themed road trip along one of Canada’s most scenic drives.
The province of Nova Scotia sits on Canada’s east coast on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Its wild, rugged 13,000 km of coastline making it prime lighthouse territory.
In this post I’ll guide you along the lighthouse route and the Evangeline Trail sharing 17 must-visit lighthouses as well as charming fishing villages, beautiful landscapes and fabulous seafood found in this fascinating maritime region.
Where is Nova Scotia’s Lighthouse Route?
The lighthouse trail is a scenic roadway which follows Nova Scotia’s South Shore in the Southwest of the Canadian province. It starts at Halifax and follows along Highway 103 to Yarmouth.
Although the Lighthouse Route ends in Yarmouth, the lighthouses don’t. From here we picked up the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores scenic roadway and then the Evangeline Trail through Annapolis Royal, Wolfville and Grand-Pré adding in another six lighthouse sightings to our Nova Scotia itinerary.
Check out this map of the lighthouses we visited.
How many lighthouses in Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia lighthouses number an impressive 160 with 53 of them accessible to the public. Obviously, we couldn’t get around them all in just one week, but we saw 24 lighthouses on our tour of Nova Scotia which I think is pretty good going. I’m sharing 17 of them in this article
Here are my recommendations for exploring the Nova Scotia Lighthouse route to help you plan your own visit to this wonderful part of Atlantic Canada.
You’ll probably start your trip in Halifax, Nova Scotia’s lively capital. There’s plenty to see and do in Halifax and I recommend at least two nights in the city. Read more about what to see and do Halifax in my upcoming post.
The Lighthouse Route: Halifax to Liverpool
Day 1. Halifax to Liverpool: 294 km including the ferry.
This is where your Nova Scotia road trip of the lighthouse route begins. You could pick up a rental car at Halifax Airport on arrival which means you won’t need airport transfers, or you can pick one up in Halifax when you head off on your road trip. Compare car hire rates and availability in Nova Scotia.
The first leg of the Lighthouse Route from Halifax to Liverpool is packed with picturesque scenery, a ferry ride and four lighthouse stops. Leave Halifax and head out of the city along the scenic roadway to Canada’s most famous lighthouse…
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
Our first lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove is said to be the most photographed lighthouse in Canada. However, this iconic lighthouse, which was built in 1915, was shrouded in fog the day we visited. I guess that goes with the territory, but I hope you’ll agree that it made for some atmospheric shots as it guards its rocky outcrop overlooking the Atlantic.
Peggy’s Cove fishing village and harbour make for good photo ops. There’s a gallery and small café serving excellent seafood. Another café and gift shop are next to the lighthouse.
Travelbunny tip: Peggy’s Cove, aka Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, is one of Nova Scotia’s most well-known lighthouses and the crowds prove it.
Try and get there before 9am to get a parking spot and some decent photos without too many people. The car park was full by 9.30am.
LeHave and Fort Point Museum
At the mouth of the LaHave River, Fort Point Museum lighthouse and heritage park overlook pretty views of Dublin Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a designated National Historic Site. The light station was in use from 1876-1941 – the current one is a replica. There’s a second lighthouse, a tiny pepper pot, on site too.
The museum is in the original lighthouse keeper’s house showcasing a fascinating range of displays. There’s lighthouse equipment and memorabilia, exhibits going back to 1604 when the area was a new French settlement and more from when it was the home to the native Mi’kmaq people.
Port Medway Lighthouse
Before you reach Liverpool, you could make a quick pitstop at Port Medway Lighthouse. It’s one of those cute tapered wooden tower lighthouses painted white with a red lantern in a small park with a picnic area overlooking Medway Bay.
Fort Point Lighthouse, Liverpool
The fourth oldest surviving lighthouse in Nova Scotia was built in 1855. This pre-Confederation historic lighthouse was used to aid vessels through the inner harbour to the Mersey River. Fort Point Lighthouse was electrified in 1951, automated in 1964 and decommissioned in 1989. The hand-cranked foghorn still works, if you dare!
Where to stay in Liverpool
Spend the night in Liverpool at Lane’s Privateer Inn boutique hotel with café library, great restaurant and river views. I recommend the excellent chowder served in their restaurant.
The Lighthouse Route: Liverpool to Yarmouth
Day 2. Liverpool to Yarmouth is 200 km if you stick to Highway 103. If you dip in and out of the coastline to Crescent Beach, Sandy Point lighthouse and The Hawk it’s 244 km.
From Liverpool head towards Shelburne on Highway 103. If you like white sandy beaches, then stop off at Crescent Beach near Lockeport. It’s one of the best beaches in Nova Scotia with soft white sand, salt marshes, sand dunes and a 4km boardwalk trail.
If you’ve got time spend some time in the historic town of Shelburne which is packed with history. You’ll find plenty of 18th century wooden buildings in the Waterfront District and probably a dory or two moored in the harbour. Read more about Shelburne in upcoming posts. Continue past Shelburne following the Lighthouse Route south and you’ll soon arrive at…
Sandy Point Lighthouse
Sandy Point was one of my favourite lighthouses in Nova Scotia because it’s very picturesque but also walkable across the sand bar at low tide. It wasn’t quite low enough during our visit without getting waist deep in water but it’s a gorgeous spot with a lovely beach and cafe nearby. If we’d had more time, I’d have packed a picnic, my swimming costume and paddled over to this cute little, red-topped lighthouse.
Seal Island Lighthouse Museum
Enroute to Cape Sable Lighthouse you could stop in Barrington for a bonus lighthouse. Barrington is known as the Lobster Capital of Canada where Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack is an institution! When you’ve had your fill of luscious lobster check out Seal Island Lighthouse Museum. The 35 ft tall replica of the original historic lighthouse displays artefacts from local lighthouse keepers along with Fresnel lenses and other lighthouse paraphernalia. Views of Barrington Bay from the top are worth the short climb.
Seal Island Lighthouse Museum is only open June-August so do check the website for open days and times when planning your visit.
The Hawk and Cape Sable Lighthouse
Next stop is Cape Sable Island which is the most southerly tip of Nova Scotia. Head south from Barrington and drive over the causeway to the tip of the island known as The Hawk.
Hawk Beach is a beautiful spot and there’s lots of interesting sights to see. I could have spent the whole day here at the edge of the ocean under those huge skies.
From the white, sandy beach you can’t miss Cape Sable Lighthouse. Although it’s the tallest lighthouse in Nova Scotia at 101 feet tall, it’s located offshore and isn’t accessible. We could see its white light flashing from the beach.
At low tide look down and you’ll see the tips of the ‘drowned forest’ pointing up from the sand. This large area of petrified tree stumps is over 1,500 years old and makes for an unusual sight. The beach is also one of the most important birding areas in Nova Scotia so bring your binoculars.
From Hawk Beach head back to the NS-103 W and drive the 81 km to Yarmouth on Nova Scotia’s western shore.
Where to stay in Yarmouth
We stayed at the Comfort Inn in Yarmouth. It was exceptionally clean but a little way from the town centre which we’d have preferred. However, there was a big event on in the town, so accommodation was limited.
Lighthouses of the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Region
Day 3. Yarmouth to Digby is 104 km along NS-101 E
Cape Forchu Lighthouse
My absolute favourite lighthouse on our Nova Scotia road trip was Cape Forchu just a fifteen-minute drive from Yarmouth town centre.
Enroute you’ll pass Bug Light and Bunker Island, and you won’t be able to resist a photo stop at Yarmouth Buoy Wall on Yarmouth Bar. This colourful display of dozens of buoys in art installations pays homage to the area’s fishing heritage and spirit.
If you’ve never climbed a lighthouse then now’s your chance to experience the ‘climb the light experience’ at Cape Forchu, the highest climbable lighthouse in Nova Scotia. We climbed the spiral of 70 iron stairs and 7 rungs to the lantern room. At 123 feet high the views are stunning, and we had a great time checking out the views over the landscape.
The current tower was built from concrete in 1962 replacing a 122-year-old wooden lighthouse. Views from the top over the small island are stunning. you can even dine exclusively in the lantern room. How special would that be!
Afterwards take a stroll through Leif Ericson Park, passing an enormous whale skeleton, rock formations, and stunning ocean views. A museum is in the lightkeeper’s house which is very cute and there’s a shop with some nice gifts and souvenirs. The cafe serves hot food, drinks and snacks. You’ll want to spend at least two hours at Cape Forchu.
You’ll need to book in advance to climb the light so check Cape Forchu lighthouse website to help plan your trip.
From Yarmouth head off along Highway 1 along the Yarmouth and Acadian Shore scenic route. There’s a gorgeous beach stop at Mavillette Beach Provincial Park. The 1.5 km sandy beach is a great spot for beach walk, swimming or surfing.
Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park
You’ll be able to see Cape St Mary lighthouse on the clifftop from the shore at Mavillette Beach. The imposing cliffs and rocky outcrops on this part of Nova Scotia together with strong winds and fog meant a lighthouse was essential to protect the mariners in this busy fishing community. The original lighthouse started operating in 1868 and was replaced with the current one in 1965, nearly a century later.
It was in this part of Nova Scotia that we began to see evidence of the Acadian community that first settled here from France back in 1632. Acadian flags and symbols can be seen everywhere and many people in the Acadian community speak both English and French.
Smuggler’s Cove
10km outside Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park, heading north on Highway 1, Smuggler’s Cove Provincial Park is a very pretty spot overlooking a small bay. Smugglers used the cave to store rum during the prohibition before transporting it through north America. The views are gorgeous and it’s worth pulling off the road for to take in the stunning scenery.
Church Point Lighthouse
After standing for nearly 120 years the Church Point Lighthouse was swept away in the early 2000s and replaced by a replica built by Université Sainte Anne. The new lighthouse is part research facility, part museum, and prime birdwatching spot. It’s also known as Le Phare de la Pointe in Acadian.
Belliveau Cove Lighthouse
Continuing north you’ll come to Belliveau Cove. Officially known as Parc Joseph-et-Marie-Dugas there’s a 5km boardwalk beach trail, clam digging, fishing boats and, yes, you’ve guessed it, a cute little lighthouse. But the thing we loved most about it was the Acadian meal we had at La Vieille Ecole overlooking the beach and the lighthouse.
We shared a starter of clams, freshly dug from the beach, followed by haddock with creamy lobster sauce. One of the best meals of our trip was made extra special by the lovely husband and wife team who own and run the restaurant and B&B.
Gilbert’s Cove Lighthouse
A short distance along the coast you’ll come to Gilberts Cove Lighthouse, affectionately known as the “Greatest Little Lighthouse in Canada”. First lit in 1904 the historic structure has a small museum with old photos and exhibits and visitors can climb up into the lantern room where the old red light is on display. The tearoom is the quaintest ever and there’s a craft and gift shop with all proceeds helping to maintain the lighthouse. Outside is a picnic area and it’s a great spot for beachcombing and swimming.
20-minutes’ drive from Gilbert’s Cove is Digby, our final stop for the day.
Digby Pier Lighthouse
Digby is a lovely town to explore with a long waterfront, colourful houses, shops, cafes and restaurants. It’s also said to have the best whale watching in North America. There’s a great little maker’s market on Sundays on Admiral’s Walk and of course there’s a lighthouse. Digby Pier Lighthouse sits in a prime position on the boardwalk overlooking the bay, you can’t miss it.
Digby is known as the ‘scallop capital of the world’ and I wouldn’t disagree. I recommend lunch or dinner at The Crows Nest, on the waterfront where we had the juiciest scallops and delicious chowder paired with sea views.
Point Prim Lighthouse
Digby’s second lighthouse, vertically striped Point Prim, sits in a beautiful spot overlooking the mouth of Digby Gut. You’ll find it, unsurprisingly, at the end of Lighthouse Road. It’s a good spot for wildlife with sightings of seabirds, seals and, if you’re lucky, whales. the views are stunning, and you’ll see a wonderful sunset if you head there in the evening. Beware of the foghorn if you visit during a sea mist.
Where to stay in Digby
We booked into Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa. This iconic Nova Scotian resort overlooks the Annapolis Basin with sea views, outdoor pool and sweeping gardens. The town of Digby is about 10-minutes’ drive away.
Lighthouses of the Bay of Fundy and Annapolis Valley
Day 4: Digby to Wolfville approximately 104 km along NS-101 E
Our first stop from Digby is Annapolis Royal, originally the home of the Mi’kmaq community and then some of Canada’s first European Settlers. St. George Street, the main street, is designated a National Historic District as one of the oldest streets in North America.
Annapolis Royal Lighthouse
The lighthouse sits on the waterfront just off the town’s charming High Street and continues to be a working lighthouse with a heat-sensor light that activates at night. But the lighthouse isn’t the main attraction in this historical town.
Annapolis Royal is also home to Fort Anne National Historic Site, Canada’s oldest National Historic Site. We enjoyed our visit and explored the fort and museum learning how French, Scottish and English settlers have fought over this prime piece of land for centuries.
Good refreshment stops on St. George Street are Sissiboo Coffee Roaster and Annapolis Brewing Company. If you like ice cream pay a visit to 1 Scoop 2 Scoop.
Margaretsville Lighthouse
Head east for approximately 60km from Annapolis Royal and you’ll come to the small coastal town of Margaretsville. This is a gorgeous spot and not just because of its black and white pepper shaker style lighthouse. The lighthouse was one of the first to protect vessels on the Nova Scotian side of the Bay of Fundy and was built around 1859, the original wooden lighthouse is still in service today.
The lighthouse is part of Margaretsville Boathouse Heritage Centre and Boardwalk. We loved the beach walk which took us along a short boardwalk and then onto the beach itself where we walked as far as a pretty waterfall and saw seals basking in the water. There’s a small gallery nearby which you should also visit.
If you’re looking for a special meal to end your day, then head 60km along the coast to…
Halls Harbour Lobster Pound and Restaurant
Nova Scotia is famous for its excellent lobster and our next stop was Hall’s Harbour for my first ever lobster dinner. At Hall’s Harbour lobster pound we were lucky to get a table on the terrace and enjoyed our lobster with views of fishing boats moored on the harbour floor. It all got a bit messy, but it was a fabulous experience, and our lobster was incredibly sweet and tender and came with slaw and fries.
After your meal head to Wolfville which is around 30 km away but be sure to stop enroute and take in the views at Blomidon Look-Off located on North Mountain. The roadside stop offers panoramic views of the Annapolis Valley, and you can see up to five counties on a clear day. The name Blomidon comes from ‘blow me down’ because the area can get very windy.
Wolfville
Wolfville sits in the heart of the Annapolis Valley in the centre of Nova Scotia’s wine country overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Spend time exploring the local vineyards, there are eight within 10km of the town centre.
Grand-Pré National Historic Site is also nearby. The interpretive centre commemorates the Grand-Pré area as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755. Learn about the French settlers of the early 1600s and their fishing and farming techniques and the deportation of the Acadians, which began in 1755 and continued until 1762.
Where to stay in Wolfville
Check in at Blomidon Inn a 31-room historic hotel with two restaurants, gardens and a small fitness centre. Check rates and availability at Blomidon Inn.
195 Main Street, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Burntcoat Head Lighthouse
Day 5: Wolfville to Burntcoat Head approximately 91km
Burntcoat Head Lighthouse is the seventeenth and final stop on our road trip of Nova Scotia’s lighthouses and it’s in a very special place. The old wooden lighthouse overlooks the stunning scenery of the Bay of Fundy, site of the world’s highest recorded tides. The tide can rise and fall by up to 50 feet each day with an extreme range of 53.6 ft. It’s recommended to visit twice, once at low tide and again at high tide. Which we did.
At low tide, visitors can walk out on the ocean floor and explore the unique rock formations, tidal pools, and red sandstone cliffs left behind by the receding waters. There’s also a viewing platform for watching the dramatic tides come in and out.
Timing your visit is key. Arriving at low tide lets you experience the ocean floor walk, while high tide shows a completely different landscape. The park also features walking trails, picnic spots, and scenic views. Check the tide times here.
The lighthouse displays an interpretive centre where you can learn about the area’s geology, marine life, and history. You can also climb into the lantern turret for views over the Bay of Fundy.
We’d visited Burntcoat Head by helicopter earlier in our trip at low tide but I’ll share that exciting trip in another post. Subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss it.
I hope this article and the lighthouses in it have inspired you to explore the Lighthouse Route in Nova Scotia. If you have any suggestions or questions, let me know in the comments below!
This article was written in collaboration with Tourism Nova Scotia however, all views, opinions and love of a lighthouse are entirely my own.
Suzanne Jones is a full-time travel blogger and writer at The Travelbunny website which she started in 2011 during her time as a professional travel planner. This serial traveller enjoys exploring new destinations, culinary encounters and the outdoors. When she’s not indulging her wanderlust or writing about her adventures you’ll most likely find Suzanne, camera in hand, enjoying coastal walks on England’s South Coast.
Suzanne also runs Hello Sussex a website which showcases the best of East & West Sussex. Read more about Suzanne here…