Things to Explore in Peggy’s Cove
- Admire the iconic lighthouse and coastline.
- Experience thrilling boat tours of the area.
- Engage in kayaking adventures in Lower Prospect Point.
- Pay your respects at the Swiss Air Memorial.
- Enjoy a peaceful sunrise at the lighthouse.
- Discover local art and cuisine in the village.
- Dine on delicious seafood at renowned eateries.
- Understand the risks while visiting the scenic coastline.
- Find accommodation options near the Cove.
As we climbed aboard the Sea Dog IV, we felt giddy with excitement. This was our first boat tour ever on the Atlantic Coast of Canada, and we were going out to view one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic landmarks, Peggys Cove.
However, there are so many more activities to enjoy in Peggy’s Cove beyond simply marveling at its beauty. If you are planning to visit this picturesque fishing village just 30 minutes from Halifax, consider extending your stay to more than just a day.
Things to do in Peggy’s Cove Nova Scotia
Peggy’s Cove is a magical, timeless destination where one could rent a cottage for the summer and slow down to enjoy Canada’s coastal playground. Moreover, Peggy’s Cove welcomes over 700,000 visitors per year from around the world, making it one of Nova Scotia’s top tourist attractions.
Therefore, we suggest visiting Peggy’s Cove at sunrise and sunset when the crowds diminish, allowing you to feel as though you have it all to yourself. Since you are staying overnight for sunrise, check out all the things to do at Peggy’s Cove over two days.
- Great news: Peggy’s Cove is the first tourism destination in Atlantic Canada to achieve “Accessibility Certified Gold” rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification. There is a range of accessible features including transformed sidewalks and parking lots to enable visitors of all abilities to enjoy an accessible viewing platform.
About Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove epitomizes the life and history of Atlantic Canada. Legend has it that Peggy’s Cove was named after a shipwreck survivor named Peggy. She was the sole survivor of a wreck, and as she settled in, she married a local fisherman, becoming known as Peggy of the Cove.
This small village was founded in 1811 when six families were granted 800 acres. Today, Peggy’s Cove remains a working fishing village with lobster boats moored in the harbor, where colorful wooden houses line the tiny inlet.
However, the fishing culture of Peggy’s Cove is fading. Corporations are acquiring fishing licenses from retiring fishermen, and the younger generation is seeking new lifestyles in the cities. Notably, the average age of fishermen in Peggy’s Cove is now 50 years old!
If you are up for it, Captain Peter even lets you take a spin at the wheel when we are safely in a quiet bay. Consequently, the tour is peaceful, informative, and entertaining. Exploring the islands and nearby harbors is an experience that shouldn’t be missed, making it worthwhile to get out on the water and discover the coastline’s different island formations and neighboring villages.
Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours
If you do visit Peggy’s Cove in the afternoon, a fun way to avoid the crowds is to hop on a Peggy’s Cove Boat Tour. It’s interesting to see the lighthouse and shoreline from this unique perspective.
There is only one tour company that offers boat tours. You can check for availability in advance or see if you can hop on a tour at the last minute. Tours leave the port two to five times each day during the peak season.
The first sight once you leave the harbor is the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse. As you sail by, the Captain sounds the horn, letting everyone at the lighthouse know just how much fun you are having.
The tour then takes you through beautiful homes and plots of land with private beaches in the nearby inlet of West Dove, showcasing the prosperity the fishing industry has brought to these parts.
- See Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours for more details.
Kayaking at Lower Prospect Point
Kayaking at Lower Prospect Point was our first time kayaking on the East Coast of Canada, and we loved it! While many think of kayaking on the Bay of Fundy when visiting Nova Scotia, the east coast offers incredible scenery and quiet coves to explore.
Kayaking at Lower Prospect is the perfect introduction to sea kayaking since the water is calm, and the bay is protected. We primarily paddled through secure coves, but our guide, Krista, mentioned she enjoys taking people out to the sea for challenging crossings to introduce them to a bit of adventure.
If individuals only paddled smooth water, they wouldn’t fully appreciate the ocean’s power. This experience allows them to feel the sea’s strength in a controlled environment. Kayaking at Lower Prospect makes for an excellent day trip from Peggy’s Cove or Halifax, with 4-hour tours available through East Coast Outfitters.
Visit the Swiss Air Memorial
Located just outside of Peggy’s Cove, the Swiss Air monument pays tribute to the 229 individuals who tragically lost their lives in the Swiss Air bombing of 1998. The crash occurred just 8 km (5 miles) off the coast of Peggy’s Cove, and this monument is dedicated to the victims and rescue workers who worked tirelessly to help clean up the wreckage and search for survivors.
Walk to Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse at Sunrise
Flocks of tourists and tour buses stop to see the lighthouse throughout the day. However, if you stay overnight in Peggy’s Cove and visit the lighthouse at sunrise, you will enjoy the tranquility of having it all to yourself. Look for pools of water reflecting the lighthouse in the glistening sun and relish the opportunity to explore the unique rock formations. It’s an unforgettable experience to stroll along the giant rolling formations to view the lighthouse from diverse angles.
The unique coastline of Peggy’s Cove was shaped over thousands of years by retreating glaciers and ocean tides carving patterns into 400 million-year-old rock. The granite rock was formed by molten lava bubbling up from the earth’s surface.
Picture Postcard Views
The 100-year-old Peggy’s Cove lighthouse offers postcard-perfect photo opportunities. The historic lighthouse stands high above the raging sea, its beacon still guiding passing ships.
Part of what attracts visitors to Peggy’s Cove is the opportunity for hiking along the massive smooth rocks, providing various perspectives of the breathtaking scenery.
Explore Peggy’s Cove Village
A delightful afternoon can be spent strolling through the village, searching for local art or ordering a fresh catch of the day at the Sou’Wester restaurant, located right beside the lighthouse. We enjoyed sitting on colorful Adirondack chairs at the local coffee shop while basking in the sun and listening to other visitors rave about this enchanting destination. Additionally, shopping in the gift shops for the perfect East Coast souvenir added to our delightful experience.
Listen to the Bagpipes
Nova Scotia shares strong ties with Scottish culture, and you may even spot someone playing the bagpipes during your visit to Peggy’s Cove. It’s a truly magical moment that enhances the uniqueness of your trip.
William deGarth Art Gallery
William deGarth, a local artist who moved to Peggy’s Cove from Switzerland, has a gallery showcasing 65 pieces of his work, starting from his early marine paintings and transitioning to sculptures.
William deGarth Fisherman’s Monument
Be sure to visit the area behind the museum to see his masterpiece, the Fisherman’s Monument. This dedication to the fishermen of Nova Scotia spans 30 meters (100 feet) and was a challenging piece of granite rock to carve.
Eat Lobster at Sou’ Wester
Sou’ Wester is an institution in Peggy’s Cove. Operating for 50 years, no trip to the lighthouse would be complete without stopping in for some fresh Nova Scotia seafood. Be sure to try the lobster nachos or lobster mac and cheese. If seafood is not your preference, the fish tacos are highly recommended.
Dangers of Peggy’s Cove
Exercise caution when visiting Peggy’s Cove! Avoid walking too close to the water and never stand on the black rocks, as rogue waves can unexpectedly sweep people out to sea. Tragically, people have lost their lives at Peggy’s Cove by disregarding these warnings.
Take heed of the warning signs and do not become a Peggy’s Cove casualty. However, if you search diligently, you can find a secluded rock to enjoy the view, free from any cares.
Some families have thrived so substantially that they have acquired beautiful homes and plots of land with private beaches in the nearby inlet of West Dover.
Where to Stay at Peggy’s Cove
There are numerous accommodation options near Peggy’s Cove, surrounded by stunning landscapes to explore. Take your time at Peggy’s Cove to fully relish the experience! We opted for a stay at Oceanstone Resort, which is situated just 5 minutes from Peggy’s Cove.
The beautiful private cottages are ideal for couples or families, featuring complete kitchens, private fire pits, and beachfront properties. It’s a secluded slice of paradise that you won’t ever want to leave. Furthermore, there’s also a dining room and bakery on-site.
It’s places like this that truly add to the charm of traveling through Nova Scotia. Many of the bed and breakfasts are family-run, with personal touches designed to make you feel right at home.
While many visitors simply spend a couple of hours at Peggy’s Cove, we found that two solid days didn’t suffice. We could have easily enjoyed another! It’s a timeless destination that allows you to experience what life was, and is, like for the hardworking families of Nova Scotia.
