Top 15 Beaches to Explore in Nova Scotia

Finding a sandy strand in Nova Scotia is as easy as taking a drive along the coast. With approximately 200 stretches of beach punctuating the 7,500 km (4,660 miles) of its coastline, you are bound to discover breathtaking shorelines that perfectly suit your style.

The Atlantic coast around Halifax boasts a particularly dense concentration of stunning beaches. Building sandcastles, reading for leisure, or simply strolling along the fine sands are favorite pastimes. In a place where crowding is seldom an issue, many beaches are as enticing for their ecosystems – over 50 are protected in provincial or national parks.

While swimming in the Atlantic waters can be brisk, many other coastal areas and river settings offer warmer alternatives. Here, we list our 15 favorite beaches in Nova Scotia.

1. Rissers Beach

Best beach for camping

The beach at this provincial park is adjacent to a campground, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to explore the area further. Despite hurricane damage in September 2023, it remains a lovely spot for a walk along the white sandy stretch. Some campsite facilities will reopen in 2024 following renovations.

Detour: Explore artisan shops like Westcote Bell Pottery and enjoy a meal at LaHave Bakery in nearby LaHave.

2. Summerville Beach

Best beach for Atlantic swimming

Summerville Beach flows away from beachside accommodations and curves into the Broad River’s mouth. The warm, fresh water is perfect for swimming, while the dunes separate the beach from a vibrant salt marsh filled with birdlife.

3. St. Catherine’s River Beach

Best beach for wildlife

This seaside extension of Kejimkujik National Park offers regular sightings of seals, shorebirds, and even bears. Although the walk from the parking lot to the beach may take about an hour, the experience is worth every step. Camping is available for a longer stay, allowing you to explore the park’s excellent hiking trails.

4. Carters Beach

Best beach for photos

The stunning contrast between fine white sand and the Caribbean-like turquoise waters makes Carters Beach a favored spot for photography enthusiasts. Tucked away at the end of Port Mouton village, this picturesque beach can get crowded, so remember to visit with consideration for local residents.

5. Crescent Beach, Lockeport

Best beach for events

The Crescent Beach Bash is a lively annual event bringing music and fun to Lockeport. Residents enjoy easy access to the festivities. The beautifully designed Beach Centre provides washrooms and changing rooms, complementing one of the most picturesque beaches in Nova Scotia.

6. Mavillette Beach

Best beach to discover Acadian culture

Located at the south end of Nova Scotia’s French Acadian coast, Mavillette Beach is backed by high dunes and a sprawling salt marsh. Explore the local fishing wharf and the promontory crowned with a lighthouse rich in interpretive signs revealing the area’s Acadian settlement history.

7. Blomidon Beach

Best beach for experiencing the world’s highest tides

Located beneath the red, crumbling cliffs, Blomidon Beach provides expansive views and unique natural phenomena. As the tides ebb, extensive mudflats become visible, creating a fascinating landscape.

8. Scots Bay Beach

Best beach for rockhounding

Scots Bay offers a unique experience with a diverse collection of pebbles, including agate, amethyst, and quartz. While exploring the beach, visitors can also enjoy searching for driftwood scattered along the shore.

9. Lawrencetown Beach

Best beach for surfing

Surfers flock to Lawrencetown Beach throughout the year, often in wetsuits. The rolling waves are perfect for surf enthusiasts, and local surf schools offer opportunities for beginners to learn.

10. Clam Harbour Beach

Best beach for sandcastles

August features the eagerly awaited sandcastle competition at Clam Harbour Beach, drawing thousands for participation and admiration of sculptors. Kids and adults alike engage in creating impressive sandy spectacles.

11. Melmerby Beach

Best beach for warm waters and families

Melmerby Beach features some of Nova Scotia’s warmest waters, making it perfect for families. The beach is equipped with showers, changing rooms, and supervision, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

12. Arisaig Beach

Best beach for fossil hunting

Arisaig is rich in geological history, with cliffs holding an array of ancient fossils. Visitors can discover remnants of creatures from over 400 million years ago along the shore.

Detour: Just a short hill walk away is the Steinhart Distillery, where guests can enjoy a selection of German-inspired drinks and cocktails made with premium spirits.

13. Inverness Beach

Best beach for golf and beer

Inverness Beach showcases the transformation from a coal mining settlement to a thriving tourist destination, offering beautiful shoreline views down the hill from the main street. Notably, this beach fronts two of the world’s top golf courses.

Detour: Craft beer enthusiasts will enjoy Route 19 Brewing, a vibrant taproom just across the street.

14. Black Brook Cove Beach

Best beach for contrasting experiences

Located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this charming beach features a brook that meanders from the woodlands. After a refreshing ocean dip, visitors can travel inland to discover Mary Ann Falls, one of the best swimming holes in Nova Scotia.

15. Winging Point

Best beach for a remote hike

Winging Point is the wildest beach in Nova Scotia, featuring twin beaches that gracefully extend from a rocky point. Eagles glide overhead while seals bask on the sands. A 4 km (2.5-mile) hike through the Gabarus Wilderness Area leads to this breathtaking destination.

Detour: Don’t miss Fort Louisbourg, the largest historical reconstruction in North America, which is a must-see for visitors to Cape Breton.

This content was originally published on September 1, 2021, and has been updated as of May 25, 2024.