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Perched atop wave-worn granite and gazing out over St. Margaret’s Bay, Peggy’s Level Lighthouse is without doubt one of the most photographed locations in all of Canada. The whitewashed tower rising from rugged rock has develop into a logo of Nova Scotia’s maritime soul: resilient, dramatic, and deeply stunning.
Whether or not you’re visiting as a part of a scenic street journey from Halifax or staying close by at Oceanstone Resort, like we did, this charming fishing village and its well-known lighthouse deserve at the least half a day to discover slowly.
We visited Peggy’s Cove as a part of our 7-day Nova Scotia street journey (in partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia) and found it was greater than your typical vacationer attraction, however an essential historic place. Right here’s the whole lot you must learn about visiting Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and the close by village.
A quick historical past of Little Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove is a small fishing village in Nova Scotia’s South Shore, only a 40-minute drive from town of Halifax. It was based in 1811, when six German households — the Izenhaurs, Troops, and Kayser — have been granted land by the Province of Nova Scotia.
For hundreds of years, fishing has sustained this tight-knit group, which at the moment numbers round 30 everlasting year-round residents. Regardless of its small inhabitants, almost 1,000,000 guests come annually to admire the beautiful pure panorama and coastal surroundings, wander the village lanes, and, after all, {photograph} the enduring lighthouse, making it one of many busiest vacationer sights in Nova Scotia.
The present Peggy’s Level Lighthouse, also referred to as Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, was inbuilt 1915, changing an older picket construction from 1868. Although it’s now not manned, it’s nonetheless a working lighthouse and federal heritage constructing whose beacon continues to information fishermen and sailors — and vacationers — to protected harbor. It additionally served as a submit workplace till November 2009.
The brand new lighthouse is legendary for its character-defining components, from its distinctive octagonal form to its elegant profile to its crimson lantern room on the high.
Issues to do in Peggy’s Cove
We spent just some hours within the Peggy’s Cove space and had loads of time to do the next issues …
1. Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
You may’t go to Peggy’s Cove with out strolling throughout the glacier-smoothed granite to see the octagonal lighthouse up shut. There isn’t a lot to do right here besides wander, soak within the views, and take photographs, however that’s precisely the purpose.
For the very best photographs, step again somewhat — capturing the lighthouse in its full context, framed by the Atlantic and the rocky shoreline, offers a greater sense of scale and ambiance.
A brand new accessible viewing deck now makes visiting the lighthouse a extra accessible expertise, offering a protected vantage level for photographs and ocean views.
⚠️ Security tip: By no means stroll on the black rocks — they’re moist, slippery, and unpredictable. Rogue waves can crash in unexpectedly. There are indicators in every single place warning of the risks of the shoreline and sudden excessive waves – lives have been misplaced, so don’t take possibilities.
2. Discover Peggy’s Cove Village
Peggy’s Cove village is as postcard-perfect because it will get: colourful houses perched on rocky slopes, lobster traps stacked by the docks, and fishing boats bobbing within the tiny harbor. It’s a type of uncommon locations that also feels genuine, because it’s an energetic fishing village, even because it welcomes guests from around the globe.
Wandering by way of the village, you’ll discover how slim the roads are — parking is usually a problem — so persistence and courtesy go a good distance. It’s superb to think about how locals navigate life right here amid the each day inflow of vacationers.
Whereas Peggy’s Cove will be busy, step again, breathe, and look past the lighthouse. Watch the fishing boats are available, chat with locals, and take within the scent of salt and seaweed carried by the wind. It’s these easy, sensory moments that make Peggy’s Cove a memorable a part of your Nova Scotia journey.
3. Go to Six by the Sea (Village throughout the Village)
A spotlight of Peggy’s Cove is the Six by the Sea village — a set of six restored heritage buildings painted in cheerful colours and residential to outlets, galleries, and eateries celebrating East Coast creativity and hospitality. I discovered it to be a considerate and modern option to carry to life the historic worth of the realm in a contemporary and purposeful approach.
- The Crimson Schoolhouse (1839): As soon as the guts of this group, it now hosts intimate performances and cultural programming. There was a pleasant attendant inside who shared tales of its historical past, together with how 32 college students as soon as match into this tiny classroom.
- Margaret’s Café: A comfortable spot for espresso, chowder, or a panini. Inside, you’ll discover nods to Nova Scotian craftsmanship and the fishing trade of the native communities — from Bass River chairs to tables made out of outdated beams and a lobster lure base. We loved a espresso and muffin break right here; anticipate traditional coffeehouse brews fairly than third-wave espresso.
- Holy Mackerel: A whimsical boutique that includes over 100 Atlantic Canadian artisans; it’s the right place for memento purchasing. You’ll discover beautiful presents, homeware, and native treats — all housed in a superbly renovated house.
- Spindrift Gallery: Showcasing modern Atlantic Canadian artists and pictures, it’s a beautiful place to attach with the native inventive spirit. The constructing, a part of the Peggy’s Cove Centre for Arts & Tradition, was totally renovated to create a gallery on the primary ground and a loft upstairs to accommodate artists-in-residence. I cherished the pictures exhibit, giving an perception into life on this small fishing village that’s now so well-known. The attendant was additionally very informative, sharing extra in regards to the cove – its historical past and current
- Hunky Dory: Seize gourmand fries or soft-serve ice cream and revel in them at picnic tables overlooking the ocean. We didn’t get to eat right here, however you’ll be able to really feel assured that Canada is aware of the best way to do fries! May very well be an alternative choice for lunch! The identify is a loving nod to the dory fishing boats traditionally used within the province. (We realized rather a lot about them on our Lunenburg strolling tour).
You may scan the QR codes exterior every constructing to study in regards to the treaty folks, the Mi’kmaq folks (the unique inhabitants of this area), and the six German settlers who based the village. 5 of the six buildings are actually used as:
4. Hike Polly’s Cove Path
Simply after the flip off to Peggy’s Cove, search for a small pullout marking the Polly’s Cove Path, a lesser-known hike providing panoramic coastal views with out the crowds and sounds of the village. The path meanders over granite outcrops and wild coastal brush, resulting in a shocking headland overlooking the Atlantic.
It’s an unmarked path with restricted parking (about six spots), so go early or late within the day. Keep effectively again from the cliffs, because the drop-offs are steep. We loved stretching our legs on this hike – particularly in spite of everything the nice Nova Scotian consuming we’d be doing.
It offered a special, quieter perspective of Peggy’s Cove. We walked for about half-hour, turning again after we felt we had had sufficient. I had learn that it was a loop stroll, however we couldn’t discover the loop, and fellow hikers we met alongside the best way stated it wasn’t a loop. You may comply with the path right here:
5. Benefit from the view from Cranberry Cove Lookout
Earlier than coming into the village, cease at Cranberry Cove Lookout for postcard-worthy views of Peggy’s Cove and the lighthouse from afar, particularly at dawn or sundown.
The place to eat in Peggy’s Cove
- Tom’s Lobster Shack: Stated to serve the greatest lobster roll in Nova Scotia! Gluten-free vacationers can order it on a salad as a substitute. Go early as they typically promote out earlier than dinner. We didn’t know this and had deliberate to take pleasure in it for dinner with a sundown view. They offered out simply earlier than we arrived!
- The Sou’Wester Restaurant: Situated proper beside the lighthouse, this long-standing spot affords sit-down eating with inside and out of doors seating. It’s fashionable however will be expensive, with restricted gluten-free choices. We determined to eat dinner at our resort as a substitute of our villa deck with ocean views, sundown, and a glass of wine bought on the native mini mart.
- Rhubarb Restaurant: Simply minutes away close to Oceanstone Resort, this is without doubt one of the space’s top-rated eating spots for contemporary, regionally impressed meals. (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.) We have been so dissatisfied that we missed it as we stayed Monday and Tuesday evening.
- Margaret’s Café and Hunky Dory (in Six by the Sea) additionally make wonderful selections for mild bites, espresso, and snacks.
Finest time to go to Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove is open year-round, however the very best visiting months are Might by way of October, when the climate is gentle and most outlets and eating places are open.
Sundown is the preferred time for vacationers to go to Peggy’s Cove, so anticipate crowds. For a quieter and equally magical expertise, think about dawn — the colours are softer, the air nonetheless, and also you may need the rocks nearly to your self. We have been intending to hold round for sundown, however the fog began drifting in. Apparently, that may occur rather a lot. Mom Nature is gonna at all times do her factor – we’ve simply bought to study to bounce with it!
Attending to Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove is a 50-minute drive from Halifax alongside Freeway 333 (Lighthouse Route) or Freeway 103. We adopted Freeway 333, which is also referred to as the scenic Lighthouse Route, and noticed loads of indicators for Peggy’s Cove.
The drive itself is a part of the expertise, with rugged shoreline views, rocky coves, and small fishing villages alongside the best way.
There aren’t any direct buses, so that you’re solely option to attain right here is by driving. When you don’t drive, then I like to recommend you’re taking a day tour from Halifax, as the price of a rideshare might be costly.
The place to remain close to Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove is sort of distant, so we suggest staying at one of many resorts alongside Freeway 333, in close by Indian Harbour. We loved a soothing in a single day keep at Oceanstone Seaside Resort, simply 5 minutes from Peggy’s Cove. This stunning oceanfront resort combines cozy cottages, a hydrothermal Nordic Spa, and coastal serenity. It was certainly one of our favourite stays in Nova Scotia. Learn our full evaluate of the Oceanstone Resort & Nordic Spa.
There usually are not an enormous variety of choices close by, however one other top-rated lodging selection is Clifty Cove Motel, which affords a smaller, family-run keep. Alternatively, you can keep in Halifax.
Useful suggestions for visiting Peggy’s Cove
- Parking: There’s a most important parking space close to the lighthouse, but it surely fills shortly. Arrive early or later within the night to keep away from congestion.
- Accessibility: The brand new viewing platform makes it simpler for everybody to benefit from the lighthouse safely with out navigating the uneven rocks.
- Respect locals: It is a dwelling fishing village, not a museum. Keep on marked paths and keep away from wandering by way of non-public yards.
- Security first: The ocean right here is highly effective and unpredictable — by no means underestimate it.
- Mix it with Oceanstone Spa: After exploring, unwind with a hydrothermal circuit on the close by Hydrothermal Spa at Oceanstone Resort — a blissful option to full your day. We did this within the morning, with the afternoon at Peggy’s Cove.
Why Peggy’s Cove is so beloved
Peggy’s Cove endures not simply because it’s stunning, however as a result of it feels timeless. The granite rocks have withstood centuries of storms, the lighthouse nonetheless stands sentinel, and the small fishing boats nonetheless bob within the harbor simply as they did generations in the past.
It’s a spot the place the uncooked great thing about the Atlantic meets the quiet persistence of human life, and collectively, they inform a narrative of Nova Scotia’s coronary heart.
Learn extra from our Nova Scotia Highway Journey
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