Take a day trip and see all that Nova Scotia has to offer. No matter which way you head, you’ll find lots nearby to entertain you.

HEADING EAST

Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore is sparsely populated, home to quaint fishing villages, friendly folks and rugged scenery. Your journey starts in Dartmouth, where you’ll get on scenic Route 7 and drive east. After about half an hour, you’ll arrive in the village of Musquodoboit Harbour, which is home to the Musquodoboit Railway Museum. Located in a retired railway station, it uses artifacts, displays and exhibits to trace the railroad’s role in the region’s history. There’s also a visitor-information centre here.

Nearby, just off Route 7, is Martinique Beach. Measuring five kilometres, it’s Nova Scotia’s longest beach, with a natural splendour that makes it worth visiting in any weather.

Still moving east, you’ll come to Jeddore Oyster Pond and the Fisherman’s Life Museum. The house and gardens look just as they did a century ago, when the property was home to a fisherman, his wife and their 13 daughters. A little further down the road, continue your journey through time at Memory Lane Heritage Village. This award-winning “living history” museum includes 13 restored buildings that depict every aspect of life in a typical 1940s-era Nova Scotian village. Stroll through the barn, boat-building shop, school, church and more, before trying a meal at the cookhouse.

As you continue away from the city on this route you’ll come to communities such as Ship Harbour, Liscomb and Ecum Secum, which boast beautiful ocean views, along with many attractions, amenities and reasons to stop.

THE SOUTH SHORE, FOR SURE

If you leave the city in the opposite direction, heading from Halifax on Route 3, you’ll discover Nova Scotia’s whimsical, enchanting South Shore. Less than 30 minutes from the city, on Route 333, is the storied fishing village of Peggy’s Cove; its landmark lighthouse is 90 years old and is one of the province’s most photographed sites.

Return to Route 3 and journey past charming scenic St. Margaret’s Bay, until you reach Mahone Bay, a peaceful village best known for its famous “three churches” view. Stroll through shops, boutiques and a thriving artist community. You can also take to the water, with a visit to East Coast Outfitters. The award-winning adventure tourism company recently opened a new office here, offering sea kayaking, hiking and rock climbing. No experience is necessary and equipment rentals are available.

Next is Lunenburg. With its colourful, well preserved buildings, this town has a strong sense of history and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s the home port for Nova Scotia’s icon, the Bluenose II schooner. The waterfront also features the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic—a large and meticulously-researched site, the museum explores the history of Nova Scotia’s fishing industry and the lives of our forefathers who worked on the sea. Houston North Gallery is an unexpected but pleasant surprise. The art gallery specializes in native and Inuit works, often displaying rare pieces from Canada’s Arctic.

These itineraries are just a brief sample of what you’ll find near Halifax. Located at the heart of Nova Scotia, the city is also near the scenic Annapolis Valley, the bustling towns of Truro and Bridgewater, forest wilderness and much more. Hit the highway and explore!

Publication Date: 8/2004