Experience The Bluenose Coast

Kayaking:

Visit the Kayak Shack at Oak Island Marina and explore the hundreds of islands off the coast of Western Shore.

Kayak around Betty Island to see the lighthouse in Prospect. Guided tours and rental equipment are available.

Paddle through Hubbards Cove. Rental kayaks and tours are available from Freewheeling Adventures

Make the journey from Northwest Cove to Bayswater Beach along the Aspotogan Peninsula. Rental kayaks and tours are available from Freewheeling Adventures.

Scuba Diving:

• Scuba dive to discover our undersea world. The Bluenose Coast offers numerous interesting dive sites, each with unique sea creatures to discover. From harbours and bays sculpted by over 200 years of fishing, to white sand beaches. You can bring your own gear or guided tours, dive training and rental equipment are available.

Sandy Cove Beach. Sandy Cove beach is close to the wreck of the S.S. Atlantic. Located at the end of Sandy Cove Road in Terence Bay.

Cranberry Cove: From the entrance to Peggy's Cove, turn left on Hwy 333. The dive entrance is on the left after about 600 metres (2000 feet).

Paddy's Head: From Hwy 333, turn down Paddy's Head Road in Indian Harbour. The dive entrance is on the right just before the bridge.

Golfing:

• The Bluenose Coast is home to many interesting and unique golf courses. Go golfing!

Golf with stunning ocean views! The Chester Golf Course has dramatic views of the ocean and islands that dot the harbour. You will have a hard time keeping your eye on the ball! Stay for lunch and continue to enjoy the panorama from the deck of the clubhouse.

There are many other golf courses to be found on the Bluenose Coast. From mini golf to driving ranges to challenging 18-hole courses, there is something for golfers of all skill levels.

o There is a challenging 9-hole course located in Luneburg, overlooking the Lunenburg waterfront

o There is a challenging course located in the Tantallon area that has hosted the Wayne Gretzky & Friends Invitational and the 2005 BMO Canadian Ladies Open.

o There are 3 golf courses in the Prospect area ranging from mini golf to a challenging 18-hole course.

o There is a golf course in Bridgewater

Adventures at Sea:

Big Tancook and Little Tancook are two islands located 8km off the southern coast of Nova Scotia. Accessible by a passenger ferry that runs daily, the Tancook Islands make a great day trip. Enjoy lunch on Big Tancook in season.

Take a Scenic Boat Tour: Cruise out to see nesting arctic terns, puffins, seals, and the occasional whale. Tours depart from the Peggy's Cove Government Wharf.

Head down to Lunenburg's working waterfront and book your spot on one of three offshore adventures. Enjoy a three hour whale watching excursion on which you can expect to see not just the majestic creatures, but seals, puffins, dolphins and turtles. If you want something a bit more interactive, book a personal tour where YOU decide the length of the voyage, and what you want to do – anything from deep-sea fishing to a picnic lunch onboard the boat. As well, take a day cruise aboard a 48 foot wooden ketch, or a Sunset cruise at night that lets you see the nearby Ovens like never before.

Chester Race Week! Canada's largest keel boat regatta is hosted by the yacht club in Chester during the second full week of August each year. Watch the starts and finishes from the yacht club veranda and experience the live entertainment held there every night. Not just for members!

Explore Shut-In Island: Accessible only by boat, this massive granite "whalesback" shaped island affords an amazing view for those who hike to its summit. Camping is permitted on the island, but watch out for its resident ghosts, camp at your own risk.

Swimming/Beaches:

Locals enjoy Freda's Beach! Listen to the splashing of waves or hear the children laughing as they play in the shallow water. Timed right, this is a perfect place to watch the yacht races. Located in Chester.

Bask on one of 10 beaches in the Hubbards/Aspotogan region, Queensland Provincial Beach Park is a supervised beach, has change rooms, toilets, and a chip wagon during the summer months.

Picnic at Whynacht's Beach which is positioned in such a way that during the winter months, it loses all of its sand, but it returns again in the spring. This phenomenon is caused by the waves crashing straight-on to the shore. It is one of only two beaches in all of North America where this occurs—the other being in Virginia, U.S.A. Located on Hwy 3 in Black Point.

Crescent Beach. Connecting the LaHave Islands to the mainland, Crescent Beach provides a popular destination for tourists throughout the summer. Located in the Lunenburg Region.

Hirtle's Beach. Here you will find more than three kilometers of white sand, rolling surf, fresh sea air, drumlin cliffs, and breathtaking views. Located in the Lunenburg Region.

Sand Dollar Beach. Sand Dollar Beach in Rose Bay offers a spectacular opportunity for strolling along the shoreline and collecting sand dollars and other sea treasures. Located in the Lunenburg Region.

Swimming at the lido. This pool of treated ocean water walled off from the back harbour is a favorite for local families and is the first experience with swimming lessons many children from Chester have.

Festivals:

Summer Theatre Festival. Chester is especially well known for its six week Summer Theatre Festival, showcasing the best the region has to offer. Experience world-class theatre with homemade cookies in an inviting soft seat, year round venue.

Festivals & Fun ~ Mahone Bay offers an eclectic array of festivals throughout the year –from scarecrows and antiques to farmers' markets and Father Christmas. Check them out!

During the Christmas Festival (first weekend in December) explore the community and see more than 150 New Ross Festive Carolers.

Experience one of Nova Scotia's largest Garden Party's the second Saturday of August at the Fire Hall in Western Shore. Enjoy some of the best fish and chips on the Bluenose Coast.

Experience the feel-good traditions at the New Ross Christmas Festival make your own wreath, cut your own Christmas tree and have the absolute best turkey dinner ever at the Forties Community Centre

There are tons of diverse, entertaining festivals and events happening on the Bluenose Coast. Check a Full List of Events to see what's happening and when!

Museums:

From 1754 to today ~ bring history alive at the Mahone Bay Settlers Museum. Watch the artisans at work at local Economusees.

Swing in a Hammock: Learn how rope and hand-woven hammocks are made at this Economusee, and take home a bit of relaxation.

Head to New Ross to take the kids to Ross Farm Museum, a living museum of agriculture. Go on a hay ride or sleigh ride, and visit the heritage animals. Open year round.

Take a walk through our past. Visit the DesBrisay Museum nestled in beautiful Woodland Gardens in Bridgewater.

Step into an Early Nova Scotian Industry. Experience the Wile Carding Mill Museum with working watermill. Located in Bridgewater.

The only historic home in Lunenburg that is accessible to the public, the Knaut-Rhuland House is akin to walking back in time. Period furniture and finishings, as well as tour guides in full costume, give you a true 18th century experience.

Halifax-Southwestern Railway Museum. Step through the doors and walk back in time to the world of the railway as it was on Nova Scotia's South Shore in the 1950's. Exquisite scale models and artifacts from the old Bridgewater train station are given prominence in this journey that's fun for the whole family.

Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Three floors of displays and exhibits, full-wall aquariums, a touch tank, two fully accessible ships in the Lunenburg Harbour, a theatre and much more await you in the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Stop in for a few hours, or spend the whole day exploring Lunenburg's rich history.

Art:

Visit the deGarthe Gallery & Fishermen's Monument: View the private collection of artist William E. deGarthe. Housed in his former home in Peggy's Cove, this gift to the community was never meant to be sold, but to be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.

Looking for a wider art experience? The art centre in Chester offers year round art classes and lecture series, and hosts the annual Chester Art Festival each summer.

Head to Blandford to check out the pottery works of Mieke Martin. Located on the Aspotogan Peninsula.

Culture Galore ~ The Mahone Bay Centre features year-round activities; art workshops, diverse classes, lectures, and seminars. Create, learn, enjoy!

Shopping:

Shopping can be an art form in Chester's many galleries and shops. Visit artisans at work where talented artists will share their process, traditions and inspiration with you.

Come to Bridgewater to take advantage of some of the best shopping on the Bluenose Coast. Before heading to our malls and plazas, walk historic King Street to discover unique shops and local eateries.

Shop the Fun and Funky Shops of Hubbards.

Shop the Village of Peggy's Cove: Treat yourself to a handcrafted memento of your visit from a local shop.

The town of Lunenburg is home to over 35 different retailers specializing in anything from kitchenwares and clothing to gourmet French chocolate, to nautical themed gift stores. Feel free to wander around and explore the various boutiques and galleries – the town is filled with hidden gems

Hiking and Biking:

Stroll, bike or hike the Chester Connection Trail. The trail follows the old train track path and runs from Martin's River to Hubbards. You can find an entrance to the trail behind the Old Train Station in Chester.

Explore the picturesque countryside. Walk the 8 kilometer Centennial Trail through the town and countryside, including the 470ft trestle bridge over the LaHave River in Bridgewater.

Discover One of Nova Scotia's Most Scenic Trails: The St. Margaret's Bay Area Rails-to-Trails system offers a 33 kilometre (20.5 mile) multi-use trail from Hubley to Hubbards. Grab a rental bike and snacks before you hit the trails.

See More by Using Pedal Power: For the avid biker, the Aspotogan Peninsula is a must-do—offering beautiful coastal views, quaint fishing villages, and plenty of spots for a picnic, all in the comfort of a cool ocean breeze.

Hike the walking trail – start at the Lion's Park and walk the trails connecting to the Ross Farm Trails – access from both sites, open year round

Mahone Bay is naturally wonderful. Walk or cycle the local trails that meander in and around this historic town. Get moving!

Hike the dramatic headlands and rugged barrens in the Terrance Bay Wilderness. Trails are informal and unmaintained.

Go hiking, Prospect style. Explore the footpath or rocky shore, where you can walk, crawl and climb along gigantic granite outcrops at Prospect Village.

Food & Wine:

Have a picnic. Pick up a lobster roll and picnic on the beach in Prospect.

Wind down with an ice cream or take home some fresh baked bread in Western Shore.

Enjoy local cuisine from La Vista dining room while overlooking Oak Island – the site of the world's longest and most costly treasure hunt. Located in Western Shore.

Visit the fruit and vegetable store in Western Shore to get the best in local produce. You won't want to miss out on the fall harvest.

Chow down on the best chowder on the Bluenose Coast near Chester.

Thirsty? Visit the oldest rural pub in Nova Scotia.

Eat out on the waterfront or enjoy fine dining and cafes in the village. There are fabulous restaurants to choose from in Chester!

Wine & Dine: Be sure to stop at a café in Hubbards for a meal. If you're lucky, you may stumble upon a local jam session, live music, or a local art exhibit.

Visit the two wineries located in the Lunenburg Region. Spend a day in the country where you can taste wine, pick berries, and learn how wine is produced.

Visit the bakery. A truly authentic turn-of-the century shop, choose from a wide variety of breads, rolls, cakes and cookies, made only with traditional ingredients. Located in the Lunenburg Region.

Enjoy a picnic at the Lion's park or go to one of the local restaurants in New Ross.

Forties Community Centre in New Ross hosts numerous suppers that feature home cooking all year. They are not to be missed!

Buy Lobster at the lobster pound in Peggy's Cove: Maritime cuisine to go. Purchase fresh live or boiled lobsters that can be wrapped to go or shipped home.

While in Peggy's Cove stop at one of the fine restaurants and treat yourself to some homemade fudge and gingerbread, a gourmet ice cream, a steaming bowl of seafood chowder or a lobster club sandwich.

Enjoy a Canadian Specialty: Learn how maple syrup is produced and shop for maple and blueberry specialties in Upper Tantallon.

Visit the distillery in Lunenburg. In this workshop at the corner of Montague and Kempt streets, a marine blacksmith by the name of Thomas Walters once produced ironworks for shipbuilders all along the South Shore. Now his old workshop is home to The Ironworks Distillery, which produces spirits in small batches, using only natural ingredients, as fresh and as local as possible, showcasing the remarkable produce of the Annapolis Valley. Come by and watch the process yourself, and enjoy a taste at the end!

Music:

• Treat your ears to:

The Bandstand concerts at the gazebo in Mahone Bay

A classical concert at the Three Churches in Mahone Bay

Over 150 festive carolers in New Ross during the Christmas Festival

One of the many Musique Royale concerts throughout the year at St. John's Anglican church in Lunenburg

Photo Opportunities:

• Be sure to photograph:

The lighthouse in Peggy's Cove

The Three Churches in Mahone Bay

The village of Bluerocks in the Lunenburg Region

The Folk Art Village in Prospect

The fall colours on highway 12 to New Ross

The brightly coloured fishing boats and buoys of Northwest Cove in Hubbards & Aspotogan

The great ocean view at Wild Rose Park in Western Shore

The yacht races in Chester

The scenic LaHave River in Bridgewater

The fantastic view from the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail in Upper Tantallon

The Lunenburg waterfront from the golf course in Lunenburg

Places of Interest:

Oak Island – site of the world's longest treasure hunt. Access depends on the treasure seekers that are currently digging for gold. You can paddle out from Oak Island Marina to get a closer look.

Indulge in a Traditional Lobster Supper & Dance the Night Away in Nova Scotia's "Last Great Dance Hall" in Hubbards.

Visit the Pioneer Cemetery: Located in French Village, this is the final resting place of many protestant families who settled in St. Margaret's Bay during the 1780s.

Explore the S.S. Atlantic Heritage Interpretation Park. Discover a shipwreck without donning a wetsuit. Interpretive centre, waterfront, boardwalk

Visit the Saturday Farmers' Markets in New Ross, Hubbards and Bridgewater. Enjoy live entertainment while shopping for local produce and homemade treats.

Indian Falls. The park offers a picnic area, waterfall, walking trails, rock beach and look off points.

Have some family fun watching the ducks in the Woodland Gardens' duck pond or walk the nature trails in this tranquil park.

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