Charlotte CampbellI used to be all about hustle culture—long hours, back-to-back meetings, and endless to-do lists that seemed to stretch on forever. I believed that the grind was the only way to succeed, but slowly, it started wearing me down.
Burnt out, stressed, and craving a moment to just breathe, I hopped in my car and drove to a small fishing village just 40 minutes away from Halifax.
Peggy’s Cove was a pleasant surprise, where the worries of the daily grind could simply drift away with the ocean breeze. While it does have a slower pace of life, it isn’t a sleepy village as there’s so much to see and do here.
From fishing off the coast to hiking up the rocky cliffs, here are the best things to do in Peggy’s Cove to help you unwind, reset, and remember what it feels like to truly relax.
- 1. Hike the trails around the cove
- 2. Admire the wildlife in the coastal barrens
- 3. Visit the iconic lighthouse
- 4. Sign up for a guided photography tour
- 5. Hike up to a memorial site
- 6. Join a boat tour around the coast
- 7. Go deep sea fishing
- 8. Kayak around the cove
- 9. Admire local art and sculptures
- 10. Indulge in fresh seafood at a local restaurant
- 11. Go glamping in a dome in the woods
1. Hike the trails around the cove
Media credit: arshhhgoraya
Nature trails:
Peggy’s Cove Viewpoint Trail, 0.5 miles
Peggy’s Cove Northside Trail, 1.1 miles
Polly Cove Full Loop, 3.9 km
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Availability: Open year-round
Various hiking trails pass through Peggy’s Cove—most if not all, are moderately challenging due to overgrowth, but none are strenuous. They are open year-round, allowing you to see the coast in different seasons.
These trails are popular among hikers, joggers, and dog walkers. You can take your pups with you as long as they stay on a leash.
What I like about the hiking trails in the area is that they are never too crowded. You have moments of solitude, where you can just take it slow and perhaps enjoy a quiet moment to admire the views.
| Pro Tip: Always check the weather conditions before setting out on any hike. More importantly, wear hiking boots and long pants for extra comfort. |
2. Admire the wildlife in the coastal barrens
Media credit: cbcns
Website: https://visitpeggyscove.ca/peggys-cove-preservation-area/
Opening hours: Year-round
Cost: Free
The Peggy’s Cove Preservation Area consists of coastal barrens, inland ponds, and bogs, stretching about two miles on each side of the fishing village. This protected area is teeming with wildlife and vibrant wildflowers so it’s a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
Since development is prohibited in the area, you won’t see any modern amenities or viewing decks around. Instead, there are existing paths that I recommend following to protect the delicate ecosystem.
The hike is relatively easy, with gentle paths that meander through the landscape, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
| Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for a closer look at the diverse birdlife and marine life in the area. |
3. Visit the iconic lighthouse
Media credit: peggyscovelighthouse
Website: http://nslps.com/
Phone: +16139930999
Opening hours: Daily, 24 hours
Cost: Free
You can’t go to Peggy’s Cove and not see the lighthouse up close. Sitting near the edge of a rocky cliff, set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, this historic landmark is one of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen.
What I like to do here is to watch the crashing waves, the flying gulls, and the rugged terrain—from a safe distance, of course. You can’t actually go inside the lighthouse but you can take as many photos as you want near the area.
There are viewing decks, making the lighthouse accessible for wheelchair users and strollers. Public washrooms are also available but only from 9 AM to 7 PM.
| Pro Tip: Just follow the paved trails and walk on white, dry rocks. Don’t stand too close to the edge of the rocks as rogue waves can splash even during the sunniest of days. |
4. Sign up for a guided photography tour
Media credit: pictureperfecttours
Website: https://pictureperfecttours.ca/
Office location: 2051 North Park Street #2
Phone: +19022926688
Duration of tour: 5 to 6 hours, starting at 8 AM
Availability: Daily, year-round
Cost: $175 + HST per person (1-4 guests); additional guests $75 per person
If you’re a photographer or aspiring to be one, you can sign up for a guided tour of Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse with Picture Perfect Tours. You’ll explore the rocky shores, the quaint fishing village, and the Nova Scotia Archives during a 5- to 6-hour tour.
Each tour allows a maximum of 10 participants so your guide can be more hands-on with the experience. Whether you’re using a phone or a professional camera, you will surely pick up new techniques to up your travel photography game.
The tour includes return transportation in a Mercedes Sprinter van, which will take you all the way back to downtown Halifax. Plus, complimentary beverages will be served throughout the tour to keep you fresh and hydrated.
| Pro Tip: At your request, you can sign up for a private photography tour for a more personalized experience to help you hone your skills. |
5. Hike up to a memorial site
Media credit: lucy.rodriguez_
Location: 8250 Highway 333
Availability: Open year-round
Cost: Free
Honoring the lives lost in the Swissair Flight 111 fatal crash, the Swissair Memorial Site is a must-see attraction in Peggy’s Cove. It’s a meaningful stop that also offers scenic views of the ocean.
It will be a memorable experience as you have to follow a 160-meter walking trail to get to this huge granite stone monument. Once you’re there, you’ll see sweeping views of the rocky coastline.
If you’re traveling on a budget, this should definitely be on your itinerary as it costs nothing to see this site. All you need to do is carve time out of your schedule to hike and see this monument up close.
| Pro Tip: Parking is available nearby, but it can accommodate a limited number of vehicles—around 12 to 15. |
6. Join a boat tour around the coast
Website: http://www.peggyscoveboattours.com/
Location: 149 Peggy’s Point Road, Government Wharf
Phone: +19025419177
Duration of tour: 1 hour 25 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
Cost: $50 to $80 for adults
One of the best ways to see Peggy’s Cove is from the water. Whether you came to see the sunset over the rugged coastline, the local marine life, or the lighthouse, there’s a boat tour out there for you.
Rain or shine, the tours will usually push through, so you can make the most out of your time on the coast. You’ll see the rocky islands, learn about the wildlife, and hear stories about the rich maritime heritage of the region.
Scheduled tours run throughout the day, which include a trip on a 42-foot Northumberland Twin-Engine boat called Olivia Margaret. Each trip can accommodate up to 20 people.
Children are welcome to join the boat tours!
| Pro Tip: There are private chartered boat tours in Peggy’s Cove, perfect for large groups of friends or family on vacation. You can do private tours from June through October. |
7. Go deep sea fishing
Website: http://www.peggyscoveboattours.com/
Location: 149 Peggy’s Point Road, Government Wharf
Phone: +19025419177
Duration of tour: 2 hours, starting at 7 AM
Availability: Daily from June through October
Cost: $75 per person
A fun activity you can do with the entire family is deep sea fishing with Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours. Every day from June through October, you can hop on a boat and venture out at sea to catch cod, haddock, mackerel, and more.
All you have to do is show up. The team will prepare the fishing gear for the trip, which includes various rods and traditional hand lines.
They’re also happy to lend a hand at any time, so you can still have fun even with little to no fishing experience.
The best part? They will clean and fillet your catch for you, so you can taste your hard work after two hours of fishing.
| Pro Tip: Deep Sea Fishing Tours will depart with a minimum of 6 participants. If you want to secure a spot on the boat, go to the website and make a reservation. |
8. Kayak around the cove
Media credit: kattukexpeditions
Website: https://www.kattukexpeditions.com/
Office location: 1310 Dresden Row
Phone: +18446528885
Best time to visit: June to August
Peggy’s Cove is known for its rough seas even in the summer, but it’s still a popular spot for kayaking. While it might not be the best place to learn for beginners, it’s an exciting area for more advanced kayakers.
You have to battle the rough seas and navigate your way around kelp-ridden rocks. It can be intimidating even for experienced kayakers accustomed to the still waters of lakes—but with the proper guide, it should be a fun and safe time.
Unless you know a local who can show you around, you should hire an experienced guide like Kattuk Expeditions. They work closely with Park Canada and other national agencies to ensure all tours operate safely.
| Pro Tip: Tours with Kattuk Expeditions have limited availability, so book a trip with them as soon as you’ve finalized your travel schedules. |
9. Admire local art and sculptures
Media credit: dadscoldplunge
Location: 109 Peggys Point Road
Phone: +19028232256
Opening hours: Daily, 10 AM to 5 PM
Peggy’s Cove might be a quaint fishing village, but it has a few attractions for art enthusiasts. You can visit a popular art gallery that houses the works of Finnish artist William E. deGarthe, who was a long-time resident here.
The rugged lives of fishermen, as well as the stunning coastal landscapes, inspired so much of his life’s work. You get to see all his paintings and sculptures on display as part of his permanent collection.
His magnum opus, however, isn’t inside the museum but outside—near his former backyard. You’ll see a 100-foot granite sculpture called the Fisherman’s Monument, depicting 32 fishermen, their wives, and their children on the wings of a guardian angel.
| Pro Tip: The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall when the weather is pleasant, allowing you to fully enjoy both the indoor exhibits and the outdoor sculpture park. |
10. Indulge in fresh seafood at a local restaurant
Media credit: nicoleandcolton
Website: https://shoppeggyscove.com/pages/menu
Location: 178 Peggy’s Point Road
Phone: +19028232561
Opening hours:
Summer, 9 AM to 9 PM
Off-season, 11 AM to 4 PM
Nestled right by the lighthouse, Sou’Wester is a restaurant and gift shop, a popular spot to visit after sightseeing. They are known for their seafood dishes, which are all sourced from local fishermen.
A must-try is their famous lobster nachos. They serve locally caught lobster with crispy tortillas smothered in a homemade cheese sauce and topped with green onions.
Other popular dishes include the classic seafood chowder, which is packed with chunks of fresh fish and shellfish. Their hearty fish and chips, perfectly battered and golden, are also crowd favorites.
| Pro Tip: If you’re stopping by during the off-season, get their hot cider to warm yourself up. Since they open late at 11 AM, you should plan for brunch instead of breakfast. |
11. Go glamping in a dome in the woods
Media credit: thedomeinthewoods
Website: https://domeinthewoods.lodgify.com/
Location: 2 Aspen Lane, Seabright
Phone: +19022109918
Availability: April to December
Cost: $199 to $249
Amenities: Private steam sauna, fully-equipped kitchen, WiFi, air conditioning, electric heating, bathroom and laundry
Just 15 minutes away from Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, there’s a glamping site where you can stay overnight in a dome in the middle of the forest. You can see the stars clearly from your bed without having to worry about the bugs.
Inside the dome, you’ll have modern comforts like a fully-equipped kitchenette, which comes with a sink, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and even a cooktop. This means you don’t really have to pack much when you stay here.
What I like the most about this glamping site is the outdoor amenities. Right outside of your dome, you can grill food, sit in a sauna, or just lounge by the fire to warm yourself up.
| Pro Tip: Dome in the Woods is a pet-friendly campsite. They provide pet beds, food bowls, and poop bags for your furry travel buddies. |
