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Peggy's Cove

An authentic fishing village and the home of Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

About the Cove

Founded in 1811 with a population of 300, it now has 30 people who are lucky enough to live in Peggy's Cove — a picturesque fishing village located a short drive from downtown Halifax — while the thousands of people who visit the hamlet each year can only dream of settling in this location. The area is so rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage that it has become the most identifiable destination in Atlantic Canada. Tourists flock to the village to admire its unique landscape and take a picture of the lighthouse, making it one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world! It is located at a very convenient distance from Halifax, which makes it a great destination for a Day trip.

Local Delicacies

We are very proud of our local fishing village and hope that you will sample our world famous lobster while you are visiting us.
Lobster is Canada’s most valuable seafood export and an iconic Canadian species exported around the world. Canadian lobster landings remain at one of the highest levels recorded in 100 years, with an upward trend over recent decades. Lobster is low in both fat and calories while providing significant amounts of protein. Lobsters are a great source of selenium and also contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Steamed Lobster

Learn the traditional way to cook Nova Scotia’s world famous Lobster, or have it prepared for you. The choice is yours and there are plenty of local options.

Lobster Roll

Locals take their Lobster Rolls very seriously, in fact they have a contest every year to taste the best ones. Served up with different condiments, they are a must try while visiting.

Scallops

Scallops are rich in protein, low in fat and a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Be sure to sample our fresh maritime scallops gathered on the shores of Peggy's Cove.

Attractions

Spend a day walking and shopping in Peggy's Cove Village. This is a working fishing village with all that accompanies that activity. Fishermen come and go, lobster traps and fish nets decorate the wharves and roadside, and fishing boats come and go from the local wharf. Learn the geology and history of the Village as told on story boards scattered throughout the area. Shop for souvenirs at the gift shops, enjoy an espresso and cookie on the deck at Beales while taking in the view of the cove and be sure to stop for chowder and gingerbread at the Sou'Wester Restaurant.

Go hiking in the thousand acre Peggy's Cove Preservation Area. Glaciers shaped the land thousands of years ago, ancient boulders, some weighing many tons, are scattered along the coast. For those who love and respect the earth, and who wish to experience the connection between themselves and the "Oneness of all Things", a quiet visit to this area is a must. This area is very delicate and we ask that you stay on the paths already created by the many people who have explored the area. Locals can direct you to the best spots to enjoy the area.

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

Atlantic Canada's #1 tourist destination
The famous lighthouse at Peggy's Point remains the most recognizable symbol of this quiet hideaway. In fact, the white and red beacon of hope — which started guiding sailors in 1868 — has the distinction of being one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

St. John's Anglican Church

St. John's Anglican Church is a Gothic Revival church with a corner tower and spire and is located in Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. The designation applies to the church and the land it occupies. St. John's Anglican Church is valued for its importance to the people of Peggy’s Cove as the only religious centre in the community. 

Swiss Air Memorial

Swissair Flight 111
Swissair Flight 111 (SR-111, SWR-111) was a Swissair McDonnell Douglas MD-11 on a scheduled airline flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, United States to Cointrin International Airport in Geneva, Switzerland. This flight was also a codeshare flight with Delta Air Lines.

William E. deGarthe Gallery

William E. deGarthe was a much-loved maritime artist working in Nova Scotia until his death in 1983. He created numerous paintings and sculpture depicting maritime life that are spread throughout the world. This gallery, located in one of deGarthe's favourite fishing villages, Peggy's Cove, displays 65 of his works which were donated by his wife. 

The gallery is open from May 1st to October 31st.

William E. deGarthe Memorial Provincial Park

William E. deGarthe, one of Nova Scotia's most beloved maritime artists, created a 30m (100ft) carving of 32 fisherman, plus their wives and children, as they are looked over by a guardian Angel, using a granite wall as his canvas. The carving is the centerpiece of the William E. deGarthe Memorial Provincial Park, located in the village of Peggy's Cove. Unfortunately, deGarthe passed away before the memorial was completed, but it is still a must-see.

Self-Guided Tours

The following popular tours are self-guided and can be done while driving, biking, hiking or walking.

St. Margaret's Bay Tour

St. Margaret's Bay has long been a favourite for bikers and those who love a scenic drive. Located just 30 minutes from downtown Halifax, St. Margaret’s Bay Area Rails to Trails is a 33-km multi-use recreational trail with panoramic elevated views of St Margaret's Bay in the South Shore region – the fascinating freshwater and saltwater marshes, and freshwater lakes. Interpretive panels about the area’s history and ecology can be found along the trail.

Coastal Heritage Trail

The Peggy's Cove Coastal Region is rich in history, culture, unique fishing villages, swimming beaches, sailing, whale watching, deep-sea fishing experiences, birding, hiking, kyaking, art galleries, as well as the pristine natural beauty of our Bay coastline. Please plan on extending your stay to this wonderful region to savour what the region can offer you.

Lighthouse Route

One of Nova Scotia's most popular tours is the Lighthouse Route. This route spans from Halifax to Yarmouth beginning near the junction of Highway 103 and Route 5. Along with beach fun, there’s a world of coastal culture to discover. More than 150 majestic lighthouses are scattered along the coast. Visit one of these historic buildings that have kept seafarers safe for generations.

Transportation

Peggys Cove lies 43 kilometers southwest of Halifax on Route 333 which is part of the Lighthouse Route. There is a parking area with washrooms on the edge of the village. There is another parking area behind the Sou'wester Restaurant near the lighthouse.

By Car

To get here from Halifax, take Highway 103 Exit 2B to Route 333. It is about a 45 minute drive. Peggy's Cove is situated on the Lighthouse Route, which is one of the best drives in Canada. The Route is comparable in vistas and technical driving to the Sea-to-Sky Highway between Vancouver and Squamish in British Columbia. Rent a car if you're just visiting Halifax, but make sure you rent a good one, with serious handling. If you love driving, you'll love the scenic route to Peggy's Cove.

By Air

The closest airport to us is in Halifax, Nova Scotia. There are airport shuttles, limousines, buses and taxis which regularly travel the one hour drive.

By Rail

VIA Rail
1-888-842-7245
www.viarail.ca 

How To Reach Us


Our Location

149 Peggy's Point Road (Government Wharf)
Peggy's Cove, NS
B3Z 3S2

Call Us

902-577-8684

Email Us

Coordinates

44.4928° N
63.9175° W