Peggy’s Cove

Peggy’s Cove is one of the best places to get a taste of small-town life in the Maritimes. The town’s star attractions include the 100-foot (30-meter) sculpture depicting the people of Peggy’s Cove, which was carved directly into an outcropping by Finnish-born artist, William E. deGarthe, and the oft-photographed Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, a tower perched atop a smooth boulder outcrop. Tours typically depart from Halifax and combine free time at Peggy’s Cove with stops at other popular Nova Scotia sights, including SSAtlantic Heritage Park, the Swissair Flight 111 Memorial, and the Fairview Lawn Cemetery—well known for the 121Titanic victims buried there. Some tours include a seaside meal, with the option to try Nova Scotia’s famous lobster rolls.

• When viewing Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, stand at a safe distance from the edge of the outcrop, as the surging waves can be dangerous.

• Bring a jacket. Even in summer, wind can make Peggy’s Cove feel chilly.

Peggy’s Cove is about 27 miles (44 kilometers) from Halifax, about an hour’s drive along Highway 333 or Highway 103. There is no public transportation to the town, so if you don’t have your own vehicle, the best way to get there is by organized tour.

Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is an extremely popular photo stop, particularly in summer. Get there early in the morning (before 10am) or later in the afternoon (after 5pm) to experience the town at its tranquil best. In winter, the cove is quiet and devoid of crowds, but also cold and icy.

More than 160 historic lighthouses dot the Nova Scotia coastline, though none is more famous than the red-and-white beacon known as Peggy’s Point, said to be the most photographed lighthouse in Canada. First built in 1915 to guide vessels along Canada’s Atlantic coast, the lighthouse used to house a post office where, up until 2009, visitors could mail postcards to friends and family at home.

Most travelers will find that a few hours is enough at Peggy’s Cove. It’s a small fishing village with an attractive lighthouse and many beautiful viewpoints for photographers. You don’t need very long to walk around, visit the lighthouse, stop at the handful of gift shops and galleries, and take some pictures.

Yes, Peggy’s Cove is worth visiting. It’s a scenic fishing village with a lighthouse dating from 1915 and is especially popular among photographers (and amateur photographers). It’s a nice place, but there’s not much to do. Still, Peggy’s Cove remains one of Nova Scotia’s most popular day-trip destinations.

There are many activities and sights to enjoy if you have a full day to spend at Peggy’s Cove. Visit the scenic lighthouse and take beautiful photos, walk along the rocky shore, stroll through the fishing village, take a boat tour (with seal and puffin-spotting options), and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch or dinner.

Yes, you can visit Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove in one day. Lunenburg is about 62 miles (100 kilometers) from Halifax, and Peggy’s Cove is about 27 miles (44 kilometers). Many organized tours from Halifax include both places, starting with Lunenburg in the morning and back-tracking to Peggy’s Cove in the afternoon.

Halifax is about 27 miles (44 kilometers) from Peggy’s Cove, which takes about 50 minutes to drive. There’s no public transport between Halifax and Peggy’s Cove, so you’ll need your own car or join a guided tour or take a taxi, which can be rather pricey but more worthwhile if you’re in a group.

No, Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse isn’t open to the public, so you can’t go inside. However, the best views are from the outside, so there’s no need to go inside. Clamber along the rocky shore and take photos of the view with the lighthouse and the ocean in the background.