Off the Beaten Path in Halifax: Peggy's Cove

Published: April 05, 2023

Written byAAA Travel Editor, Patricia Miller

An undeniably picturesque and Instagram-worthy Maritime village and artists’ haven, Peggy’s Cove is well worth the 45-minute drive from Halifax and shouldn’t be missed. Its iconic lighthouse perched on masses of smooth granite boulders draws photographers and artists from around the globe, and the drive there comes complete with breathtaking views of spruce-covered hills and fishing boats bobbing in glass-smooth lakes.

AAA / Patricia Miller

Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts

Various locations

If you’re an art lover who’s looking for things to do near Halifax, the best time to visit is in mid-July during the Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts. Due in part to the astounding natural beauty of the area, a large artists’ community thrives in Peggy’s Cove and its neighboring villages. During the festival, visit more than 60 local artists in their studios and watch them paint outdoors (aka plein air) on the rocks surrounding Peggy’s Cove lighthouse.

iStockphoto.com / SeventhDayPhotography

Peggy’s Cove Boat Tour

Government Wharf

Passengers may spot whales, seals and screeching seabirds on a variety of jaunts through the waters off the Nova Scotia coast when they climb aboard the Seadog IV, a 42-foot powerboat that departs from the wharf near the lighthouse. On the puffin tour, the boat heads south to Pearl Island, where you’ll see endearing penguin-like birds with bright orange beaks and feet.

Peggy's Cove lighthouse Halifax Nova Scotia

AAA / Patricia Miller

Peggy’s Point Lighthouse

Peggy’s Point Road

Built in 1914, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is undoubtedly the shining star of Peggy’s Cove and free things to do in Halifax, since it has long inspired artists and photography buffs. Surrounded by an extensive outcrop of granite that is fun to walk on, the working red-and-white lighthouse still beams daily while waves from St. Margaret’s Bay crash on the shore below. Stand in front of the lighthouse and take a selfie that will make your friends at home green with envy.

Beales‚Äô Bailiwick shop in Peggy's Cove Halifax Nova Scotia

AAA / Patricia Miller

Where to Shop

Peggy’s Point Road

Pop into some quirky but cool gift shops set up in weatherworn Cape Cod houses along Peggy’s Point Road. Peggy’s Cove may be small, but it offers plenty of shopping, especially if you like to decorate with such nautical pieces as colorful buoys and whale bones (via cash-only The Buoy Shack) or hand-carved driftwood and original works of art (stop at Holy Mackerel and Hags on the Hill). You’ll also discover lovely pewter jewelry at Amos Pewter as well as clothing in the province’s official blue-and-green tartan and plenty of kitschy souvenirs at several other stores.

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Off the Beaten Path in Halifax: Peggy's Cove

Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts

Peggy’s Cove Boat Tour

Peggy’s Point Lighthouse

Where to Shop

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