Peggy’s Cove

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• 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.

How to Get There

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.

When to Get There

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.

Peggy’s Cove’s Picturesque Lighthouse

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.

How much time do you need at Peggy’s Cove?

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.

Is Peggy’s Cove worth visiting?

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.

How can I spend a day at Peggy’s Cove?

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.

Can you visit Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove in one day?

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.

How far is Halifax from Peggy’s Cove?

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.

Can you go inside the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse?

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.

Ways to explore

While you cannot go inside the lighthouse, you can admire it from the outside independently or on a half-day or sunset tour of Peggy’s Cove. Because the village is so small, many sightseeing tours combine a trip to Peggy’s Cove and its resident lighthouse with visits to nearby attractions, including Fairview Lawn Cemetery, where more than 100 passengers on the ill-fated Titanic have been laid to rest, and the coastal village of Fisherman’s Cove.

If you have more time, hike in the Peggy’s Cove Preservation Area or explore the Coastal Heritage Trail, which comprises parks, historical attractions, and hiking trails.

Accessibility

An accessible viewing deck overlooks the lighthouse, and the village offers accessible parking and bathrooms.

Age limits

While there are no age limits, those traveling with small children should beware the dark, slippery rocks surrounding the lighthouse.

What to pack

Cash, water, snacks, sunscreen, jacket, camera

What to wear

Layers, good walking shoes, sunglasses, hat

Not allowed

Going off-trail when walking through the village (the ecosystem is fragile, and property lines are rarely marked with fences), swimming by the lighthouse, climbing on the slippery rocks around the lighthouse

Amenities

Bathrooms, parking, information center, picnic tables

Address

From Halifax, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Peggy’s Cove. The village is a popular stop on bus tours of Nova Scotia, so it’s not hard to get there if you don’t have your own vehicle.

Driving

To get to Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse from Halifax, take St. Margarets Bay Road west until you can turn left onto Prospect Road. Continue until Peggy’s Point Road, where you’ll turn left again.

Public transportation

It is not possible to reach Peggy’s Cove by public transit, but there are many sightseeing tours of the area that offer round-trip transportation from Halifax’s hotels and cruise terminal.

Best times to visit

The busiest time of day for visitors is from 11am to 3pm—try to arrive outside those hours for quieter streets and the chance to take more photos.

Best days to visit

The lighthouse stays fairly busy regardless of the day, so focus more on visiting when there’s good weather.

Best months to visit

The shoulder months of October or May mean fewer visitors and the beauty of the changing seasons.

Special events

Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts is the main event in the region—held over two weekends in July, local artists showcase their work, live music fills the air, and a children’s tent encourages kids to get creative.