Nestled along Nova Scotia’s rugged South Shore, Peggy’s Cove is a picturesque fishing village renowned for its iconic lighthouse, dramatic coastal scenery, and rich maritime heritage. Located just an hour’s drive from Halifax, it has become a major tourism draw and a very popular place for photographers.
Whether you visit for a couple of hours or a couple of days, Peggy’s Cove offers a taste of authentic East Coast culture and tranquillity.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to making the most of your visit.
1. Marvel at Peggy’s Point Lighthouse
Standing sentinel since 1915, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is one of Canada’s most photographed landmarks and is the #1 reason people flock to the area. Perched atop smooth granite rocks, it offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is simply beautiful to admire. You can’t go inside the lighthouse, but you can walk to it via a trail or admire it from the beautiful boardwalk and viewing platform next to it. Please keep in mind that visitors are advised to stay on the dry, white rocks and avoid the darker, wet areas to ensure safety, as rogue waves can occur unexpectedly.
In addition to the viewing platform and lighthouse itself, there is also an adjacent restaurant, gift shop, and bathrooms.
2. Explore Six by the Sea
The newest attraction in Peggy’s Cove is Six by the Sea—a delightful “village within a village” that captures the maritime charm of this iconic coastal destination by blending local culture, cuisine, and creativity. The name references the collection of six historical buildings that have been restored and renewed to host East Coast-inspired businesses and cultural experiences, including:
Holy Mackerel
Holy Mackerel is a must-visit gem for anyone craving a dose of local craftsmanship and charm. This whimsical little shop is bursting with vibrant art, one-of-a-kind souvenirs, and beautiful gifts that celebrate the spirit of Atlantic Canada. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect keepsake or just want to soak up the creative vibes, make sure you stop in during your visit to Peggy’s Cove. If you can’t make it there in person, they also have an online store—perfect for gifting and supporting East Coast artisans and vendors.
Hunky Dory
With a name inspired by the fishing vessel historically used in Nova Scotia, Hunky Dory is a delightful eatery that puts a creative spin on East Coast flavours by pairing local specialities with delicious french fries. During our visit, we enjoyed lobster and donair “poutine,” as well as soft-serve ice cream treats decorated with maple butter syrup, cookie crumble, pretzel pieces, and more.
Margaret’s Cafe
Just behind Holy Mackerel is Margaret’s, a cozy retreat for visitors exploring this picturesque fishing village. This charming café serves locally roasted, organic coffee; a variety of teas; Maritime-inspired baked goods; seafood chowder; and freshly pressed paninis. They also offer a range of specialty drinks, such as mochas and London Fogs. Margaret’s was once a long-standing and beloved family home in the heart of the village—now reinvented to warmly welcome visitors with original hand-hewn beams, historic photos, and more.
The Schoolhouse
Built in 1839, The Schoolhouse has served as a place of learning and worship, a community gathering space, and—since 1958, when it ceased to be a school—a venue for artistic presentation. It now returns to its decades-old tradition of educating through entertainment. Located next to Margaret’s, this free attraction gives you the chance to catch a glimpse into the past of the community of Peggy’s Cove.
Spindrift Gallery
Originally constructed as an auxiliary building to a family home, Spindrift Gallery has been transformed into a main-floor art gallery with a beautiful second-floor loft to accommodate an artist-in-residence program. The gallery showcases historical exhibits and fine art by Atlantic Canadian artists. It is free to visit and is located directly behind Margaret’s. They also offer historical picture postcards, which can be mailed directly from the location.
Whether you’re savouring fresh and flavourful dishes, browsing artisanal products, or simply soaking in the stunning ocean views, Six by the Sea is a perfect complement to the natural and historical allure of Peggy’s Cove. It’s an ideal spot to immerse yourself in the local community and create lasting memories of your Nova Scotia adventure.
3. Wander around the Village
The second most-popular thing to do in Peggy’s Cove is to simply wander through the charming village, where colourful wooden houses line the narrow inlet. The community remains an active fishing village, with lobster traps and fishing nets adding to its authentic charm. Asd you walk around the wharf, you may see fishing boats arrive, displaying their catch of lobster right in front of you. The wharf also has displays explaining facts about the area.
4. Visit the William E. deGarthe Memorial Monument and Gallery
Local artist William E. deGarthe carved a 30-meter granite outcrop into a tribute to Nova Scotian fishermen, depicting 32 figures enveloped by the wings of a guardian angel. His former home now serves as a gallery showcasing 65 of his works, and is open from May 1st to October 31st.
5. Reflect at the Swissair Flight 111 Memorial
A short trail leads to a solemn memorial dedicated to the 229 victims of the 1998 Swissair Flight 111 crash. The site offers a place for reflection amidst the natural beauty of the coastline.
6. Embark on a Boat Tour
Experience the coastline from a different perspective with a boat tour departing from the village. Tours offer views of the lighthouse, nearby inlets, and the opportunity to learn about the area’s maritime history.
7. Kayak or Paddleboard in Nearby Waters
For those seeking adventure, kayaking at Lower Prospect Point offers calm waters and protected coves to explore. There used to be guided tours available, but we haven’t seen any recently. You could certainly bring your own gear, but we would highly recommend talking to experts and/or locals to make sure you know where you’re going and how safe it is.
8. Hike the Coastal Barrens
There are several fairly simple hikes in the area, including Peggy’s Cove Trail, Tanner’s Balancing Rock, and Tanner Hill. While these are not strenuous hikes, the trails are uneven, and parts can be slippery at times. It’s a great way to see the beautiful, rugged scenery, though and can be done in an hour or so.
9. Amos Pewter
Located right next to the lighthouse parking lot is Amos Pewter, a company that designs and hand-crafts pewter gifts and keepsakes. In addition to purchasing pewter art pieces, you can also see how molten pewter is cast into sculptures, jewelry, collectible ornaments and other keepsakes. You can also take part in their hands-on experience, which involves finishing and personalizing your own pewter keepsake.
10. Neil Depew Gallery
Although Neil was born in Montreal in 1964, he moved to Nova Scotia with his family at age six. Growing up by the ocean near Peggy’s Cove, he was inspired to try to capture the beauty of the area. Basically self-taught, he was influenced by his artistic mother and began painting in 1984, developing a distinctive watercolour style of strong, vivid, colourful images combined with the soft, foggy scenes that are typical of the area. Explore his shop while you’re in the area.
11. H.R.M. CROW’S NEST Antiques
If you’re interested in antiques, you won’t want to miss this shop, which is just a short drive from the village. The owner has done an amazing job with this store.
Enjoy a Guided Tour of Peggy’s Cove
Where to Stay in Peggy’s Cove
Due to its small size, you won’t find any hotels here, but you will find some charming guesthouses. Otherwise, you can always stay in Halifax, which is less than an hour’s drive away.
Meg Inn
Located right next to Six by the Sea, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the lighthouse, Meg Inn offers three rooms, each of which features a spacious room with a Queen bed, pull-out sofa, TV, and in-suite bathroom. In the hallway, you’ll also find complimentary coffee, tea, and water.
Lighthouse Lane Cottages
Located in nearby Indian Harbour, Lighthouse Lane Cottages offer cozy accommodations with stunning ocean views. Open from April 24 to October 31, they provide a perfect base for exploring Peggy’s Cove and the surrounding area.
Bed & Breakfasts
Several B&Bs in the vicinity offer warm hospitality and scenic views of the cove and lighthouse. Staying at a local B&B provides an intimate experience and a chance to connect with the community.
Where to Eat in Peggy’s Cove
Margaret’s Cafe
As mentioned above, Margaret’s Cafe is part of Six by the Sea and offers paninis, bagels, seafood chowder, and baked goods, in addition to a variety of hot and cold drinks. It is a beautiful cafe within a restored historic house.
Hunky Dory
Also part of Six by the Sea, Hunky Dory serves up poutine-style French Fries with all sorts of fixings, including lobster, donair meat, and more. In addition, they offer delicious soft serve gourmet ice cream.
Sou’Wester Restaurant
A staple in Peggy’s Cove for over 50 years, the Sou’Wester offers traditional Nova Scotian seafood dishes, including lobster nachos and fish tacos. The attached gift shop features a wide selection of local crafts and souvenirs. The restaurant is located next to the lighthouse, offering stunning views of the sea.
Tom’s Lobster Shack
Tom’s Lobster Shack in Peggy’s Cove is a delightful seaside gem renowned for its generously packed, ultra‑fresh lobster rolls. Nestled just a short stroll from the iconic lighthouse, this cheerful shack serves up a variety of roll styles—from the creamy “Classic” to the flavour-forward “Naked” and seasonal Cajun or truffle versions—each stuffed with sweet lobster meat and served on a perfectly toasted bun with crisp chips and pickles.
Bubba Magoos & Bistro
Bubba Magoos & Bistro is the ultimate purple-hued playground for your tastebuds and Instagram feed! Set in a quirky, candy-filled building, the upstairs Bistro (19+ welcome!) treats you to ocean views, craft beer and lobster mac, halibut chowder, or their famous Donair Fries while downstairs, the BubbaEATS take-out window dishes out family‑friendly favourites—thick-cut fish & chips, chicken strips, giant ice‑cream sandwiches, and even homemade dog treats—for casual bites on the patio.
How to Get to Peggy’s Cove
By Car
Peggy’s Cove is approximately a one-hour drive from Halifax. Take Highway 103 to Exit 5, then follow Route 333 to the village.
By Tour
Several tour operators offer trips from Halifax to Peggy’s Cove, including small group tours and food-focused excursions. Options range from four-hour trips to full-day adventures, some including meals at local restaurants.
By Taxi
For a more private experience, taxi services like Casino Taxi offer round-trip fares from Halifax to Peggy’s Cove, including an hour of exploration time.
Visitor Information
The Peggy’s Cove Visitor Information Centre, located at 96 Peggy’s Point Road, operates from May to October, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The center provides travel information, public washrooms, parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi. This is a great place to inquire about things to do in Nova Scotia.
Safety Tips
Thankfully, there are no real “people dangers” in Peggy’s Cove. Not only is it in Canada, but it’s an extremely tiny Atlantic Canada community. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any risks at all.
- Always stay on dry, white rocks; wet, dark rocks can be slippery and dangerous. You’ll see signs around the lighthouse saying just this. People have died by being swept into the ocean.
- Be cautious of rogue waves, which can occur even on calm days.
- Pay attention to warning signs and guidelines provided throughout the area.
Conclusion
Peggy’s Cove is a destination that captures the essence of Nova Scotia’s coastal beauty and maritime heritage. From its iconic lighthouse and charming village to its engaging activities and delectable seafood, there’s something for every traveller.
For more things to do in Nova Scotia, check out our travel guides below:
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