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Perched atop wave-worn granite and gazing out over St. Margaret’s Bay, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is one of the most photographed places in all of Canada. The whitewashed tower rising from rugged rock has become a symbol of Nova Scotia’s maritime soul: resilient, dramatic, and deeply beautiful.
Whether you’re visiting as part of a scenic road trip from Halifax or staying nearby at Oceanstone Resort, like we did, this charming fishing village and its famous lighthouse deserve at least half a day to explore slowly.
We visited Peggy’s Cove as part of our 7-day Nova Scotia road trip (in partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia) and discovered it was more than your typical tourist attraction, but an important historic place. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and the nearby village.
A brief history of Little Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove is a small fishing village in Nova Scotia’s South Shore, just a 40-minute drive from the city of Halifax. It was founded in 1811, when six German families — the Izenhaurs, Troops, and Kayser — were granted land by the Province of Nova Scotia.
For centuries, fishing has sustained this tight-knit community, which today numbers around 30 permanent year-round residents. Despite its small population, nearly a million visitors come each year to admire the stunning natural landscape and coastal scenery, wander the village lanes, and, of course, photograph the iconic lighthouse, making it one of the busiest tourist attractions in Nova Scotia.
The current Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, also known as Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, was built in 1915, replacing an older wooden structure from 1868. Though it’s no longer manned, it’s still a working lighthouse and federal heritage building whose beacon continues to guide fishermen and sailors — and travelers — to safe harbor. It also served as a post office until November 2009.
The new lighthouse is famous for its character-defining elements, from its distinctive octagonal shape to its elegant profile to its red lantern room at the top.
Things to do in Peggy’s Cove
We spent just a few hours in the Peggy’s Cove area and had plenty of time to do the following things …
1. Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
You can’t visit Peggy’s Cove without walking across the glacier-smoothed granite to see the octagonal lighthouse up close. There isn’t much to do here except wander, soak in the views, and take photos, but that’s exactly the point.
For the best photos, step back a little — capturing the lighthouse in its full context, framed by the Atlantic and the rocky coastline, gives a better sense of scale and atmosphere.
A new accessible viewing deck now makes visiting the lighthouse a more accessible experience, providing a safe vantage point for photos and ocean views.
Safety tip: Never walk on the black rocks — they’re wet, slippery, and unpredictable. Rogue waves can crash in unexpectedly. There are signs everywhere warning of the dangers of the coastline and sudden high waves – lives have been lost, so don’t take chances.
2. Explore Peggy’s Cove Village
Peggy’s Cove village is as postcard-perfect as it gets: colorful homes perched on rocky slopes, lobster traps stacked by the docks, and fishing boats bobbing in the tiny harbor. It’s one of those rare places that still feels authentic, as it’s an active fishing village, even as it welcomes visitors from around the world.
Wandering through the village, you’ll notice how narrow the roads are — parking can be a challenge — so patience and courtesy go a long way. It’s amazing to consider how locals navigate life here amid the daily influx of travelers.
While Peggy’s Cove can be busy, step back, breathe, and look beyond the lighthouse. Watch the fishing boats come in, chat with locals, and take in the smell of salt and seaweed carried by the wind. It’s these simple, sensory moments that make Peggy’s Cove a memorable part of your Nova Scotia trip.
3. Visit Six by the Sea (Village within the Village)
A highlight of Peggy’s Cove is the Six by the Sea village — a collection of six restored heritage buildings painted in cheerful colors and home to shops, galleries, and eateries celebrating East Coast creativity and hospitality. I found it to be a thoughtful and innovative way to bring to life the historical value of the area in a modern and purposeful way.
- The Red Schoolhouse (1839): Once the heart of this community, it now hosts intimate performances and cultural programming. There was a friendly attendant inside who shared stories of its history, including how 32 students once fit into this tiny classroom.
- Margaret’s Café: A cozy spot for coffee, chowder, or a panini. Inside, you’ll find nods to Nova Scotian craftsmanship and the fishing industry of the local communities — from Bass River chairs to tables made from old beams and a lobster trap base. We enjoyed a coffee and muffin break here; expect classic coffeehouse brews rather than third-wave espresso.
- Holy Mackerel: A whimsical boutique featuring over 100 Atlantic Canadian artisans; it’s the perfect place for souvenir shopping. You’ll find gorgeous gifts, homeware, and local treats — all housed in a beautifully renovated space.
- Spindrift Gallery: Showcasing contemporary Atlantic Canadian artists and photography, it’s a wonderful place to connect with the local creative spirit. The building, part of the Peggy’s Cove Centre for Arts & Culture, was fully renovated to create a gallery on the main floor and a loft upstairs to accommodate artists-in-residence. I loved the photography exhibit, giving an insight into life in this small fishing village that is now so famous. The attendant was also very informative, sharing more about the cove – its history and present
- Hunky Dory: Grab gourmet fries or soft-serve ice cream and enjoy them at picnic tables overlooking the sea. We did not get to eat here, but you can feel confident that Canada knows how to do fries! Could be another option for lunch! The name is a loving nod to the dory fishing boats historically used in the province. (We learned a lot about them on our Lunenburg walking tour).
You can scan the QR codes outside each building to learn about the treaty people, the Mi’kmaq people (the original inhabitants of this region), and the six German settlers who founded the village. Five of the six buildings are now used as:
4. Hike Polly’s Cove Trail
Just after the turn off to Peggy’s Cove, look for a small pullout marking the Polly’s Cove Trail, a lesser-known hike offering panoramic coastal views without the crowds and sounds of the village. The trail meanders over granite outcrops and wild coastal brush, leading to a stunning headland overlooking the Atlantic.
It’s an unmarked trail with limited parking (about six spots), so go early or late in the day. Stay well back from the cliffs, as the drop-offs are steep. We enjoyed stretching our legs on this hike – especially after all the good Nova Scotian eating we’d be doing.
It provided a different, quieter perspective of Peggy’s Cove. We walked for about 30 minutes, turning back when we felt we had had enough. I had read that it was a loop walk, but we could not find the loop, and fellow hikers we met along the way said it wasn’t a loop. You can follow the trail here:
5. Enjoy the view from Cranberry Cove Lookout
Before entering the village, stop at Cranberry Cove Lookout for postcard-worthy views of Peggy’s Cove and the lighthouse from afar, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Where to eat in Peggy’s Cove
- Tom’s Lobster Shack: Said to serve the best lobster roll in Nova Scotia! Gluten-free travelers can order it on a salad instead. Go early as they often sell out before dinner. We did not know this and had planned to enjoy it for dinner with a sunset view. They sold out just before we arrived!
- The Sou’Wester Restaurant: Located right beside the lighthouse, this long-standing spot offers sit-down dining with inside and outdoor seating. It’s popular but can be pricey, with limited gluten-free options. We decided to eat dinner at our resort instead of our villa deck with ocean views, sunset, and a glass of wine purchased at the local mini mart.
- Rhubarb Restaurant: Just minutes away near Oceanstone Resort, this is one of the area’s top-rated dining spots for fresh, locally inspired meals. (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.) We were so disappointed that we missed it as we stayed Monday and Tuesday night.
- Margaret’s Café and Hunky Dory (in Six by the Sea) also make excellent choices for light bites, coffee, and snacks.
Best time to visit Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove is open year-round, but the best visiting months are May through October, when the weather is mild and most shops and restaurants are open.
Sunset is the most popular time for tourists to visit Peggy’s Cove, so expect crowds. For a quieter and equally magical experience, consider sunrise — the colors are softer, the air still, and you might have the rocks almost to yourself. We were intending to hang around for sunset, but the fog started drifting in. Apparently, that can happen a lot. Mother Nature is gonna always do her thing – we’ve just got to learn to dance with it!
Getting to Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove is a 50-minute drive from Halifax along Highway 333 (Lighthouse Route) or Highway 103. We followed Highway 333, which is also known as the scenic Lighthouse Route, and saw plenty of signs for Peggy’s Cove.
The drive itself is part of the experience, with rugged coastline views, rocky coves, and small fishing villages along the way.
There are no direct buses, so you’re only way to reach here is by driving. If you don’t drive, then I recommend you take a day tour from Halifax, as the cost of a rideshare will be expensive.
Where to stay near Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove is quite remote, so we recommend staying at one of the resorts along Highway 333, in nearby Indian Harbour. We enjoyed a relaxing overnight stay at Oceanstone Seaside Resort, just five minutes from Peggy’s Cove. This beautiful oceanfront resort combines cozy cottages, a hydrothermal Nordic Spa, and coastal serenity. It was one of our favorite stays in Nova Scotia.
There are not a huge number of options nearby, but another top-rated accommodation choice is Clifty Cove Motel, which offers a smaller, family-run stay. Alternatively, you could stay in Halifax.
Helpful tips for visiting Peggy’s Cove
- Parking: There’s a main parking area near the lighthouse, but it fills quickly. Arrive early or later in the evening to avoid congestion.
- Accessibility: The new viewing platform makes it easier for everyone to enjoy the lighthouse safely without navigating the uneven rocks.
- Respect locals: This is a living fishing village, not a museum. Stay on marked paths and avoid wandering through private yards.
- Safety first: The ocean here is powerful and unpredictable — never underestimate it.
- Combine it with Oceanstone Spa: After exploring, unwind with a hydrothermal circuit at the nearby Hydrothermal Spa at Oceanstone Resort — a blissful way to complete your day. We did this in the morning, with the afternoon at Peggy’s Cove.
Why Peggy’s Cove is so beloved
Peggy’s Cove endures not just because it’s beautiful, but because it feels timeless. The granite rocks have withstood centuries of storms, the lighthouse still stands sentinel, and the small fishing boats still bob in the harbor just as they did generations ago.
It’s a place where the raw beauty of the Atlantic meets the quiet persistence of human life, and together, they tell a story of Nova Scotia’s heart.
