Beaches of Nova Scotia

Toe Dipping at Pomquet Beach

Up early, coffee brewing, the sun still waiting to rise. On our Canada Day Weekend, Bro and I, are embarking on our road trip seeking adventure while researching the tourism communities in Nova Scotia, Canada for the CanadaEH.net Travel Network.

To reach Nova Scotia which rests on the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast of Canada we boarded the early morning ferry and began our 2-3 month journey.

During the ferry ride the clouds were low and lazy and refused to part ways leaving us hazed and foggy and very little to look at. Maybe next time.

On the other side, our ferry introduced us to Pictou, Nova Scotia. Our first order of business was to set up base camp and plan out our research routes. We decided to relocate to the far east end of the Nothumberland Region (north shore of Nova Scotia) near the community of Antigonish. It just felt right.

During our stay we spent our time exploring the surrounding region visiting parks, marinas, trails, lighthouses and some amazing long white sandy beaches (both remote and lonely beaches… and beaches with crowds).

Cape George Lighthouse

Pomquet Beach was the first beach I visited. It was early morning when I pulled into the empty parking lot. I was first in line it seemed. A “Hoot and Holler” later I was on the boardwalk trail leading to the beach crawling along the rolling dunes like a snake in a tall grass. The dune soon crested and below was a large sandy beach stretching for what seemed like forever.. and not a soul to be seen.

All I could hear were the waves lapping and the breeze whistling… all Icould see was the deep blue ocean. I kicked off my sandals and walked directly to the ocean to dip my feet in the Atlantic Ocean on Nova Scotia. I smiled in bliss.

The main highlight in the area… it seems… is the Cape George Lighthouse. The only reason I say that is because that was what the tourism office was telling everyone. My personal opinion… is they should qualify better… and provide selection and maybe mention some of the key points of your region like the vineyards, beaches, parks and scenic drives and on and on.

So.. we did the lighthouse. It was nice but it is sure not going to attract tourism or keep people around long. The Cape George Lighthouse is a good destination to visit for a few hours if you plan for hiking or if you pack a lunch. The lighthouse stands on a cliff. It is automated so there is no tours with the “keeper of the light”. The ocean views are beautiful. The picnic area is one of the better ones in the region.

Melmerby Beach

The Arisaig Provincial Park provides short hiking trails leading to an interpretive shelter with some great views of the ocean and Prince Edward Island. The trails lead to rocky cliffs and a few small coves, a creek and a waterfall. However… the park is best known for the fossils in its rocks. If you are a person of bones this park is for you. I, however am not, so I was visiting for the cliff views, beach and the sand in between the toes feel.

One of Nova Scotia’s most talked about beaches… Melmerby Beach… is closer to New Glascow, Nova Scotia. The white sand beach is resting on the tip of a long spit. It extends for miles, shaped like a horseshoe.

Some boardwalk paths lead over the dunes to the beach. I walked the path and crested the dunes to see the oddles of people enjoying the popular beach. Melmerby Beach is an easily accessed destination and a developed beach with change rooms, washrooms, vending machines and life guards. It is one big working beach machine.

I am at base camp now. The sun is saying goodbye. Sand still between my toes… as I can not shake that white sand feeling that I love so much! Talk in a few days, we move on tomorrow to a new location as we continue to be nosey in Nova Scotia.