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Peggy's Cove is a small fishing village on the Atlantic coast southwest of Halifax, set among bare, glacier-scoured granite boulders that give the area an almost lunar look. A handful of houses, sheds and boats cluster around a narrow inlet, and the white lighthouse on the rocks beyond is one of the most photographed in Canada. The village remains a working community despite its fame.
Peggys Point Lighthouse sits on a broad granite shelf, and a viewing platform provides accessible views across the rocks and sea. Visitors must stay off the dark, wet rocks, as waves can sweep onto them without warning. The cove and fishing wharf show lobster boats and traps alongside small galleries. The Visitor Information Centre explains the geology and local history, and St. John's Anglican Church stands near the cove. Just outside the village, a memorial honors those lost on Swissair Flight 111, which crashed offshore in 1998.
Most visitors come on a day trip from Halifax, so early morning or evening visits are quieter. Bayswater Beach Provincial Park lies across St. Margarets Bay, and boat tours depart from the Government Wharf in season. Continuing along the South Shore leads to Mahone Bay and Lunenburg. Peggy's Cove suits photographers and short-stop sightseers. Fog is common.
WiserMap travel guidePeggys Cove Nova Scotia Red and White LighthousePlan a trip to Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia: the famous red and white lighthouse, granite shore, fishing wharf, Bayswater Beach and an easy day from Halifax.Read the guide
The red-and-white lighthouse on bare granite at the edge of the Atlantic, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada. Built in 1915, it still guides boats. Stay off the dark, wet rocks near the water, where large waves can sweep people away without warning, even on calm days.
An accessible viewing platform beside the lighthouse that gives a safe, level view of the rocks, the light and the open ocean. It was built so everyone, including wheelchair users, can enjoy the scene. Come early in the morning or near sunset to avoid tour bus crowds and get the best light.
The small harbor at the heart of the village, lined with wooden fishing sheds, lobster traps and boats still used by local fishers. It is the classic postcard view of Peggy's Cove. Remember that people live and work here, so stay off private wharves and give way to working crews.
Smooth granite outcrops and huge boulders left by glaciers cover the shore and the barrens around the village. Walking on the light-colored dry rock is part of the experience. Never go onto the black, wet rock near the water, which is slippery and exposed to sudden rogue waves.
The former home and gallery of Finnish-born artist William deGarthe, who lived in Peggy's Cove. Behind it is his granite monument, a 30-meter relief carved into a natural outcrop showing local fishermen and their families. The gallery shows his paintings and is open in summer.
A small white wooden church on the edge of the village, serving the fishing community for generations. Its simple interior is a quiet stop away from the busy lighthouse area. Visitors are welcome to look in when it is open, and its setting among granite and spruce is very photogenic.
A granite memorial at the Whalesback, just outside the village, for the 229 people who died when Swissair Flight 111 crashed offshore in 1998. Three notches in the stone point to the crash site. A second memorial is at Bayswater. It is a quiet place, so please visit respectfully.
A rugged coastal walk just east of Peggy's Cove, crossing open granite barrens to coves and headlands with views back to the lighthouse. Much quieter than the village. Paths are rough and poorly marked in places, so wear good shoes, stay well away from the surf and avoid it in fog.
In summer, small local boats leave the village for short tours around the cove and along the coast, giving a sea view of the lighthouse and a chance to see seals, seabirds and sometimes puffins or whales. Trips depend on the weather. Book ahead in peak season and bring a warm layer.
A white-sand beach on the far side of St. Margaret's Bay, about 40 minutes by car from Peggy's Cove, with clear but cold water and picnic tables. It is near the second Swissair memorial. It is quiet on weekdays and good for a swim or beach walk. There are no lifeguards, so swim with care.
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