The Best Beaches in Nova Scotia, Canada

This series of three crescent-shaped beaches is located just 40 minutes from downtown Halifax and is a favorite among locals. The third and furthest beach is a naturist beach.

When you get to Carter’s Beach, you may think you’ve somehow wound up in the Caribbean by mistake. The soft white sand and clear waters make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Nova Scotia.

Martinique is the longest beach in Nova Scotia, with 5km (3mi) of white sand. One of a number of great beaches on the Eastern Shore, it’s also a protected area for the piping plover and a wildlife refuge for migratory waterfowl.

Rissers is a perfect family-friendly option with calm waters and clean, well-maintained shores.

Pack your towel, sunscreen and hot dogs! Bayswater Beach, just outside of Halifax, is equipped with outdoor barbecues, making it the perfect place to spend a full day of beaching and grilling.

On the Northumberland Shore you’ll find Melmerby Beach, with some of the warmest waters in the province. Stroll along the boardwalk, dip in the warm waters and enjoy beautiful coastal views.

Head to the Eastern Shore’s Lawrencetown Beach for some of the best surf, not only in Nova Scotia, but in all of North America. Bring your own board or sign up for one of the on-site surf lessons.

Have a passion for riding the waves? Our trips in Bali and Costa Rica both offer the chance to surf in some stunning locations.

Conrad’s Beach is situated between the more popular Lawrencetown and Rainbow Haven beaches and is a favorite spot with locals looking to get away from the crowds that can overwhelm its neighbors.

This lovely family-friendly beach is on the Eastern Shore and features boardwalks, hiking trailers, changing rooms and showers. It’s popular for the warm streams that flow into the ocean – they’re a great place to hang out, and are a great alternative to the chillier ocean water.

If you’re in Cape Breton (and you should be), you need to make at least one visit to Inverness Beach. Visitors fall in love with its long stretch of soft sand, warm waters and idyllic boardwalk.

Despite its chilly waters, Rainbow Haven is popular with locals and features white-sand beaches and a long boardwalk. Its close proximity to the city is appealing, too, and it’s just a 15-minute drive from Dartmouth.

This private beach is owned by the White Point Resort Lodge, but you don’t need to be staying at the resort to enjoy it. For a fee, you’ll get a day pass to the white-sand beach and its facilities. You’ll find this beautiful spot on the South Shore, near the town of Liverpool.