Nova Scotia is almost never more than a short drive from saltwater, and every coastline has its own personality. The Atlantic side gives us rugged granite and cold clear water. The Northumberland Shore gives us the warmest swimming north of the Carolinas. The Bay of Fundy gives us tides that redraw the shoreline twice a day. We put together a coast by coast guide to some of our favourite beaches, so wherever your summer takes you, you will know where to lay down a towel.

Halifax Regional Municipality

Halifax has more beach options within city limits than people expect. Crystal Crescent Beach in Sambro is a favourite for its white sand and clear water, with a bit of a walk to reach the third beach if you want more privacy. Rainbow Haven Beach in Cow Bay is a great family option with a boardwalk, changing facilities, and calmer water for younger swimmers. Queensland Beach along St Margarets Bay is another local classic, close enough for an after work dip.

Lunenburg County

Lunenburg County beaches tend to have that classic South Shore look, fine sand backed by dune grass and spruce. Rissers Beach Provincial Park is one of the most popular in the province, with a long sandy stretch, a boardwalk through the marsh, and a supervised swimming area in summer. Hirtles Beach near Kingsburg has postcard views of Gaff Point and is a wonderful spot for a coastal walk before or after your swim. Cherry Hill Beach is quieter and less developed, ideal if you want long sandy solitude.

Queens County

Queens County is home to some of the softest sand in the province. White Point Beach is well known thanks to the resort next door, but the beach itself is open to everyone and the water is relatively gentle. Summerville Beach, just down the road, is consistently ranked among the best in Nova Scotia for its wide stretch of sand and reliable surf, and it is a popular spot for beginner surfers.

Yarmouth County

Yarmouth County is a bit further off the beaten path, which is part of the appeal. Mavillette Beach is the star of the area, with sweeping sand flats at low tide, dunes, and views out toward Cape St Marys. Sandy Cove, just around the coast, is a smaller and quieter option worth the detour.

Bay of Fundy

The Fundy shore is less about lounging and more about experiencing the world's highest tides. Evangeline Beach in Grand Pre is famous for its enormous tidal flats and is a well known shorebird viewing spot during migration season. Five Islands Provincial Park offers striking red cliffs and a beach that transforms completely between high and low tide. Blomidon Provincial Park is better known for its cliffside views and hiking than for swimming, but the beach below the cliffs at low tide is worth the walk down.

Northumberland Shore

If warm water is what you are after, this is the coastline to visit. The Northumberland Strait is famously one of the warmest saltwater swimming areas north of the Carolinas. Melmerby Beach near New Glasgow is a long time favourite with supervised swimming and a boardwalk. Caribou Beach and Heather Beach both offer warm shallow water that is ideal for young families, and Pomquet Beach near Antigonish adds a beautiful dune and barrier island landscape to the mix.

Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore rewards anyone willing to drive a little further from the city. Martinique Beach is the longest beach in Nova Scotia and one of the most peaceful, backed by a protected wildlife area. Taylor Head Provincial Park combines beach time with some of the best coastal hiking trails in the province. Clam Harbour Beach is famous for its annual sandcastle competition and remains a wonderful family destination all summer long.

Cape Breton

Cape Breton beaches come with a backdrop that is hard to top. Ingonish Beach sits right along the Cabot Trail and is unique for having both a saltwater side and a freshwater lake side just steps apart. Kennington Cove near Louisbourg has a rugged, historic feel with views toward the fortress. Point Michaud on the east coast of the island is a quieter, wide open stretch of sand that feels wonderfully remote.

Wherever you end up this summer, we hope you find a little bit of the coast that feels like it was made for you. If you are thinking about a move that puts one of these beaches closer to home, we would love to help you find the right community to land in.