Planning a trip to Shelburne County, Nova Scotia soon and need help planning your trip? This guide to the best things to do in Shelburne County is for you!
This fall was my second time visiting Nova Scotia (I’d only ever been to Cape Breton Island before – you can check out my Cape Breton island guide here), and I was so excited to go back and explore Shelburne County.
Turns out it was the most adorable and Gilmore Girls-esque (If Gilmore Girls was set in the East Coast that is) county full of tiny towns that are big on charm.
Think Hallmark worthy buildings, quaint and cozy cafes, seaside cottages, adorable lighthouses, and the friendliest locals you could imagine.
Heck, there was even a fall festival that had me paddling a real pumpkin… What kind of small town movie was I in?!
Shelburne County hadn’t been on my radar before this trip, but let me tell you I fell in love.
If Shelburne County isn’t yet on your bucket list, you need to add it, and I hope this guide inspires you to do so!
Otherwise if you’ve got your own trip to Shelburne County planned soon, I hope you find this guide useful to help you get the most out of your trip.
And be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. I share a lot of travel content on those that never make it to the blog!
Now, let’s get started on the guide to the best things to do Shelburne County, Nova Scotia.
I’m going to start this guide with general information you might need for your trip, then get into the list of the best things to do in Selburne County which is sectioned by location!
This guide will cover all the best things to do in Shelburne, Barrington, and Lockeport.
Table of Contents
When to visit Shelburne County
The best time to visit Shelburne County, Nova Scotia really depends on what you’re looking to do during your visit!
However, there’s no denying that the most popular season to visit Shelburne County is of course in the summer.
The weather is at its peak warmth and you’ll be able to really experience the beauty of the beaches in this stunning region (and there are many!).
I actually visited Shelburne County during October and it was lovely – we had the benefit of having most places to ourselves!
However, it is important to keep in mind that if you visit that time of year it will be chillier (no bathing suit beach days and you definitely need to wear layers!) and not everything is open as it’s no longer high season.
Overall I would say your best bet for travel though is either late spring, summer, or early fall.
Here is what you can expect visiting Shelburne County during those months:
Late Spring (May to June) – Shoulder Season
During the late spring is when the weather starts to warm up in Shelburne County.
There may still occasionally be a cold and windy day, and evenings are still a bit cool so you’ll want to be sure to bring layers.
Temperatures are comfortable enough for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying the natural beauty of Shelburne County.
You’ll also be able to experience the beauty of some spring blooms which add a nice touch to the scenery!
Late spring isn’t high season yet, so you’ll also get to take advantage of it being less busy in Shelburne County.
Summer (July to August) – High Season
Summer is peak tourist season in Shelburne County and this is when it gets its busiest!
The weather is warm (and sometimes hot!) making it perfect for enjoying the beach and all the outdoor activities that Shelburne County has to offer.
Because it’s high season, there are lots of events and festivals that happen during summer so there is a lot to enjoy!
If planning a trip to Shelburne County in the summer, just make sure you’ve locked in your accommodations well in advance as places do book up.
Early Fall (September to October) – Shoulder Season
Early fall is when the weather starts cooling down (although this past fall had many very warm days still!) and you’ll also get to enjoy Shelburne County being quieter.
It’s most often too cold to enjoy swimming in the ocean, but there is still so much to enjoy in Shelburne County in the fall.
This is when you’ll get to experience beautiful fall foliage, and fun fall festivals like the Shelburne County Giant Pumpkin Festival!
You’ll want to be sure to bring layers as it can get cold and windy some days.
However, you’ll also have some sunny warm days where you won’t even need a jacket at all!
Late Fall to Early Spring (November to June) – Off Season
A few things to keep in mind if you decide to visit Shelburne County during their off season, is that you will definitely experience colder weather and many attractions and accommodations will be closed for the season.
However, like I said above it really depends on what you want to get out of your trip.
Lobster season happens in Barrington from the end of November to the end of May so if you’re visiting just for lobster, and your goal is to make this a foodie trip, this will be a great time!
How long should you spend in Shelburne County
I spent a week exploring Shelburne County and to me it was the perfect amount of time for us to explore most of what Shelburne, Barrington, and Lockeport have to offer.
However, you could easily plan to do more or less if you wanted to!
If you have less time to visit the area, I would recommend focusing on just one location and staying put.
A week in Shelburne County though really is the perfect amount of time to really experience all that the this beautiful region has to offer, so I would recommend that if you can.
Now, let’s get into the guide of the best things to do in Shelburne County during your trip!
Things to do in Shelburne County – Shelburne
The adorable and super colourful town of Shelburne will have you feeling like you stepped right into an East Coast Hallmark movie.
In fact, it’s actually been the shooting location of a few of them.
Although I loved every destination we visited in Shelburne County, Shelburne was my favourite.
This adorable seaside town is just so picturesque and has so much to explore.
Here you can enjoy seaside lodging, dining on fresh seafood, outdoor exploration, a local brewery, historic waterfront, museums, and so much more.
Let’s get into the top things to do in Shelburne!
1. Stay at The Cooper’s Inn, the most darling Bed & Breakfast by the water
During your time in Shelburne County, I definitely recommend you stay at the beautiful The Cooper’s Inn, a quaint seaside Bed & Breakfast located in the heart of Shelburne’s colorful waterfront.
This charming Bed & Breakfast is the perfect blend of history and old world charm, mixed with modern amenities and comforts.
The inn itself is beautifully decorated and has such a vintage, cozy feeling to it.
The owner Amanda Sutherland is so incredibly friendly, and I just loved hearing her story about how she decided to pursue her dreams, leaving the big city of Toronto to buy and run her own inn in Shelburne!
Beyond beautiful accommodations, since it’s a Bed & Breakfast you will have breakfast included with your stay.
Every morning we got to pick from 3 options, and everything was so delicious.
This really is the most charming and perfect place to stay while in Shelburne.
2. Don’t miss the Shelburne County Giant Pumpkin Festival & Regatta!
This is hands down my favourite on this list of things to do in Shelburne County, and if you’re visiting Shelburne during the fall it’s an absolute must.
In fact, I would highly recommend you plan your visit around the Shelburne County Giant Pumpkin Festival & Regatta so that you don’t miss it!
I loved it so much that I even made a full dedicated TikTok on the Giant Pumpkin Festival and Regatta.
This was the best and cutest fall festival I’ve ever attended!
They had everything from a market to pumpkin carving, a giant pumpkin contest, scarecrow making, fall treats, a kids bouncy pumpkin and more.
But to me the real star of the show was the Giant Pumpkin Regatta, where locals race around Shelburne County harbour paddling in real hollowed out giant pumpkins.
All the pumpkin paddlers are Shelburne locals who have to make and decorate their boats from actual real giant pumpkins.
The race itself is so much fun to watch, and the entire Shelburne County community comes out for it so there really is a lot of energy and excitement.
After the race they even let spectators try out the pumpkin boats themselves which was definitely a once in a lifetime experience for me!
I’m sure you can see why this is my favourite thing to do in Shelburne County.
3. Dinner at Charlotte Lane Cafe
Charlotte Lane Cafe is an absolute must when visiting Shelburne.
In fact, we loved our dining experience at Charlotte Lane Cafe so much that we actually ate here twice while we were staying in Shelburne!
This formal dining restaurant offers a menu featuring dishes that specialize in using fresh and locally sourced produce, which changes seasonally.
Their specialties include seafood (of course!), pastas, and even authentic Indian cuisine.
The lobster and scallops I had here were truly incredible.
I can honestly say it was one of the best seafood dishes I’ve ever had.
4. Sandy Point Lighthouse
Address: Sandy Point Rd, Shelburne
Sandy Point Lighthouse is one of Shelburne’s most popular attractions, so you know you can’t miss at least making a quick stop to see it while you’re in Shelburne.
Located just off a sand bar on the edge of Shelburne Harbour, you can even walk out to the Lighthouse during low tide which makes for a great photo opportunity.
When the weather is hot this is a great beach to enjoy, so pack a picnic or some towels to relax on!
And don’t worry, even if you can only visit during high tide you’ll still be able to get some great photos of Sandy Point Lighthouse.
5. Dine at The Emerald Light Kitchen + Bar
Address: 151 Water St, Shelburne
The Emerald Light Kichen + Bar is a beautiful local restaurant in a bright green building in downtown Shelburne that has a great atmosphere, delicious food, and wonderful service.
They have a pretty diverse menu and a lot of comfort foods which made it the perfect cozy spot for us to warm up in.
Here you’ll find everything from their heartwarming tomato soup to scallops and pork belly, gourmet grilled cheeses, fresh tacos, and even a succulent short rib dish.
We came here for lunch during our time in Shelburne and both had the Shrimp Po’Boy which was really good.
During the summer they also have a garden patio which is lovely and open all summer long!
6. Taste some locally made beer at Boxing Rock Brewing Company
Address: 218 Water St, Shelburne
If you love beer you absolutely have to go for a tasting of locally made beer at Boxing Rock Brewing Company while in Shelburne.
Boxing Rock brews a wide variety of craft beers, and definitely has something for everyone!
Plus they also offer food & snacks, including the best seafood chowder I’ve ever tasted.
The name Boxing Rock actually comes from a really cool legend that’s known in the area.
Sea captains who sailed a long time ago in Shelburne Harbour had a special use for the land here.
If they had crew members that didn’t get along, they would drop them off on Boxing Rock with instructions from the Captain to either “shake hands and share a beer, or box until one of them drops.”
They would then return later at high tide to pick up one, or both of them. Often, the two would battle it out and the winner would return alone to the ship.
But sometimes a pair would appreciate the dry land beneath their feet, and would agree to share the jug of beer, sit down and enjoy the fresh air.
It’s from this story that Boxing Rock Brewing Company chose their name and I think that’s pretty cool don’t you?
7. Dory Shop Museum
Address: 11 Dock St, Shelburne
If museums are your thing, you’re in luck because Shelburne has a few to check out!
The Dory Shop Museum will take you into an authentic harbour-side Dory factory, where you’ll discover the historic Shelburne Dory and learn all about the world of the Grand Banks fishery from 1880 to 1971.
The Dory, which is a small, lightweight and versatile boat, were easy to build and able to withstand the rugged ocean.
Because of this, they were extremely important to the fishing industry of both Nova Scotia, and around the world.
Shelburne made a name for itself due to the town’s rich dory building traditions, which you’ll have the chance to witness and learn about for yourself at the Dory Shop Museum.
At only $5 entrance fee for Adults, this is a great little museum to visit to help you understand an important piece of the history of Shelburne.
8. Ross-Thompson House & Store Museum
Address: 9 Charlotte Ln, Shelburne
Want to discover what it was like to live in Shelburne in the 1780s?
That’s exactly what you’ll get to do at the Ross-Thompson House Store & Museum!
Explore the historic store, where merchants George and Robert Ross carried on international trade in goods like tea, coffee, rum, port and wine.
They offered both necessities and luxuries to the town of Shelburne’s residents, and you can even ask the store clerk about the kinds of goods they bartered and sold.
After visiting the store, you can explore the living quarters, and visit the Militia Room above the shop.
This is a super cool way to see what life was like in Shelburne back in the 1780s, when thousands of Loyalist refugees started new lives here following the American War of Independence.
9. Shelburne County Museum
Address: Across from the Dory Shop Museum
Another great museum to check out during your time in Shelburne is the Shelburne County Museum.
Here you’ll get to discover the rich history of the town of Shelburne, from the founding peoples (the Mi’kmaq, Loyalist, Black Loyalist, Acadian, Planters and Welsh), to Shelburne’s shipbuilding era, and the fishery.
As you learn the story of Shelburne, you’ll get to explore important artifacts, costumes, antiques, tools, important documents and more.
Here you will really discover the heart and soul of Shelburne, so if you’re a history buff you can’t miss this one!
10. Enjoy nature at The Islands Provincial Park
Address: 183 Islands Park Rd, Shelburne
The Islands Provincial Park is a beautiful park in Shelburne that’s the perfect place to escape to for some time in nature.
Here you can enjoy some of the many hiking and walking trails, go for a paddle along the water, or take out your boat from their boat launch.
They also have campsites here, day use and picnic areas, and you can even fish if you have a permit.
I just loved the views of Shelburne’s colorful waterfront from the Islands Provincial Park.
11. Black Loyalist Heritage Centre
Address: 119 Old Birchtown Rd, Shelburne
The Black Loyalist Heritage Centre tells the story of the largest free African population outside of Africa, which were the Black Loyalists in the 18th century right here in Nova Scotia.
Here you can enjoy a guided tour, learn all about the Black Loyalists, and even search for your ancestral routes.
The centre features interactive exhibits that will take you all through the history of the Black Loyalists.
In addition to the main centre, you can explore the Old Schoolhouse, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, a replica Pit House, and the Black Burial Ground Monument Site.
The Black Loyalists were an important part of Shelburne County history, and this is the place to learn all about their story.
12. Do the Taste of Birchtown Guided Museum Tour & Craft Beer Tasting
If you were planning on visiting both the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre and Boxing Rock Brewing Company during your time in Shelburne, it’s definitely worth considering doing the Taste of Birchtown Guided Museum Tour & Craft Beer Tasting!
This tour will take you through the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre to learn all about the history and stories of the Black Loyalists who arrived in 1783, followed by a craft beer tasting at Boxing Rock Brewing Company.
This tour includes:
- Guided 1.5 hour tour of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre
- Access to explore the Black Loyalist Heritage Site
- Your own copy of the book “Birchtown and the Black Loyalist Experience: From 1775 to Present”
- Charcuterie and craft beer tasting at Boxing Rock Brewing Company
By the way – the cost of this tour is only $75 for 2 adults, or $95 for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids!
13. Shelburne Guild Hall Market
Address: 11 Maiden Ln, Shelburne
If you love visiting Farmer’s Markets then you have to visit the Shelburne Guild Hall Market during your time in Shelburne.
This market is open seasonally (from June to October) on Sundays from 12-3pm.
Here you’ll get to explore and shop local goods and fresh produce and fare from all sorts of local vendors.
14. Enjoy some pub fare at the Ship’s Galley Pub & Eatery
Address: 156 Water St, Shelburne
I heard such great things about The Ship’s Galley Pub & Eatery and so I was so sad they were closed during my time in Shelburne.
Here you can expect to have great cocktails, big portions, and good prices.
Enjoy some beer battered fish & chips (apparently the home fries are amazing and the fish has a fluffy beer batter that can’t be beat), creamy seafood chowder, fish tacos, and a selection of classic pub style eats like burgers.
The reviews for Ship’s Galley are phenomenal and I know if I ever find my way back to Shelburne I HAVE to try it.
Hopefully you’ll get the chance to try it too!
Things to do in Shelburne County – Barrington
If you love lobster you absolutely can’t miss spending time in the Municipality of Barrington, the Lobster Capital of Canada, while in Shelburne County!
Here you’ll find everything from small coastal communities to beautiful white sand beaches, stunning historic lighthouses to epic outdoor adventures, and of course all things lobster.
Get ready to have the best lobster roll you’ve ever had, and be sure to bring your beach gear as we explore beautiful Barrington.
Let’s get into the top things to do in Barrington!
15. Stay at the Starboard Inn & Portside Lounge
Address: 2 Nickerson Lane, Barrington Passage
If you’re looking for a cozy and private little place to stay in Barrington, The Starboard Inn & Portside Lounge is just what you need.
Here you’ll have your own comfy little chalet that has everything you need for a relaxing stay.
Each chalet has two rooms with a double bed, as well as a kitchenette, large screen TV’s in both the living room and bedroom, and a large bathroom.
It’s also perfectly located and just a short drive from all the attractions in the area.
16. Have an award winning lobster roll at Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack
Address: 3723 Nova Scotia Trunk 3, Barrington Passage
Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack is a staple in Barrington, and this is one restaurant you absolutely can’t miss on this list of things to do in Shelburne County.
This local restaurant has fun whimsical decor, an extensive menu, the warmest and most welcoming staff, and you better believe it… a LOT of lobster.
Here you’re going to find everything from lobster fondue to lobster chowder, creamed lobster, lobster alfredo, and of course their award winning lobster roll which is to DIE for.
The award winning Captain Kat’s lobster roll features fresh local lobster, baby spinach, celery, green onion & mayo served on a buttery, grilled bun with golden fries & slaw.
Seriously. I’ve been dreaming of this lobster roll since I had it!
Of course they do have plenty of options that aren’t lobster.
But are you kidding me? As if I would come to Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack in the heart of the Lobster Capital of Canada and not have lobster!
And let me tell you, it was so the right decision.
If you love lobster you’re going to love Captain Kat’s.
And if the whimsical decor isn’t your vibe – not to worry.
Captain Kat’s has another more modern, chic, and elevated space next door that will do just the trick.
I love how you can pick which vibe you’re feeling and each space really did feel so different!
Whether you’re here for a fancy date or a fun family meal, Captain Kat’s has something for you.
17. Enjoy a coffee and baked goods at Salty Shores Inn and Cafe
Address: 3533 Nova Scotia Trunk 3, Barrington Passage
We stumbled on the Salty Shores Inn and Cafe during our first morning in Barrington, and we ended up loving our breakfast here so much we came back again the next morning!
Here you’ll find the most delicious home baked goods, hearty soups and chowders, mouthwatering sandwiches, and fresh coffee, juices, and smoothies.
The homemade scones here were so delicious and buttery, and the maple latte was the perfect way to start our mornings!
Salty Shores Inn Cafe really is the perfect, quaint little cafe and is a must visit while in Barrington.
18. Take in a beautiful sunset at Sand Hills Beach Provincial Park
Address: 28 Sandhills Beach Rd, Barrington
If you want to catch a pretty sunset while you’re in Barrington, this is where you need to go!
We had heard Sand Hills Beach Provincial Park was a great place to watch an epic sunset, and so we headed there just before dinner during our first day in Barrington.
It wasn’t long after we arrived that we were greeted by colorful skies and a magical sunset as the sun slowly crept closer to the ocean.
Beyond being a great place to watch the sunset, here you’ll find a white sand beach with change rooms and picnic tables, great spots for birdwatching, and great spots to go swimming during the warmer summer months.
19. Visit the Barrington Woolen Mill Museum
Address: 2368 Nova Scotia Trunk 3, Barrington
The Barrington Woolen Mill Museum is the first of 3 Barrington museums for you to visit in this guide to the best things to do in Shelburne County.
The Barrington Woolen Mill Museum is in a preserved 19th century turbine mill that was built in 1882.
Here you’ll learn all about how the Barrington Woolen Mill was an importance local business in the 1800s, turning raw fleece into yarn and cloth.
During your visit you’ll get to tour the preserved mill and discover how the mill helped shape Nova Scotia by offering growing communities jobs and services.
You’ll even get the chance to try out some textile production skills like weaving and spinning!
Beyond being such an important part of Barrington’s history, the Woolen Mill itself is beautiful to visit and we really enjoyed walking the grounds and admiring the views.
By the way – Admission is just $5 for adults.
20. Stop by the Seal Island Light Museum
Address: 2422 Nova Scotia Trunk 3, Barrington
Up next, head right next door to the Seal Island Light Museum which is just steps from the Barrington Woolen Museum.
This museum sits in a 5 story, 35 foot tall replica of the original 60 foot lighthouse whose beacon still guides mariners from seal island.
Inside the museum you’ll get to discover all sorts of important artifacts from the area that tell the story of the lighthouse keepers, as well as the area’s rich nautical history.
You can also try on lobster fisher gear for a photo op and practice banding replica lobsters here!
Sadly when we visited the museum was closed, but I loved how beautiful the replica lighthouse is.
Admission is also just $5 for adults!
21. The Old Court House Museum
Address: 2401 Hwy 3. Barrington
The last museum you need to visit while you’re in Barrington, is the Old Court House Museum.
This museum is in an old court house which was built back in 1843!
It’s actually the third oldest court house in all of Nova Scotia and they have over 4000 military artifacts, indigenous artifacts, and local community exhibits to discover.
If you love learning about military history you definitely can’t miss the Old Court House Museum.
22. Become a lumberjack at Wild Axe Productions!
Address: 5 Petticoat Ln, Barrington
One of the most epic experiences on this guide of things to do in Shelburne County is definitely the Lumberjack Experience at Wild Axe.
Run by Darren Hudson (World Champion Lumberjack and Suzy Atwood (a Worldwide Competitive Axe Thrower), the awesome Wild Axe has a lot to offer in terms of some really unique outdoor activities that are fun for the whole family.
They offer everything from “Be a Lumberjack for the Day” workshops to axe throwing in the most beautiful setting, and even lumberjack kids camps!
We got to try our hands at axe throwing with Suzy while in Shelburne, and it was so much fun.
Suzy was such a wonderful coach and was able to guide us both to reaching our goal of hitting the target.
This was such a fun and unique experience to do in Barrington and I highly recommend it!
23. Spend a day exploring Cape Sable Island
Cape Sable Island is an island at the southernmost point of Nova Scotia, in the Municipality of Barrington.
You can get here by car (there’s a bridge!) so it’s easy to get to and an absolute must while in the area.
While you’re here you can spot the Cape Sable Lighthouse, hike one of the many trails, or spend the day relaxing at one of the incredible beaches (I’ve listed a few below!).
There’s also a lot of wild deer on the island, so chances are you may get to see some while you’re here too.
We were driving into Clark’s Harbour and some came right up to our car!
24. Visit The Hawk Beach while you’re there
Address: 154 New Rd, Clark’s Harbour
The Hawk Beach is a beautiful white sand beach on Cape Sable Island that’s an absolute must while in the area.
Although we visited during fall (which was still beautiful might I add!), I can imagine just how incredible this beach is to visit during the summer months.
From the beach you can see the Cape Sable Lighthouse, plus there’s bathrooms available in the summer.
They even have little “Beach Toy Libraries” where you can borrow sand toys for the day!
Bring a towel, picnic, or something to read and make an afternoon of enjoying this beautiful beach.
25. Daniel’s Head Beach
Address: 5-89 Daniels Head Rd, Clark’s Harbour
Another beautiful beach to visit on Cape Sable Island is Daniel’s Head beach (also known as South Side Beach).
This 2.5 km long beach is one of the most popular beaches on Cape Sable Island.
It’s enjoyed year round by walkers, photographers, and birdwatchers.
Daniel’s Head beach is a great place to collect sea glass, and of course in the summer months the beach is a beautiful spot to relax, go for a swim, and enjoy the sounds of the crashing waves.
Changing rooms, washrooms, and picnic areas are available during the summer so it’s a great spot to spend the day with family and enjoy some Nova Scotia sun.
26. Get a mouthwatering lobster melt at The Salt Banker.
Address: 2732 Main St, Clark’s Harbour
There are two incredible meals we had while in Barrington that I can’t stop thinking about.
One was the award winning lobster roll at Captain Kat’s, and the other was the mouth watering lobster melt at The Salt Banker.
Located in Clark’s Harbour, on Cape Sable Island, The Salt Banker is a fantastic local gem with wonderful seafood dishes, steak, and pastas.
Everything on the menu sounded so good, that we couldn’t decide and ended up asking the server what we should get (after all – they know best right?).
That’s what led us both to having the lobster melt and my oh my was it the right decision.
The lobster melt is served on sourdough bread lathered with lobster dip, gouda cheese, and topped with grilled lobster.
It’s incredible and if you love lobster you need to try it while you’re in Barrington!
Things to do in Shelburne County – Lockeport
Lockeport is a picturesque coastal town in Shelburne County that really is the ultimate Canadian beach vacation destination.
Known for its stunning natural beauty, incredible beaches (like the famous Crescent Beach we will discuss later), and its connection to the sea, people flock from all over to experience the little slice of paradise that Lockeport is during the summer.
Even during off season (we visited in fall) there is so much to enjoy about the charming town of Lockeport.
Let’s get into the top things to do in Lockeport!
27. Stay at Seaside Cottages at Ginger Hill
Address: 211 Locke St, Lockeport
During our time in Lockeport we stayed at Seaside Cottages at Ginger Hill and I can’t recommend it enough!
These private beachfront cottages are the perfect retreat for everyone from friends to couples, to families.
They’re equipped with everything you need and make for the perfect vacation home.
They’ve got 5 cottages located right on the famous Crescent Beach (more about that later), and 3 cottages located on the more private Buchanan Beach.
They’ve got covered decks with rocking chairs overlooking the ocean, picnic tables, and all sorts of things to do including lots of sand toys, walking trails, hammocks, and more.
I can picture just how much my family would have loved coming here growing up.
You can even add a lobster or scallop dinner to your stay, and they deliver everything you need in the cutest gift basket… Including local wine!
It was such a treat to have an amazing home cooked meal of local seafood at our cottage on the beach.
Beyond that, you can have beach bonfires at Seaside Cottages at Ginger Hill which was exactly what we did our last night in Shelburne County and it was the perfect way to end our trip.
28. Enjoy the Crescent Beach – a beautiful white sand beach!
Address: 157 Locke St, Lockeport
Crescent Beach is a beautiful white sand beach in Lockeport that’s actuallly quite famous.
In fact, so much so that it was once featured on the Canadian $50 bill!
Crescent Beach features over 1 km of beautiful white sand, and is naturally a very popular destination in the summer months.
There is lots of parking available, as well as washrooms, showers, changing rooms, and the local visitor’s centre is right on site too.
It’s the perfect beach to spend an afternoon building sand castles, going for a swim, enjoying a beach picnic, or even trying your hand at surfing.
If there is one beach you absolutely have to visit during your time in Shelburne County, I would say Crescent beach is it!
Even during the fall it was absolutely beautiful to visit and we loved strolling the beach, looking for sea glass, and having a beach bonfire.
If you’re staying at Seaside Cottages at Ginger Hill, 5 of their cottages are located right on Crescent Beach so you’ll get to enjoy ample time here!
29. Go for a walk along Lockeport Walking Trail
Address: 157 Locke Street
After visiting Crescent Beach, one of the first things we did in Lockeport was go for a walk along the Lockeport Walking Trail and it was the perfect way to get our bearings of the area and enjoy the sights!
The Lockeport Walking Trail is a 5 km out and back walk that includes a boardwalk, two old CNR trestle bridges, sand dunes, a salt marsh, and lots of bird and boat sightings.
We loved this walk, and although it’s rated as moderate on Hiking Trails I would say that’s only because of the distance as it was really quite an easy stroll!
30. Check out the West Head Bird Sanctuary and Coastal Trail
Address: Western Head, NS
If you’re looking for epic views while in Shelburne County, this one is for you.
This is where we saw the most epic view (in my opinon) on this list of things to do in Shelburne County!
Just a short drive away from Seaside Cottages at Ginger Hill you can visit the West Head Bird Sanctuary and Coastal Trail.
Follow the short trail from the parking lot that takes you to a rocky cliffside overlooking the ocean.
Here you’ll get incredible views of the ocean, Lockeport, and would be a great spot to watch the sunset!
We loved hopping around the rocks here and listening to waves crash below.
Of course it’s important to note that you have to be careful when climbing on the rocks, and always stay far away from the edge.
31. Go sea glass hunting
Did you know sea glass hunting is a big activity in Nova Scotia?
Although sea glass can be found on beaches all over the world, Nova Scotia beaches are famous for having a lot of it and hunting for sea glass is a beloved activity here.
Jeff, the owner of Seaside Cottages at Ginger Hill took us to one of his favourite spots to go sea glass hunting during our time in Lockeport and it was so much fun!
We felt like we were kids again spending the afternoon digging and turning over rocks, hunting for sea glass, and collecting them in little jars to take home.
This was a great reminder that I need to slow down and take more time to do peaceful activities like this for myself.
It really was so relaxing and meditative!
Grab yourself a little jar and head to one of Lockeport’s beaches to see what sort of colorful sea glass you can find.
32. Snap a photo of the Locke Homestead – one of the most instagrammable places in Shelburne County!
Address: The south side of South Street overlooking Lockeport Harbour to the north
If photography is a big hobby of yours and you particularly love beautiful architecture, you have to stop by to see the exterior of the beautiful Locke Homestead.
The Locke Homestead was built in 1876 by Captain Henry Locke, a descendant of Jonathan Locke, one of the original settlers of Lockeport.
The home itself is a beautifully preserved Victorian era style home in a pretty green with yellow trim.
It truly is a stunning historic home and is definitely worth taking a peek at while you’re in Lockeport!
33. Visit the Little School Museum
Address: 29 & 37 Locke Street, Lockeport
The Little School Museum in Lockeport was the very first school in the area and was built in 1845.
The school was used from 1845 to 1880 as a private school, before public education was initiated and another larger school house was built.
Today you can visit the Little School Museum (open during the summers only) and learn about what attending school at that time looked like.
They have lots of local historical items, artifacts relating to early life in the community, as well as a replica of an early schoolroom and a marine room.
If you have an interest in history and want to learn about Lockeport’s past, this would be a great stop for you!
34. Enjoy some fried seafood at White Gull Restaurant and Marina
Address: 58 S Water St, Lockeport
After experiencing all of the sights that Lockeport has to offer, you’re probably feeling pretty hungry!
If you’re not enjoying your own home cooked dinner at your private cottage on the beach (or perhaps a lobster dinner!) then the White Gull Restaurant is a great little low key place to enjoy some fresh fish, shellfish, and home fries.
Here they have everything from fried clams to lobster dinners and you can tell the food has been cooked with love.
I had the fried shrimp & chips and it was absolutely delicious!
Final Thoughts
As you can see from this guide, there are lots of incredible things to do in Shelburne County!
Whether you’re looking to relax on a beach, fill your belly with amazing seafood, get in a hike, or learn about Shelburne County’s rich history at one of the many local museums, there really is something for everyone here.
From Shelburne to Barrington, and Barrington to Lockeport, we absolutely loved exploring everything that Shelburne County had to offer.
I hope this guide has inspired you to add Shelburne County to your bucket list, or if you already have a trip planned I hope I gave you some great ideas of things to do in Shelburne County while you’re there!
If you’ll be exploring more of Nova Scotia, don’t forget I’ve also got these guides for you to check out:
- 32 Best Things to do in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
- 9 Best Restaurants and Places to eat in Cape Breton (along the Cabot Trail)
Thank you to Nova Scotia Tourism and to Shelburne County for the incredible hospitality and for arranging such a wonderful trip for us. As always, all thoughts and opinions in this article are my own.
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