Happiness comes in waves

BEACHES| Explore Happiness comes in waves

A few of Nova Scotia’s must-see beaches

By Janet Whitman

You’re never far from the ocean in Nova Scotia — 67 kilometres is as far away as you can get. And with 13,300 km of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to explore. Options abound from dipping into some of the warmest waters north of the Carolinas, hopping on a surfboard, searching for sea glass or soaking up some Vitamin D with a good book.

Halifax: Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park

Situated on the mouth of Halifax Harbour, Crystal Crescent has three wide, white-sand crescent beaches with boardwalks and a trailhead for a 10-km hike to Pennant Point. It offers spectacular views and birdwatching opportunities. Vault toiles, no lifeguards. Average summertime water temperature is 14 °C. Other notable Halifax-region beaches include Lawrencetown, Cow Bay, Rainbow Haven and Clam Harbour.

South Shore: Rissers Beach Provincial Park

A 1.5-km sheltered white sand beach with a boardwalk along an inland marsh, two campgrounds and an interpretive centre. Picnic area, washrooms, changerooms and lifeguards in July and August. Average summertime water temperature is 14 °C.

Yarmouth & Acadian Shores: Port Maitland Beach Park

Located at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, Port Maitland is a well-maintained provincial park with a kilometre of sand and cobblestone beach. Picnic tables, changerooms, vault toilets, running water and lifeguards are on-site in July and August. Average summertime water temperature is 12 °C.

Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley: Burncoat Head Park

Not a swimming spot, but a chance to observe the world’s highest recorded tides and explore the ocean floor with a guided tour (or set out on your own). Sandals aren’t recommended and the slippery Bay of Fundy mud may stain some fabrics.

Northumberland Shore: Melmerby Beach Provincial Park

A white sandy beach stretching 2 km, Melmerby is known for its warm waters. The park has changerooms and boardwalk access, and lifeguards on duty in July and August. Average summertime temperature is 19 °C.

Cape Breton: Ingonish Beach

On the Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach is a 2.5-km sandy beach with washed cobblestone. Dip in the salty seawater or visit the freshwater swimming hole behind a rock barrier called barachois. Temporary washrooms are set up and lifeguards are on duty at the saltwater beach in July and August. Average summertime water temperature is 20 °C.

Eastern Shore: Martinique Beach Provincial Park

Martinique is Nova Scotia’s longest beach with 5 km of white sand. With consistent wave conditions, it is an ideal spot to learn to surf. It has changerooms, a boardwalk and hard-surfaced path access. Lifeguards are on duty in July and August and there’s an open wooded picnic area behind the dunes. Average summertime water temperature is 15 °C.

SURF’S Up

Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park is known for its great surfing. Lessons and rentals are available nearby. The beach has supervised swimming areas in July and August.