Peggy's Cove

Peggy's Cove combines coastal views with a distinctive maritime history and special insights into art and craftsmanship. Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is located in the fishing village on the South Shore and was built in 1915. An accessible viewing platform offers a view of the lighthouse and the coast. Alongside boat tours, this provides a place to take in the coastal landscape from a lookout point.

Lighthouse and experiences on the water

On the Sightseeing & Marine Life Tour with Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours, you pass Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. During the tour, you can look out for seals, tuna, leatherback turtles, and ocean sunfish. The species mentioned make observing marine life a distinct focus of this trip; it is an opportunity to look out for wildlife, not a guarantee that you will see any animals.

The same operator’s Deep Sea Fishing Tour has a different focus. Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours provides the equipment and can clean, fillet, and package the catch. Those interested in fishing will find a specific experience here that differs from the sightseeing tour, which focuses on the lighthouse and marine life. When choosing your accommodation, you can consider whether this kind of activity or coastal views and culture better suit your travel plans.

The village and its protected surroundings

The Peggy’s Cove Preservation Area surrounds the village and encompasses around 1,000 acres of protected land with a delicate ecosystem. This scale and protected status are part of the character of the place: Peggy's Cove is shaped not only by its lighthouse, but also by a designated area surrounding the village.

For vacation planning, this mainly means distinguishing between different interests: a visit might focus on the view from the viewing platform, a boat tour, or art and craftsmanship.

A monument to the people of the fishing village

The William E. deGarthe Memorial Monument tells another part of the area's history. It is carved into a 30-meter-long granite outcrop behind deGarthe’s former home and is located next to the house. The sculpture depicts 32 fishermen, along with their wives and children. The scope of the subject makes the monument a distinct cultural attraction alongside the lighthouse and maritime experiences. Those interested in public art or depictions of life in a fishing village can consider this monument when planning their trip.

Craftsmanship to observe

At Amos Pewter in Peggy's Cove, visitors can see how molten pewter is cast into sculptures, jewelry, collectible ornaments, and other souvenirs. This look at the casting process differs from viewing a finished work of art: the focus here is on the making itself. Together with the deGarthe Monument, this offering shows that Peggy's Cove can be explored not only through coastal scenery, but also through visual art and craftsmanship. Families weighing up different interests together can consider maritime experiences, a monument, and a look at pewter casting as different themes for their stay.

If you’d like to explore more places in the selection: Glen Haven, Halifax, Wellington, Oakfield, Little Harbour, Indian Harbour, Head Of Jeddore, Timberlea.

For the broader travel overview: Halifax County.