The Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia is definitely off the beaten track when it comes to tourism. This is where locals come for holidays because of the beautiful and unspoiled beaches and parks. Plus, there are so many charming fishing villages, interesting historical sites, and mother nature at its best. The area runs from Dartmouth to Guysborough, but in this article, I am going to focus on Guysborough County, which is the farthest eastern point of the shore.

Here are the best things to do in and around Guysborough Nova Scotia.

1. Guysborough Harbour

The picturesque head of Chedabucto Bay, get your camera ready to capture this idyllic harbour. Take a stroll along the Guysborough Waterfront Trail, a two-kilometre return shoreline trail with interpretive panels, waterfowl, and stunning views. Or if it’s a nice day, relax on one of the colorful Adirondack chairs on the harbour front and watch the local wildlife over the bay.

Crazy Daisy is a floral and gift shop on the main road in Guysborough and for local seafood head to Big G’s restaurant.

2. Guysborough Old Court House Museum

guysborough court museum — ©TheBoutiqueAdventurer

This courthouse dates back to 1842 and has been restored. Created in the British Bulldog architectural style, it is one of the only examples of 19th-century courthouses in this province. Don’t miss the dioramas of the 17th century French forts on Fort Point, the historical photos and maps of the area and the tools and handcrafts collected from the early settlements in the area.

As well as being an interesting and quirky museum, it is home to a fantastic tourist information centre.

3. Authentic Seacoast Distillery

A distillery, brewery, and vineyard known for its award-winning spirits and beer, stop in for a tasting of their Fortress Rum, Glynnevan Whisky, Virga Vodka, Rare Bird Craft Beer and more. They also roast Fullstream Coffee and own Acadian Maple. All of these can be purchased at Authentic Seacoast Distillery.

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4. Tor Bay Beach Park

This was my favourite hidden gem in Guysborough County. This provincial park contains boardwalks guiding you to jaw-dropping white sand beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. Plus, the town itself is gorgeous; This is probably one of the most secluded provincial parks in Nova Scotia. There are picnic spots as well, and even at the height of summer, you are unlikely to come across many other people.

5. Little Dover

A charming seaside town filled with photo opportunities that leads to Black Duck Cove.

6. Black Duck Cove

This provincial park has 3.5 km of boardwalk and trails with pretty sandy beaches and areas for picnics. There are also opportunities for bird watching, beachcombing and photography. Facilities include a change house and vault toilets.

7. Out of the Fog Lighthouse Museum

This quirky site showcases the lightkeeper’s way of life and demonstrates how a light station works. It also has many artifacts, including lights, foghorns, and lenses.

8. Canso

This historic fishing village is located on the eastern tip of Mainland Nova Scotia. Canso was once a bustling centre for the fishing industry. Today, it has a scenic harbor with traditional boats and many lovely photo opportunities. Head to Whitman House to find out about the history of Canso and get a great view of the town from the widow’s walk on the rooftop.

Take a free fishing boat over to Grassy Island. In the 18th century, the English for on Grassy Island was the site of a major battle. Today, visitors can walk amongst the ruins.

Every summer, Canso is home to the Stan Rogers Folk Festival. Rogers was known as one of the most talented folk musicians in North America.

9. Larry’s River

This small Acadian community has sandy beaches, rock formations and a charming wooden footbridge. The waterways around town are known as good spots for kayaking and fishing.

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10. Place Savalette

This commemorative site overlooks the spectacular Tor Bay and commemorates one of the earliest French trading posts in North America. The site tells the story of Captain Savalette and the interactions between European settlers and the Indigenous Mi’kmaq people in the 17th century through informative plaques.

Captain Salavette was a Basque fisherman/entrepreneur who met explorer/cartographer Samuel de Champlain in 1607. Champlain sought Salavette’s assistance to chart the area for King Henry IV of France. He was so impressed with Salavette (particularly his relationship with the local Mi’kmaq people) that he named the inlet Port Salavatte on his maps.

The wooden platform on which the site sits is in the shape of a boat and quite photogenic. Plus the site has absolutely fantastic views over Port Felix harbour.

11. Parc de Nos Ancestres

This interpretive site shares the story of the Tor Bay Acadian families. It is made up of 10 large rocks painted with images bringing to life the history of the area’s Acadians. The rocks begin by covering the Acadians’ departure from France, including their dreadful deportation and resettlement, and lead up to the community today.

12. Queensport Lighthouse

lighthouse near guysborough — ©TheBoutiqueAdventurer

Built in 1936, this lighthouse is located on Rook Island in Chedabucto Bay and can only be reached by boat. This red and white lighthouse has become an iconic symbol of the area. Alas, the lighthouse is not open to the public, but it provides great photo opportunities, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

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Where to Stay: Yurts in the Vineyard

A former golf course, this area was transformed into accommodation in 2021. It now consists of ten Yurts in a ridiculously picturesque location adjacent to Authentic Seacoast Distillery. These are traditional Mongolian yurts with wool interiors and wood-fired stoves. The yurt I stayed in had its own bathroom facilities in a separate building as well as a Weber BBQ and best of all a hot tub!

This is rustic accommodation but with a touch of luxury. But the stunning location more than makes up for any trade offs in amenities. It is such a peaceful spot, and the night sky is amazing. Guests also have access to an onsite kayak, canoe, sauna and bicycle rental equipment.

Authentic Seacoast also owns the more traditional hotel property Des Barres Manor Inn in the town of Guysborough.

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Amanda OBrien

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

12 Things to do in Guysborough Nova Scotia and Nearby