Halifax to Lunenburg: driving the South Shore Lighthouse Route in Nova Scotia

I can’t recall the last time I visited somewhere and fell so instantly in love on a road trip.

But that’s what happened on my drive from Halifax to Lunenburg on my Nova Scotia road trip.

Whether you’re planning to do an extensive road trip all over Nova Scotia or even if you’re visiting Halifax for a short trip and want to take a couple of days road trip to the coast, I highly recommend doing the South Shore Lighthouse route from Halifax to Lunenburg.

Even though the full length of the Lighthouse Route is 585km and runs all the way to Yarmouth town, further along the coast from Lunenburg, I think the route from Halifax to Lunenburg is a great length to get a feel for Nova Scotia’s Atlantic Coast.

It also means you have a great mix of city and coast if you combine this Halifax-Lunenburg trip with your Halifax itinerary.

So, here’s the Halifax to Luneburg scenic route that I recommend.

You can do this drive and the stops in a 1 day trip from Halifax, then I’d recommend spending at least one day in Lunenburg before heading back to Halifax.

a view looking down a sloped road with a view of the sea at the end. The sky and sea are blue and trees, street lights and two houses are along the left side of the road — driving the South Shore route

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How to drive the South Shore Lighthouse Route in Nova Scotia

Really the best way to do this route and to properly experience it is by hiring a car.

A car gives you the ultimate flexibility to stop wherever you like and set your own schedule for the trip.

I rented my car from Halifax International Airport.

If you’re unable or prefer not to rent a car, you can book day trips to Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg from Halifax. Check out these options for tours from Halifax to Lunenburg:

This is a private day tour along the South Shore Lighthouse Route that most closely matches the route I’m sharing in this article.

This Halifax to Lunenburg tour is a small group tour along the South Coast which also covers a couple of hidden gems.

This tour option is a Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg day trip then heads to the north coast and the Annapolis Valley wine region - which I also talk about in my Nova Scotia itinerary.

Halifax to Lunenburg driving time

a drone shot from above the water looking at the waterfront of Lunenburg at sunset. There are several wharfs and piers with colourful red fishing wharfs and a colourful old down on the hill behind the waterfront — Lunenburg historic waterfront

The distance between Halifax and Lunenburg is 143km.

If you were to drive directly to Lunenburg from Halifax then the journey time would take 2 hours so it is definitely doable as a Halifax day trip.

However with the stops along the South Shore Lighthouse route, I’d recommend allowing a whole day to do this drive.

If you have the luxury of time or if you’re visiting in winter when days are shorter, you might want to do the route over two days with a stop in one of the charming coastal towns or villages - I would love to wake up on the water in some of the stunning saltbox style properties along the Nova Scotia coast.

The best stops on the scenic drive from Halifax to Lunenburg

Peggy’s Cove

Drive time: 43 minutes / 43km from Halifax

Take Route 333 south from Halifax towards the coast and your first stop on the South Shore route in Nova Scotia is probably the most famous: Peggy’s Cove.

Peggy’s Cove is an idyllic, colourful fishing village tucked away on the rocks of Nova Scotia’s South Shore.

As this is a popular day trip from Halifax in its own right, I would recommend setting off early and aiming to reach Peggy’s Cove by 10am (or before if possible!) as the car parking fills up fast!

Parking is free at Peggy’s Cove and there are two large car parks: one as you enter the village on the left by the visitor’s centre, the other right next to the Lighthouse which you drive through the village to get to.

There are so many things to do in Peggy’s Cove which is another reason I’d suggest arriving early so you can explore the village and enjoy some of the incredible Peggy’s Cove food options!

In Peggy’s Cove make sure you check out the local artisan stores and independent businesses. From artwork by local artists to unique souvenirs made from fishing rope or buoys.

Make sure you head up Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. Not only is the lighthouse an iconic landmark of the South Shore, it’s also a great coastal location to see the village and the ocean from.

The walkway up to the lighthouse is so picturesque and a great photo spot in Peggy’s Cove. But beware of the rocks - they can get very slippery and sneak waves and wind can make this a dangerous area!

Don’t miss Peggy’s Cove harbour which looks like a Nova Scotia postcard!

I walked most of the way around the harbour just taking pictures but if the weather is good you can also take boat trips from the harbour.

Now when it comes to food, you have to try seafood at Peggy’s Cove. There are so many incredible restaurants, fish shops, cafes and more that I wish I had stayed longer to stay in Peggy's Cove just to be able to try them all!

But I’m pretty happy with my choice because I had a life changing lobster roll from Tom’s Lobster Shack. Do yourself a favour and get the naked lobster roll - I still think about this lobster roll regularly and tell everyone about it!!

Cleveland Beach

Drive time: 38 minutes / 41km from Peggy’s Cove

a drone photo of a white sandy beach which curves out into the water like a hook. The water is shades of blue and turquoise with a graassy area behind the beach — Cleveland Beach Provincial Park

I didn’t stop at Cleveland Beach for the beach but to walk along the Cleveland Beach Provincial Park which is also the beach.

There is a free, decent sized car park right off the road.

The beach juts out from the coast road at a sort of right angle so you have a nice, partially enclosed bay and beautiful views in both directions of the stunning coastal houses and the ocean.

I didn’t go for a swim here but it was a gorgeous stop for a walk and seeing some of the beautiful nature along the South Shore.

Queensland Beach

Drive time: 3 minutes / 3km from Cleveland Beach

Well this is obviously the beach to be at!

This beach was packed with locals and visitors with stunning white sand and clear blue water when I visited in late July.

Parking was free again but spaces were scarce so be prepared to drive around for a bit if you’d like to stop here.

If you're looking for the best beaches on the South Shore for a swim, I’d recommend this one. It’s clear, was relatively calm on a sunny summer day and had dedicated lifeguards so it’s a great family friendly spot too.

There’s also a few shacks selling beach toys and snacks too if you’re planning to stick around.

Hubbards Beach

Drive time: 9 minutes / 5km from Queensland Beach

A much quieter spot than Queensland Beach but also a beautiful option.

The two locations are so close together that if you find Queensland Beach is too busy then this could be a great alternative..

Chester

Drive time: 24 minutes / 23km from Hubbards Beach

A calm harbour lined with clapboard colourful houses with small docks. — Chester Harbour

Chester was the most unexpected spot on my Nova Scotia South Shore road trip.

I just wasn’t sure what to expect but was so charmed by this beautiful coastal community.

Chester is most famous for the Chester Yacht race which happens in August every year.

But for the rest of the year, it’s a sleepy, idyllic and welcoming coastal town.

I parked along the harbour and did a walking loop along the water, up the hill, through the town’s Main Street then back down to the harbour.

The harbour with all the boats floating and private docks is stunning. It really reminded me of some fishing villages in Cornwall UK (like Polperro) except with HUGE houses - gorgeous to look at and admire, not that I could ever afford one!

The Main Street feels like you’ve stepped straight into a Hallmark movie with clapboard stores, wraparound porches and lots of small businesses, cute shops and just a calm, quiet way of life.

If you’re looking for some refreshment, I’d recommend stopping in at The Loft on the harbour.

Mahone Bay

Drive time: 21 minutes / 28km from Chester

a drone shot looking down on the waterfront where there are 3 churches in a row with miles of forest beyond them stretching into the distance — Mahone Bay’s Three Churches

I also fell in love with Mahone Bay but for completely different reasons to Chester.

Mahone Bay is a thriving, busy and welcoming community, packed full of vibrant restaurants, shops, cafes and breweries with colourful buildings and a gorgeous walking route along the bay.

The town is most famous for the three churches of Mahone Bay. These are three churches that sit just a couple of hundred metres apart, all along the waterfront.

I recommend doing the walking trail along the water and checking out the churches and the views,

Don’t miss Saltbox Brewery which was so welcoming and has a food truck outside.

The Barn Coffee & Social House is another great option for coffee, drinks and a great community vibe. Or the Famous Town Pie Shop for a savory treat.

Lunenburg

Drive time: 13 minutes / 11km from Mahone Bay

A colourful town along a waterfront with blue water, blue sky and 7 piers visible along the wharf — Lunenburg, Nova Scotia Lighthouse Route

Lunenburg is the finishing point of your South Shore drive from Halifax to Lunenburg. I highly recommend a whole day or two to explore here if you have the time.

Read my full guide on the best things to do in Lunenburg.

Lunenburg Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its perfectly preserved buildings and waterfront.

Packed with the best local eateries to area ratio of anywhere I’ve ever visited, I think you’d need a week to enjoy all the best lunenburg food spots!

Lunenburg was pivotal in the fishing and shipping industries but also turned to rum running during the Prohibition period. I would highly recommend visiting the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and doing a Lunenburg walking tour with Lunenburg Tours so you can learn the history and stories of Lunenburg from a local.

Don’t miss the Lunenburg Waterfront, especially at sunset. There are boat tours, water activities, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even the famous Bluenose II to visit during the summer months.

I could sing the praises of Lunenburg forever because I fell in love with this town so much, so if you’re planning on spending some time in Lunenburg, I highly recommend reading my guide to the best things to do in Lunenburg.

Blue Rocks

Drive time: 9 minutes / 7km from Lunenburg

a small harbour with the tide half out and many small boat houses on stilts and small boats beached along the water — Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia

I’m adding Blue Rocks to this South Shore driving guide because it’s just a couple of minutes up the road from Lunenburg and is basically Lunenburg’s answer to Peggy’s Cove.

This tiny fishing village is quaint, colourful and charming. It’s also a great spot for sea kayaking trips and other watersports with Pleasant Paddling, a Blue Rocks company.

Even if you head out here for 30 minutes and take some pictures, I think it’s yet another example of the picture-perfect and charming villages and towns along Nova Scotia’s Lighthouse Route.

Summary: the best stops on the Halifax to Lunenburg drive, Nova Scotia

Even if you only have 2-4 days in Nova Scotia, I would recommend the best way to plan your trip is to do one day in Halifax, then do this road trip and finish with a day in Lunenburg.

This Nova Scotia driving route might only be 143km long but it is true value for money and miles and really packs a punch with beautiful spots so close together.

I hope if you follow the Halifax to Lunenburg scenic route that you find the same joy and beauty in it as I did.

The Halifax to Lunenburg NS South Shore is one of the most stunning views per-mile road trip that I’ve ever seen and I hope you love it too!