DAY TRIPS
One of the advantages of camping at Shubie Campground is its central location to just about everything that Nova Scotia has to offer! Set up camp and settle in to our award winning campground then head out and explore! The city of Halifax is just minutes away and some of the top highlights of Nova Scotia can be reached in under an hour.
Our Campground Concierges are on hand to provide you with all of the information you need for a great day trip around the province. We have some great suggestions on things to see and do - just ask!
Check out some of these sample day trips ideas to get you started....
South Shore - Nova Scotia
Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Chester... so many beautiful spots to visit along such a stunning shore! A trip to Nova Scotia is not complete without visiting the world famous South Shore.
Just an hour from Halifax we recommend heading straight to the colourful town of Lunenburg, then slowly meandering your way back along the coast to head home. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site this town is a. filled with charming little streets, wonderful shops and restaurants and is also home to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and the Bluenose II. Looking for something unique, Visit Iron Works Distillery for a tasting and tour. Their Picton Castle Rum was aged in barrels while sailing 30,000 nautical miles around the world - visiting 28 ports in 21 countries!
From Lunenburg we suggest you meander North along the coast until you find the picturesque town of Mahone Bay. Lunch on the waterfront patio of the Mug and Anchor Pub rarely disappoints and ensures you are close by to stroll the local streets for arts and crafts. The Teazer is one of our favorites.
From there we suggest you continue to head North along the Lighthouse Route until you reach the famed Oak Island. Nothing like a 300 year old treasure hunt to peak your interest. The Interpretive Centre is open in the summer and well worth a visit - who knows, maybe Rick and Marty will have found the treasure by the time you get there...
Eastern Shore - Nova Scotia
Surf's Up!! Looking to head to the beach? Lawrencetown Beach, on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore is only 18kms away. World famous for its surf you can hang ten yourself and take a lesson. East Coast Surf School has been renting gear and giving lessons for years.
Looking for a great place to grab a coffee before your beach walk? Pop in to the Lawrencetown Beach Cafe for a cup of Laughing Whale Coffee and one of their world famous cinnamon buns. Yum!
Looking for something local to help you remember your awesome day? Stop by the Krooked House Art Shop on your way home and ooh and awe over their amazing hand made crafts.
Annapolis Valley - Nova Scotia
The Annapolis Valley, Atlantic Canada’s richest agricultural region, is just 45 minutes from Halifax making it a great day-trip destination. We recommend that you start your day at Just Us, a local coffee roaster and cafe that has put together an on-site coffee museum. The Farmers Market in Wolfville won't disapoint if you are looking for a fresh baked good to go with that.
Grab your coffee and patrie to go then head to to Grand Pre National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that commemorates the story of Acadie and La Grande Derangement. The grounds and this history are equally compelling.
Looking for a great place for lunch? Visit the charming little village of Hall’s Harbour, home to the "Lobster in the Rough" dining experience at Hall's Harbour Lobster Pound & Restaurant. You can select your own lobster then have it served to you in the waterfront dining room, the prime stage for observing the highest tides in the world.
The Annapolis Valley is often called Nova Scotia's wine country. It’s home to the majority of our wineries, and is a great place to explore the growing wine scene. Benjamin Bridge is a favourite of ours (one of many!). Home to the world famous Nova 7 this winery is a must-see in the valley. Hint... the entire vineyard is licensed so you're able to bring your own food and sit at a picnic table in the vineyard while indulging in their delicious wine. Looking for a quick 'sip to go' - check out their vending machine!
Peggy's Cove - Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is home to over 160 historic lighthouses, but no beacon is as photographed as the one in the vibrant fishing village of Peggy’s Cove.
Built in 1915, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse still keeps watch over surging ocean waves and working lobster boats. Amble over giant rocks worn smooth by the sea and share in the view.
Peggy's Cove is 55 kms away from Shubie Campground. Be sure to take the Lighthouse Route and stop at the Swiss Air Memorial on your way. A stunning yet and reflective spot.
If you really want to experience the ocean up-close, take a trip with Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours. It offers a number of fun tours, including the Sunset Cruise, Puffin and Seal Watching and a Lobster Dinner Cruise.
If you are looking for a great seafood feed to round out the trip the Sou’Wester is the only full service restaurant located in the village (we love their homemade gingerbread). There are a number of great options nearby though. For a classic lobster roll that you can devour on a picnic table, head to Peggy's Cove Lobster, and for a slightly more upscale experience, enjoy the delicious menu at Rhubarb.
Downtown Dartmouth - Nova Scotia
Locals know that Downtown Dartmouth, just minutes away from Shubie Campground, is definitely worth exploring! This hip, urban centre is filled with great restaurants loaded with outdoor patios, craft beer and ciders, awesome art galleries, eclectic local shops and rich museums.
Looking for some suggestions? Walk down Portland Street and head to the Canteen for brunch. After brunch, make your way through Downtown Dartmouth to Sullivan’s Pond. Lay back in the grass surrounding the Pond and let yourself relax and enjoy this local-favourite park. You might stumble onto a concert at the pavilion or see the Sullivan’s Pond geese waddling around the park. Looking for that perfect keepsake - head to the Trainyard Store for an amazing collection of one of a kind local crafts and gifts.
Don't forget that Downtown Dartmouth also boasts the best view of Halifax! Check it out today!
Downtown Halifax - Nova Scotia
Did you know that you can take a city bus from Shubie Campground to Downtown Halifax? Or maybe you want to take a more scenic route and take the Harbour Ferry? Whether you are driving, walking, bussing or biking, the Halifax Waterfront is a must visit when in Nova Scotia.
Some of our favourite spots include Citadel Hill, The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (the Maud Lewis exhibit is worth the visit alone) and Pier 21 Canada's Immigration Museum.
The restaurant and bar scene is second to none and there is live music to be found every night of the week. Whether it's casual lunch on an outdoor patio on Argyle street or a gourmet seaside dinner on right along the Waterfront - there is something for everyone and every budget.
Looking for some more suggestions of what to do while in town - check out this great 48 hour tour of Halifax.