One of the most treasured landmarks in Nova Scotia is Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. The iconic image of a white lighthouse on barren rocks next to the Atlantic Ocean is famous across Canada, if not the world.
After more than 3 weeks on Our Great Canadian Roadtrip we were finally about to visit Canada’s most famous lighthouse.
We knew there would be amazing views once we reached Peggy’s Cove, but were surprised by the incredible scenery we were treated to on the drive. The road travels beside St. Margaret’s Bay, weaving around its many small coves. It takes you by idyllic fishing villages and summer cottages. A mix of fishing and sail boats reflect off the calm water.
Just before reaching Peggy’s Cove we stopped at the Memorial for Swissair Flight 111. On September 2, 1998 all 229 passengers and crew aboard the plane perished as it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean 8 km off-shore from Peggy’s Cove. The memorial has a natural setting and is a lovely tribute.
At the end of St. Margaret’s Bay is Peggy’s Cove. It likely received its name because Peggy is a nickname for Margaret. Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse has the perfect setting on smooth, water-worn rocks at the edge of Peggy’s Point. The image of this lighthouse is cherished across Canada.
Surrounding the lighthouse are smooth granite rocks that lead to the rough Atlantic Ocean. The area is large and walking on the rocks allows you to see the lighthouse and the rugged coast from many angles.
The granite rocks however can get very slippery when sprayed by large waves. There have been many accidents when tourists have slipped on the wet rocks so a large viewing deck was built. It recently opened in the fall of 2021. This accessible platform allows people to enjoy views of the lighthouse even when the rocks are wet. Apparently visitors will still be allowed to wander on the rocks, but it sounds like this is being strongly discouraged.
Behind this iconic structure is one of the most captivating scenes. Brightly painted wooden homes are scattered on the rocks around the small cove. Fishing boats bob in the water of the small harbour. Peggy’s Cove is the quintessential fishing village. Many of the buildings now are Bed and Breakfasts, but a few are still owned by local fishermen who live there year-round. It can get quite busy though as this small village of only 40 residents sees over 700,000 visitors a year.
After seeing Peggy’s Cove, we wondered how this province could have anything else nearly as cute. But just wait, it does.
Coming Next – Lunenburg, Canada’s Most Colourful Town
For more pictures from our travels around the world visit Gallery on monkeystale.ca
To read stories from other parts of the world visit Destinations.
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Looks like a real beautiful place.
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Thank you, yes it’s a beautiful area. Maggie
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This is one of those places for which I feel nostalgic even though I’ve never been there.
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Yep there’s something special about Peggy’s Cove. Maggie
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Peggy’s Cove is so beautiful….a postcard around every corner. We used to stop further back and let the kids play on the shore where it was safe, but where there was a view of the lighthouse. Happy times. Thanks for sharing. Stay well. Allan
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It’s one of those special places that I hope never changes. Thanks for reading Allan, Maggie
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These images are beautiful! That lighthouse is perfection. I am sure that memorial was moving :-(.
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Thanks Pam, it is an amazing little spot! Maggie
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Great post Maggie! Here’s yet another place to add to the bucket list. What a charming place and interesting history too. Love the photos! Did your road trip start in Victoria?
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Thanks! It should definitely be on your bucket list! We actually started in Golden BC, but my original map is to show the Trans Canada highway.
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We love that area in BC. We live not far across the border in WA and visit BC whenever possible. We particularly like Galiano Island. Thanks for sharing!
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The Gulf Islands are gorgeous and so different from our trip to the east coast.
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Peggy’s Cove is really beautiful! Such amazing pictures … the colourful beach chairs, the lighthouse and the church! Those 40 residents must really enjoy living in this pretty place.
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I know I’d love to live there…if it weren’t for the tourists!😊
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😅
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That’s great they have an accessible ramp over those rocks. I never underestimate how treacherous those kinds of rocks are!
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And right beside a rough sea! They were slick when we were there and it was dry. But I’m also glad we went onto the rocks for the views.
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I normally avoid rocks near water sources, especially at Yosemite with the waterfalls. Although, this sounds safer with the ramp
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My cousins took me here when I visited them in Halifax many years ago. Even on a summers day it was blowing a gale and cold by the sea! That Atlantic Ocean is no joke! It’s a beautiful place though!
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Yes it can be ferocious! I’m glad it was calm when we were there. Thanks for reading Anna! Maggie
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That is a lot of visitors for such a small town. I can see why, though. What a pretty place.
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It’s small but very cute. It’s surprising they’ve been able to keep it that way.
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It really is so beautiful, those views over the bay are serene and peaceful. I’d love to visit one day 🙂
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It is a great little spot Hannah, you’d love it! Maggie
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There is arguably no Nova Scotian landmark more iconic than this world-famous lighthouse 🙂 Great post and amazing photos, Maggie. I fell in love with the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse many years ago upon seeing it in a photo on a social media platform and ever since always wanted to see it in person. It may not happen any time soon as the new COVID cases are on a rise again in Ireland and we are battling the worst wave ever, but a girl can always dream! Thanks for sharing and have a nice day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It is even better it person Aiva so I hope you get there. Stay safe in Ireland. We seem to be ok here so far but we’ll likely get the next wave too now that everyone is inside for the winter. Maggie
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Peggy’s Cove is beautiful. I love all the various fishing boats and small colourful houses along the rocks. I can almost smell the ocean from your pictures.
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Now you know to plan for stops along St. Margaret’s Bay next summer! It’s a great village and of course the lighthouse is unmatched. I just hope the platform doesn’t spoil it. It was still under construction when we were there. Maggie
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What a pretty setting! I like such places with great views and not many people around. One can enjoy nature in all its glory.
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Thanks Arv, there are a lot of people but just at the peak times. It’s also a pretty large area so you can find a spot on the rocks away from everyone. You’d love photographing it. Maggie
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I’m sure I will. These are the kind of places I like, Maggie
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Looks like a real combination of cuteness and remoteness, despite the large number of visitors
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It is both! But it is worth the drive. 😊
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Great post and pics !!!
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Thank you!
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It really is an iconic, beautiful spot. I remember as a kid growing up in Montreal being envious of friends going to Nova Scotia on family holidays and raving about Peggy’s Cove. I’m glad I finally got to see it (in my 30s). I had forgotten about that downed airplane. It is indeed a very tasteful commemorative site. Did you happen to visit Kijimkujik National Park Seaside? As I recall, it’s near the south end of NS. It was years ago but I still think about that beautiful park. Your posts from Atlantic Canada are making me nostalgic.
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I visited Peggy’s Cove 20 years or more ago and it still blew me away this summer. We did visit Kejimkujik Seaside but it wasn’t a great experience. There were at least 20 snakes on the trail! I still have nightmares!
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Crap! That would give me nightmares too. I probably would have abandoned the visit after the first snake sighting. I know for sure we didn’t see any snakes…I’d remember that!
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We didn’t see them until the walk back to the car. But they started almost immediately after we left the beach. I wouldn’t have continued foreward either but I was desperate to get out of there!
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My dad’s family is from Nova Scotia. So cool to see their haunts.
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It’s a cute province, you should visit! 😊
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Would love to!
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What a pretty place! Great post!
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It is so beautiful, Maggie!
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wonderful photos, thanks for sharing, such a nice little seaside town!
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It’s such a picturesque place, loved these photos. I recall having a little trepidation walking on those slippery rocks by the lighthouse, but what a beautiful spot.
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Yes the rocks are slippery even when they’re dry. But we stoll loved walking out on them for the views. Thanks for reading! Maggie
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Who doesn’t love a lighthouse? The setting is just so idyllic, I love the look of the entire area. Renting a little place here as a writing studio for a few weeks would be where it’s at. Excellent photography Maggie, my favourite is the line of colourful chairs facing the water.
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Thanks Leighton. I’d love to stay in one of those homes too!
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Peggy’s Cove looks beautiful. I love the cross-Canada trip you showed at the start of the blog. Road trips are great!
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It’s the most Canadian thing to do; take a road trip along the Trans-Canada! Peggy’s Cove is as cute as it looks. Thanks for reading! Maggie
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I didn’t know that. Hmm… You have me thinking.
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Thank you for choosing to follow my blog! I really appreciate your support and look forward to reading more of your posts!
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What a beautiful place!!!
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Yes it is lovely. Thanks for your comments Luisa! Maggie
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🙏😍🙏
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It’s exactly like when I visited Peggy’s Cove a few years ago. And yet it’s not just a setting, you can see the inhabitants sailing back and forth. Great shots!
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So charming. Looks like a wonderful place to rest and walk and renew.
P.S. I have a question for you: Our distributor asked me to check with my Canadian friends and see if they’re able to watch our film ‘Healing River’ via TubiTV. Would you let me know if you’re able to access to it? Thank you! https://tubitv.com/movies/552854/healing-river
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Thanks Mitch. I had never heard of tubitv but yes your link works here. I’m in British Colombia if that matters. I fast forwarded through the entire movie. It was 1 hr 40 min or so long so looks like it works. I’ll go back and watch it this week. Maggie
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Thanks so much, Maggie! I’ll let our distributor know. (And enjoy the movie, btw.)
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It has been a while since I was at Peggy’s Cove. Thank you for the memories.
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You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it! Maggie
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There are so many beautiful lighthouses in Canada, but the one from Peggy’s Cove is definitely the most famous one. The rugged coastline and the colourful houses make a unique setting. Such a picturesque place!
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The town is so adorable isn’t it? The lighthouse is great but the whole package is what makes it special. Maggie
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Amazing photos. Been years since I was there. Thanks for the refresher
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You’re welcome! Glad you stopped! Maggie
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I’ve grabbed me one of those seats and I’m just going to sit awhile and enjoy the peace. It’s lovely!
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Haha yes it’s a lovely, spot with pretty views. Thanks for your input Jo! Maggie
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🤣💟
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