Lighthouse Route… and Beaches in South Western Nova Scotia

Suspension Bridge over Sable River

Ventured out into the fog and wind this morning and throughout most of the day. Sick as it may sound it was a good day… make that a great day wandering beaches in the fog and visiting ghostly lighthouses situated on remote points.

Today we spent most of our time exploring the region from Cape Sable Island to Hunts Point on the south-western tip of Nova Scotia. The most southern point of the Atlantic provinces… that is what I was told by the locals.

There are very few times that I can recall when weather has gotten the better of me. If anything, weather has made the adventure more challenging and memorable. Weather can sometimes add an element of surprise to a day… photos look haunted from the haze, cheeks feel stretched from the winds and the mind wanders guessing what is around the next corner.

7 AM I was on the road. Up early and eager. First stop was the southern tip of Cape Sable Island and Hawks Beach. The surf was kicking up a fuss. The ocean spitting up white water into the air. Little Plover birds were running marathons along the beach avoiding the incoming surf. The fog was thick and the wind was blowing sand clusters at me like I was playing game of dodge ball. It was eerie and beautiful. The white sandy beach stretched forever and so did my thoughts. The fog never letting me see the end of the beach.

Blowing Sand at Hawks Beach

I continued down the coastline of Cape Sable Island to the small village of Barrington, Nova Scotia. Along the route I visited many beaches including Daniels Head Beach and Northeast Beach. The fog and the wind seemed to be my friend like a loyal puppy following its master. Every time I turned left or I turned right the wind and fog followed.

Back on the mainland my touring took me to another remote point. This time my destination was the Baccaro Lighthouse. I have a thing for lighthouses. On my way to the lighthouse I stopped into the Sandhills Provincial Park. The park is a gem of a destination for picnicking and for those who are addicted to beautiful white sandy beaches. From the parking lot a short walking trail leads beachcombers through a forest of sitting benches and picnic tables before reaching the beach. The beach is long and great for beachcombing at low tides.

Sandy Point Lighthouse

I arrived at the Baccaro Lighthouse… again I was in the fog. As I arrived the boulders at the foot of the lighthouse were getting a spanking by Mother Nature. White water was hurled in the air like confetti. Rolling wave after rolling wave were taking their best shot at the coastline. The lighthouse stood unfazed, stoic and determined. I stood in awe, mesmerized and ecstatic clicking away on my camera.

Today I tried to stayed off the main highway as much as possible by driving the Lighthouse Route (Hwy #3) most of the day. This was to avoid traffic so I could sightsee at my own pace and pull over when necessary without getting myself in trouble. My back road travels permit me to visit the smallest of villages and the main centres without missing a thing. One destination I would of missed would of been the Sandy Point Lighthouse.

1902 George Cox Ship Builder Warehouse

Shelburne, Nova Scotia was the main community on this day. Heck… they had a Tim Hortons. Shelburne is home to long marine history. It is the site of the Loyalist Landing … the emigration of 10,000 refugees in 1783 from the American Revolution. The Historic Dock Street District on the waterfront is lined with buildings from that era. Restored… the pre-1800 wooden historic buildings tell the life stories and the struggles of the American refugees.

Next was Crescent Beach near the small village of Lockeport, Nova Scotia. The beach is a long white sandy beach tucked into a wide horseshoe shaped cove. However, the beach is a bit hollywood compared to the others. You see… Crescent Beach was once idolized on the back of the Canadian $50 dollar bill. I guess we would call it a player among the beaches of the region.

The day ended with a short stroll to a suspension bridge near the area of Sable River. A short trail led me to a swinging bridge and views of a river. The views were great… but I felt disappointed in the bridge as it did not look like the picture in the broughure or the one painted on the trailhead sign. It was toy like in comparison… but hey, it still made for a great picture (main Blog picture).

Fog, wind, snow or shine… Canada is always impressive to explore. Thank you for a great few days!