Things to See and Do

 

For a beach day, a long walk, or a sunset view, head to Martinique Beach Provincial Park. At five kilometres, it’s the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia. Watch surfers, pack a picnic, or stroll along the shoreline as the sun sets. If you want to try surfing yourself, Halifax Surf School is on-site with rentals and lessons. 

 

The Musquodoboit Trailway, a 15-kilometre rail trail, offers runners and cyclists a flat, well-maintained route. For more challenging hikes, try Admiral Lake Loop, Bayer Lake Loop, the South and North Granite Ridges, or Gibraltar Rock Loop. Each trail rewards hikers with sweeping views over forested valleys or the river, and are especially spectacular with Halifax’s fall colours. 

 

At the Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum, you’ll find an ex-CN GE 44-tonner, a snowplow car, a CN caboose, and a mail crane. Browse posters, tickets, maps, and photographs inside the restored 1918 Canadian Northern Railway station. This heritage site also houses a visitor information centre and a small gift shop. Afterward, grab ice cream from Polar Bear Express and take a photo with their six-foot polar bear sign. 

 

Food, Drink, and Shops 

 

The Sober Island Beer Garden (open Thursday to Sunday in the summer, weather permitting) pairs craft beer with The Bandwagon Food Truck, known for its burgers and fries. It’s a great way to cool off after a hike or a day at the beach. 

 

At Uprooted Market & Café, browse artisanal goods and local produce, then enjoy coffee or a cold drink, a sandwich, and a sweet treat indoors or on the patio. The crumble bars are unreal. 

 

Just down the road is Martinique Desserterie & Delicatessen, offering delicious baked goods, including an expanding selection of Polish specialties. Try a deli sandwich stacked with fresh meats, and don’t skip on a Nutella cruffin. Next door, Noor’s Mediterranean serves donairs, pizza, shawarma, and burgers. Pizza slices are available for a quick grab-and-go option. 

 

For lunch or dinner, Harbour Fish N’ Fries is a local favourite for fish and chips. Sit inside or out on the deck on a sunny day. Note: it’s seasonal. 

 

Going upscale, reserve a table at Lupin Dining & Pantry for a farm-to-table experience led by Chef Kim MacPherson and her team. The dishes draw on Maritime flavours with Italian and French influences, using ingredients gathered from the garden. Choose from an à la carte menu or a frequently changing chef’s tasting menu. 

 

The Musquodoboit Farmers’ Market is a year-round community staple. Open Sundays (10 am to 1 pm in the winter, 10 am to 2 pm in the summer), it features local produce, baked goods, meats, honey, artisan crafts, and coffee. Find the market inside the Eastern Shore Community Centre in the winter and by the railway museum in the summer. 

 

Just across the street and around the corner from the summer location, housed in a beautiful church, is Steeple Green Books. Find $10 paperbacks, events, and even a resident shop dog. 

 

Planning Your Visit

 

• 45-minute drive from Downtown Halifax. 
• Bring sunblock, hat, and towel if on beach. 
• For the trails, wear hiking gear and bring water and snacks. Prepare for ticks by wearing longer pants. 

 

Insider Tip

 

Take West Chezzetcook Road for a scenic drive. Along the way, you’ll pass Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park. Stop at Rose & Rooster Café for coffee, treats, and brunch, or try Bentley’s Burgers & Fries, known for smash burgers with house-made seasoning and creative spins on comfort food.