Near Peggy’s Cove’s iconic lighthouse, Six by the Sea invites you to slow down and experience the village’s history and culture. Overlooking the working fishing cove, this collection of restored historic buildings offers local food, art, music, and handmade goods.
What to See and Do
Visit Holy Mackerel and you’ll discover shelves full of Atlantic Canada’s creative heart. This gift shop features handcrafted goods from more than 100 regional artisans, from coastal keepsakes to clever, beautifully made finds.
Inspired by Nova Scotia’s fishing heritage, Hunky Dory serves lobster poutine, truffle fries, the beloved Wally Fries, and gourmet soft-serve treats. Grab your order to go, find a spot to sit, and enjoy the seaside views. Or head to Margaret’s, a welcoming café set in what was once a family home. Enjoy seafood chowder, fresh paninis, Maritime-inspired baking, and locally roasted coffee in a warm, inviting space filled with original beams and historic photos. It’s the perfect place to relax while the fog drifts by.
Built in 1839, The Schoolhouse has long been a place where the community gathers. Today, it lives on as an intimate performance venue operated by the Peggy’s Cove Centre for Arts & Culture. Daily céilidh performances bring music, stories, and tradition to life, offering visitors a rare chance to experience East Coast culture where it truly belongs.
Spindrift Gallery is a free, quiet, and inspiring stop for art lovers, named after the sea spray that dances off the waves. Spread across two levels, the gallery features fine art and historical exhibits by Atlantic Canadian artists, along with an artist-in-residence loft.
At the heart of Six by the Sea, the Peggy’s Cove Centre for Arts & Culture works to protect what makes this village so special. Through thoughtful programming and stewardship of The Schoolhouse and Spindrift Gallery, the Centre helps ensure Peggy’s Cove remains a living, creative community, shared with care and respect.
Plan Your Visit
- All six historic buildings are clustered together along Peggy’s Point Road in Peggy’s Cove and on nearby Seagull Lane.
- Parking is available at the Visitor Information Centre at 96 Peggy’s Point Road.
- It is about 50 minutes from Downtown Halifax.
What to wear and bring
- Comfy shoes, as the only way to get from the parking lot to the six buildings is on foot.
- Have sunscreen on hand if it’s a sunny day, and a jacket if the fog rolls in and the temperature drops.
Local Tip
Make a day of it. Pair your visit to Six by the Sea with time at the lighthouse and along the granite shoreline.
Respect the ocean. Stay well back from crashing waves and never step onto the black rocks. They’re dangerously slippery.
Should Know
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AccessibilitySix by the Sea has ramps and easy access throughout the property. There’s a wheelchair-accessible washroom inside Margaret’s.
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Duration1-3 hours
