Surfing in Halifax: Surf Lessons, Rentals, and Local Hangouts

With over 25 years of experience in the Lawrencetown surf scene, Kannon Beach is your go-to spot for quality surf gear and surfboards—available for sale and rental. Whether you’re a total beginner, a young surfer-in-training, or just looking to brush up on your skills, their expert and approachable staff offer lessons tailored to every level. Lesson prices vary from $65 to $105.

Rental rates are straightforward: surfboards and wetsuits are $25/day each, bodyboards are $15/day, and boots and gloves are $10/day (free with wetsuit rental).

When you’re done in the water, pop into their well-stocked shop for a mix of practical gear and coastal lifestyle goods—everything from fins and wax to locally inspired merch.

A fixture of the Lawrencetown Beach surf lessons scene since 2009, East Coast Surf School helps surfers of all levels make the most of the waves. Whether you’re an experienced rider visiting Halifax or a first timer chasing the thrill, their team will get you outfitted and out on the water with confidence.

Lessons range from $75 to $105, including a one-hour session, surfboard and wetsuit rental, expert instruction, and free parking. Female and French-speaking instructors are available upon request, offering a welcoming and personalized learning experience.

Perfect for curious locals or visiting adventure-seekers, East Coast Surf School delivers a relaxed, memorable way to experience Nova Scotia’s surf culture.

Looking to stay stylish between sessions? Lawrencetown Surf Company  has you covered—literally.

Stock up on cozy sweaters, laid-back tees, beach-ready towels, hats, and shades that’ll carry you from the waves to wherever the day takes you. Whether you’re fresh off the board or just soaking up the sun, their gear keeps the surf spirit alive on and off the beach.

With Nova Scotia’s longest stretch of sandy beach just 400 metres away, Halifax Surf School is conveniently positioned to get you out on the waves.

Open seven days a week from May through October, their expert team brings top-tier local knowledge and an easygoing vibe that makes learning to surf feel effortless.

Bringing friends? Group lessons for five to nine people start at just $60 to $70 per person ($75 to 85 for groups of one to four), including a one-hour lesson, full-day wetsuit and board rental, and free parking. Planning to surf all week? Take advantage of their 7-day rental package: just $15/day ($105 total) for a surfboard or wetsuit, including boots and gloves when needed (daily and multi-day rates are available).

For locals, Halifax Surf School offers high-quality surf gear and essentials for purchase—handpicked by the crew who know the waves best.

After your surf session, there’s no better way to recharge than with a warm, soothing coffee and a bite to eat, surrounded by casual beachy charm.

This comforting spot, just down the road from Lawrencetown Beach, serves up more than great brews—think pies, fresh-baked treats, hearty breakfast sandwiches, toasted paninis, and soups.

Whether you’re refuelling post-waves or just warming up after a chilly dip, you’ll leave full, satisfied, and tempted to come back for round two.

Rose & Rooster brings locally made coffee that’ll give you the caffeine kick you need for the drive home. Tucked further down in West Chezzetcook, this charming café is for anyone craving a sweet treat or a wholesome meal. Grab a soup and sandwich, then unwind on the back deck with a stunning ocean view.

With regional beer on tap and a peaceful coastal vibe, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger. In the winter months, the wood-warmed interior becomes a haven of coziness. Come for the brunch, stay for the coffee—and don’t skip the weekend pancakes; they’re a standout.

If you’re taking the scenic route home via West Chezzetcook, Bentley’s Burgers & Fries is a must-stop. Their smash burgers are seasoned to perfection—some stacked sky-high with wildly delicious toppings—and the menu is packed with creative comfort food twists you’d never dream them up on your own.

Freshly made in their food truck, the meals are served up with a side of charm. Grab a seat outdoors next to their beloved dog Bentley, or load up for the ride home, where you’ll almost certainly descend into a happy, well-fed food coma.

Uprooted isn’t just a café—it’s a locally-renowned market and gathering spot rolled into one. Locals rave about the wood-accented interior, breezy outdoor seating, refreshing iced drinks, Italian sodas, and beautifully crafted lattés.

The lunch menu is a standout, especially the chicken pesto panini—soft and crisp in all the right places, a combo that feels like a small miracle. Pair it with the soup of the day, and suddenly that drive out to Martinique Beach feels completely justified.

Stick around to browse their in-house market, featuring a curated selection of close-to-home goods and artisanal finds.

Martinique Desserterie hit the ground running in its 2023 opening. The Long John eclairs hooked anyone in proximity, and creative desserts like their cruffins—including flavours like Nutella, bacon and cheddar, and sun-dried tomato & feta—had locals raving about them. The Desserterie keeps raising the bar, introducing more Polish-inspired desserts as owner Ola shares her roots with the community.

Stop in for brunch, a sweet treat, or occasional deals. Keep it simple with a breakfast croissant stuffed with bacon, egg, and sharp cheddar, or dig into rotating seasonal specials like meat pies, perogies, cabbage rolls, and stacked sandwiches made with top-tier deli meats.

Picture sitting outside on a hot sunny day, beer in hand, and you’re chatting it up with your fellow surfers.

Maybe you’ve just come from a session at Martinique, salt still in your hair, and you’re cooling off with a cold pint of beer from their Eastern Shore craft brewery. This relaxing spot is just minutes from the beach and offers a rotating selection of Sober Island brews, tasty snacks, and a community vibe that feels authentically like the East Coast.

Whether you’re swapping surf stories or just soaking up the sun, it’s the place to wind down after a day on the water.

When the day winds down and hunger kicks in, Harbour Fish N’ Fries is the place to kick back and satisfy your cravings. Housed in a small, unassuming building with plenty of East Coast charm, this Musquodoboit Harbour gem provides comfort food done right.

Grab a seat outdoors on a warm evening and dig into golden, crispy battered cod, hand-cut fries, and creamy coleslaw. Or take it to go and find a quiet spot by the water—because fish and chips taste even better with a view.

After a salty session on the Eastern Shore, swing by Polar Bear Express, a family-run ice cream store beside the historic Railway Museum. Cool down with a cone, snap a shot with the towering polar bear sign, and wander the Trans Canada Trail right behind the shop. Between the vintage trains, laid-back vibe, and cold treats, it’s a sweet way to wrap up the day.

Noor’s Mediterranean Kitchen is where bold Mediterranean flavours meet East Coast bites. Whether you’re craving gourmet shawarma or a sizzling, juicy donair, the menu delivers with flair.

With everything from wings and burgers to pizza by the slice, it’s perfect for a sit-down feast or a quick bite. Located next to Martinique Desserterie, it’s an ideal spot to grab lunch and a sweet treat before hitting the road.

The Bandwagon offers food truck favourites in one of the most mouthwatering locations—right next to the beer garden and Polar Bear Express Ice Cream in Musquodoboit Harbour. Their burgers are fresh, wonderfully grilled, and paired with fries that strike the balance between golden crunch and soft centre.

Looking to mix it up? Try the tandoori chicken wrap or explore the rest of their rotating menu. It’s the kind of place you’ll find yourself coming back to all summer long.