Explore the Eastern Shore
3-Day Sustainable Travel Itinerary for Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore
By Autumn Grant
There is something magical about slowing down and savouring each moment while exploring the hidden gems of Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. As a mother of three young children, a mindfulness meditation and yoga teacher, and an advocate for building healthy communities, I’ve found that travel is one of the very best ways to teach my kids the beauty of being present, conscious, and connected.
I hold a combined honours degree in Environment, Sustainability, and Society & International Development Studies, a certification in Human Resources Management, and I am currently a master’s student in counselling psychology. I have always been drawn to exploring the world through a sustainable lens. To me, this means engaging in activities that minimize environmental harm, support local communities, and preserve cultural heritage.
Slow, sustainable travel emphasizes experiencing destinations in a more mindful, immersive, and meaningful way, honouring the people and places we encounter. It’s about quality over quantity – not rushing to check off every tourist attraction, rather focusing on the richness that exists in deeply experiencing a location, discovering hidden gems, and taking your time to create memories.
Before we continue, I would like to humbly acknowledge that this area is in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq People, whose deep connection to this land has spanned thousands of years. With respect and gratitude, we honour the Mi’kmaq People as the traditional stewards of the land on which we are fortunate to live, work, play, and explore.
Growing up in Nova Scotia, I didn’t quite realize the richness of this land. After travelling the world, I have a newfound appreciation for my home. Whether you have lived in Nova Scotia your whole life, or are visiting for the first time, approaching this beautiful province with curiosity and openness allows us to see its beauty more clearly.
Day 1: Coffee, Coastal Trails, and Slow Fashion
Café Goodluck: 145 Portland St., Dartmouth NS
Our Eastern Shore itinerary started with a stop at Café Goodluck for a cup of Have Fun. Coffee, an irresistible bacon breakfast sandwich, and blueberry scone. The café’s quirky, inclusive space with kind-hearted staff made us feel at home and fueled us for our day ahead. We love Café Goodluck to stop in for a fresh baked good, $2 bag of candy, or Goodmore Kombucha.
Fancy Lucky Vintage: 4144 Lawrencetown Rd., Lawrencetown, NS
For our next stop, we headed to Fancy Lucky Vintage, a hidden treasure in Lawrencetown’s iconic MacDonald House. The building houses Kannon Beach Wind & Surf, the Lawrencetown Beach Café, a preschool, with Fancy Lucky Vintage located upstairs, making it a charming community hub. Fancy Lucky’s vintage pieces are seasonally curated, and also feature local handmade goods and artwork. Take your time here and give space to find items that speak to you.
Local Tip: From the parking lot, head up over the hill to the Lawrencetown Look Off. From here, you can enjoy an easy 20-minute loop hike with breathtaking views.
Did You Know?
Did you know that time spent in nature is proven to boost mental clarity, immunity, and reduce stress and anxiety? A simple walk in nature affects the “thinking brain”, or the pre-frontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for problem solving, multitasking, and concentration. Time spent in nature gives the pre-frontal cortex permission to relax, creating brain wave patterns that are also present when we meditate. Additionally, studies show that there is a 95% increase in our mood when we spend time in nature, activating the limbic system, or “emotional brain”, which increases cognitive functions, productivity, memory, and creativity.
Atlantic View Trail: Lawrencetown Beach Parking Lot
After shopping, we parked at Lawrencetown Beach to unload our bikes and hit the 10-kilometer scenic coastal greenway called the Atlantic View Trail. This rail-to-trail was a welcome escape – no noisy motorized vehicles, easily accessible and hill-free with just the sounds of nature. For us, it was a moment to connect, breathe, and feel free. Being on the trail reminded me why nature is one of the best antidotes to modern-day stress.
Ground.
Being in nature reduces the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, and does this to a greater effect than in urban settings. So, while in nature, whether on the trail or in the forest, take a moment to centre. Ground your feet down into the earth. Have a look around you. What do you see? Then, close your eyes. Connect with your breath, breathe deeply. What do you smell? Listen to the sounds. What do you hear? Notice how you feel.
Lawrencetown Surf Co.: 3733 Lawrencetown Rd, Lawrencetown, NS
To wrap up the day, we popped into the Lawrencetown surf shop. It is owned by Nico and Jill Manos, offering high-quality gear and merch that exudes East Coast vibes. Stopping here is an absolute must for surfers and non-surfers alike.
Fun Fact:
The surf shop was designed by local decorator, Maia LaPierre, the same designer behind Flo Meditation + Wellness’ brick-and-mortar studio back in 2018. (I realize I am name-dropping here – how typically East Coast of me?) Maia’s approach to decorating is playful, thoughtful and collaborative. She creates custom spaces that are warm and welcoming, celebrating colour, humour, and childlike wonder. Lawrencetown Surf Co is worth popping into, even if it’s just to appreciate the aesthetic.
Day 2: Exploring Downtown Dartmouth
The Canteen on Portland: 22 Portland St, Dartmouth
It feels like home.
Day two was all about food and relaxation, starting with lunch at The Canteen. Watching Chef Renée Lavallée prepare her famous buttermilk biscuits in the open kitchen was a treat for us all, but the real highlight was the seafood chowder. Fresh, local, and delicious, it felt like home. It was the kind of meal that drops you into presence, allowing you to truly savour the flavours or Nova Scotia.
Kept Shop: 75 King St, Dartmouth, NS
We wandered…
We wandered into Kept Shop, a lovely little boutique that balances locally sourced gifts with fine home décor. The kids were charmed by the selection of unique baby items, while I found myself drawn to the meaningful, eco-friendly souvenirs. We picked up a “Sweet Autumn” (lol) White Nest soy candle, and a new children’s book titled, “I Love You, I Trust You, I’m Proud of You” by local author, Matt Thomson.
Nature Folk Wellness Collective: Back/Harbour Side. 90 Alderney Drive Lower Level, Dartmouth NS
Next, I took a kid-free afternoon and evening to unwind at Nature Folk. This bathhouse converted the old Dartmouth City Hall into an absolute sanctuary right on the Dartmouth boardwalk. I chose the 2-hour thermal circuit, which gave access to the open, communal bathing facility. In this space there are two large Finnish saunas, a cold plunge pool, warm pool, and ritual corner. It is amazing how quickly you can transition into a state of relaxation in an environment that supports your calm. My favourite part was the complimentary mud mask and exfoliating salt scrub.
Pro Tip: For a half-day of rejuvenation, I suggest pairing the thermal circuit with the Head in the Clouds Facial. This facial is performed by Nature Folk’s Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) and therefore is covered by most benefits through insurance. Using a curated collection of natural botanical products, the treatment focuses on releasing tension in the neck, upper back, shoulders and jaw, opening channels for greater oxygen flow, circulation, and healing. It feels like a literal dream!
Photography by Justine Barnhart for Nature Folk
Dear Friend Bar: 67 Portland St., Dartmouth NS
To me, slow travel means allowing space for some spontaneity. I intentionally scheduled in some free time and within that, we found ourselves at Dear Friend, a charming cocktail bar tucked away on Portland St. It is no wonder this is a local favourite. We sat at the bar, in awe of witnessing the skilled bartenders craft their magic before heading over to our dinner reservation.
Oxalis Restaurant: 22 Wentworth St., Dartmouth NS
We ended day two with a meal of a lifetime at Oxalis. If I could recommend just one place for foodies to indulge in Nova Scotia, this would be it. The Chef’s Experience was a feast for the senses, celebrating Nova Scotia’s natural bounty, paired with European fine dining from the Chef’s German and Austrian heritage.
What I love perhaps most about Oxalis is that the atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, inviting a sense of ease that welcomes you to be fully immersed in the culinary adventure. The experience offers a true homage to Nova Scotia’s flora and fauna, embodying the very best of slow, sustainable dining.
The 7-Course Chef’s Experience
It started with an amuse-bouche, or “mouth amuser”, small, bite-sized hors d’oeuvre intended to awaken the palate, showcasing the Chef’s creativity and setting the tone for the meal. We were then served the Brotzeit, featuring Luke’s Sourdough Bread on a bed of popcorn kernels, flavoured butter and truffle cream cheese. The next course was cured Cape D’Or Salmon with sturgeon caviar. I had to take a moment to stop and observe the attention to detail before taking my first bite. Each dish was a work of art, plated tastefully to perfection.
What I love perhaps most about Oxalis is that the atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, inviting a sense of ease that welcomes you to be fully immersed in the culinary adventure. The experience offers a true homage to Nova Scotia’s flora and fauna, embodying the very best of slow, sustainable dining.
Day 3: Wildlife and Coastal Hikes on the Eastern Shore
Hope For Wildlife: 5909 Highway 207, Seaforth, Nova Scotia
Responsibility for the Planet
The kids were most excited about visiting Hope for Wildlife, a charitable wildlife centre that has rescued over 80,000 injured or orphaned animals since 1997. The centre is on a mission to connect people to wildlife in a positive way through knowledge and understanding, believing that education through rehabilitation is the key to a sustainable future. Watching my children see the animals through a scavenger hunt, learning about the care they required, instilled a sense of empathy and responsibility for the planet. It was a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours, and is highly recommended for families and nature lovers alike.
Need to Know: Hope For Wildlife is open to wildlife drop off 24/7, but open for free public visits on Saturday’s from 12PM-3PM, all year, and Wednesday’s from 12PM-3PM from May 1st to December 18th.
Uprooted Market & Café: 7992 Nova Scotia Trunk 7, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS
Next, we stopped into Uprooted Market & Café in Musquodoboit Harbour. This gem is a go-to half-way stop to Eastern Shore destinations. I love Uprooted as it is dedicated to food security – a condition in which all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. What a nice idea, eh? Uprooted offers fresh, seasonal, local, spray-free produce five days per week, supporting sustainable farming practices. We sat down for a delicious lunch and stocked up on produce and healthy snacks before moving on to our hike.
Taylor Head Provincial Park: 20140 Hwy 7, Spry Bay, NS
With full bellies and hearts, we headed to Taylor Head Provincial Park, a breathtaking natural reserve located about 1-hour from Halifax, southwest of Sheet Harbour.
The Park
The park boasts 16 kilometres of pristine coastline. I am talking a rugged, wind-swept peninsula with white sand beaches, turquoise water, and abundant flora and fauna. My favourite here is the sea of iris flowers that bloom from April through July.
While exploring Taylor Head, I found myself fascinated by the incredible diversity of natural habitats and wondered how this unique landscape came to be. It turns out that around 1 billion years ago, this region was part of a supercontinent. As the landmass gradually split apart, new oceans formed along the rift zones. Over time, layers of mud and sand accumulated, and the pressure from this buildup squeezed water out of the underlying sediments, creating small sand volcanoes. Roughly 400 million years ago, the continents collided again, causing massive sediment deposits to compress and fold into towering mountains, similar in size to the Alps. Over millions of years, these mountains slowly eroded to near-flat surfaces, leaving behind large boulders as remnants of glaciers that we see today. Now, as sea levels continue to rise post-glaciation, Taylor Head's landscape is still evolving, with its drowned forests, eroding headlands, salt marshes, and inland-moving beaches all testament to the forces of nature at work. It's incredible to see how this ever-changing environment reveals the area's geological past and present..
Visiting this special place is a beautiful, philosophical reminder from nature that change is the only constant. The most natural thing you can do in life is change, evolve, and transform
Local Tip: Who said the beach is only for warm, sunny days? Do not let the weather prevent you from adventuring in Nova Scotia as the weather tends to change quickly. Despite the rain, we didn’t hesitate to venture out, we just had the appropriate gear. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear, dress in layers, and pack water and snacks.
We love our Fairechild sustainable outerwear. This local brand is owned and operated by fashion designer, Tabitha Osler whose passion lies in environmental conservation through design. Fairechild champions the circular economy by transforming plastic waste into durable, fully recyclable rainwear.
Photography by Meghan Tansey Whitton for Fairechild, 2022.
Lupin Dining & Pantry: 1196 W Petpeswick Rd, Musquodoboit, NS
On our way back from our ocean hike, we went to Lupin Dining & Pantry to pick up our pre-ordered lasagne for dinner. Nestled on a 40-acre homestead in Musquodoboit Harbour, Lupin offers an exceptional farm-to-table experience that blends French and Italian culinary traditions with Nova Scotia’s maritime flair. Run by Chef Kim MacPherson and her husband, both avid surfers, Lupin prides itself on using the finest locally sourced ingredients – primarily from their on-site garden. The menu is carefully crafted based on what’s available in the garden and the number of guests expected, ensuring minimal food waste.
While the restaurant is open only during the warmer months, its seasonal, reservation-only model emphasizes sustainable dining practices. If you’re visiting during off-season, don’t worry! You can still enjoy Lupin’s offerings through pantry items available at local markets.
Need to Know:
The restaurant is typically open from May to October on Friday & Saturday’s for 1 seating at 6pm. The pantry is available for pre-order online with pick ups from Thursday to Saturday, delivery available on Saturday’s, and at local pop-up markets throughout Nova Scotia during winter months. Be sure to plan and make a reservation to experience this gourmet culinary gem. It’s totally worth it as Lupin just won Taste of Nova Scotia's 2024 Restaurant of the Year award!
Sustainable Accommodations on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore:
Norse Cove Seaside Camping: 51 Dewolves Rd., East Ship Harbour, NS
An Oceanfront Campground…
An oceanfront campground offering a view of the 100 Wild Islands. Rugged, real, and family-owned, it’s the perfect retreat for those who crave a deep connection with nature. Open all year round.
Nalu Retreat & Nordic Spa: 1972 Myra Rd., Porters Lake, NS
With its luxury eco-glamping domes, Nalu is a healing retreat perched on the edge of an escarpment with an invitation to practice mindfulness and enjoy the art of simply being.
Jeddore Lodge & Cabins: 9855 Nova Scotia Trunk 7, Head of Jeddore, NS
Offering a lodge and cabins uniquely and carefully designed to provide an authentic Nova Scotian experience, ideal for a coastal retreat.
Harbour Retreat: 1715 E Petpeswick Rd, Musquodoboit Harbour NS
The tackle box cottage sleeps 1-2 people and is just 4 minutes from Martinique Beach. Ideal for a solo traveller or couple who love to be immersed in nature.
Martinique Beach is the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia and the most consistent surfing beach. What a treat to be this close!
Blue Forest Shores: 100 English Point Rd., head of jeddore, ns
This wellness and education retreat, situated in nature on the eastern shore has a unique boat house for rent. With large windows overlooking the ocean on three sides, the overall feel is like being on a boat with both sunrises and sunsets on full display.
Move with Grace
Exploring the Eastern Shore with my family showed me the importance of moving with grace as every moment offers a chance to connect, learn, and be inspired. Along our way, we created lasting memories, woven into the story of the landscapes and its people. From the experience comes an appreciation for each place that motivates responsibility to turn travels into acts of stewardship, committing to preserving natural beauty, honouring culture, and protecting the vibrant ecosystems. Mindful travel reminds us that the best adventures often happen when we find balance between planning ahead and leaving room for spontaneous joy. It isn’t about rushing to see it all, rather slowing down and embracing the unexpected moments that bring depth and create beautiful memories.
Thank you for taking the time to read about travelling sustainably in Nova Scotia. If you happen to visit anywhere you read about here and wish to connect, I would love to hear from you!
I wish you a safe & mindful journey.
With love,
Autumn