When you wish to get off of the beaten track and enjoy the wild beauty that Nova Scotia is famous for, the coastline between East Margaretsville and Delaps Cove offers 40 miles of some of the most spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy that you will find anywhere.  The small, two lane Shore Road traces the magnificent, rugged Bay of Fundy coastline and offers ever-changing vistas of salt water, sky, farms, fields and forest.  The wharves and coves along this shore harbor a long history of fishing and shipping, with stories of pirates and rum runners still passed down from generation to generation. During sultry summer weather, the fresh salt air of the bay offers cooling breezes and relief from the oppresive heat of the fertile Annapolis Valley.

This beautiful drive winding along the tide carved coast of Bay of Fundy features three lighthouses, seven cobble beaches, five fishing wharves, and a wide variety of activities.  Whether you are searching for artists in their studios or marine life in the salt water, interested in birdwatching or photography, or seeking outdoor activity like hiking or kayaking the Shore Road has something to offer.

Margaretsville

Traveling from east to west, we’ll start our journey in the coastal village of Margaretsville.  The wharf here is a great spot to observe the raw, red bluffs that meet the ocean, and view several waterfalls cascading into the bay far below.  The Margaretsville Lighthouse was built in 1859, and one of the nearby cliffs is known as Peter's Point.  This is the spot where wrecker Peter Barnes fell to his death 20 years after he had lured a schooner to her tragic end at that very location.  If you are not familiar with the occupation of “wrecker”, one of the local residents will be happy to educate you!  In an old fish shack near the village wharf, a co-operative studio gallery displays the work of artists from the area, and visitors are able to watch an artist at work.  There is also a small picnic park here, known as Willett Park, and parking as well as washrooms area available in the village.  Just around the corner in East Margarettsville, the Evergreen Theater hosts numerous unique live musical and theatrical events throughout the year.

Port George & Cottage Cove

Take pleasure in the beautiful farmland overlooking the sea as you travel west toward Port George.  This coastal village is home to the Port George Lighthouse and is still populated by descendants of the first settlers during the 1800’s.  A small vintage museum can be found here, along with a local craft co-op.  The Shore Road here runs right along the ocean, and is an ideal location for walking, beachcombing, and watching the seals.  The scenic Cottage Cove Provincial Park just 3 km down the road is an ideal spot to enjoy your picnic.  Parking and washroom facilities are available here, and the large ledges in front of the park are easily accessible for exploring.  If you happen by on a Monday evening, you can even enjoy the local music scene at the Port George Community Hall.

Port Lorne

Continuing west, the road takes you up in elevation, providing 180-degree views of the Bay of Fundy, with the New Brunswick coastline visible on the horizon, and Isle Haut to the east.  Descending to the sea once again brings you into the village of Port Lorne, where you can explore the Port Lorne Wharf and beach.  This tidal rock beach is one more spot where you can wet your toes in the salty water that nourishes so much life in the Bay of Fundy, and capture a few images of life along the coast.  This community is home to a small fishing fleet and an artisan/sculptor – look for his studio!

St. Croix Cove

Scenic vistas continue to unroll before you as you travel on through St. Croix Cove, where you can find folks who hand build wooden canoes and also furniture in their roadside shops.  This area also offers accommodation in several small B&B’s.

Hampton

When you arrive in Hampton, turn right off the Shore Road, following the sign to Hampton Beach.  Just before you reach the wharf and beach, the Hampton Lighthouse, circa 1911, can be found to your right.  This picturesque lighthouse was originally built lit by kerosene.  The light keeper lived in the village and traveled to the light each night to light the lamp inside the little sixth-order lens.  Today, the lighthouse is open to the public as a classic example of the harbor lights that have guided generations of lobster fishermen home all around Nova Scotia.  In 2001, this lighthouse became the second in the Maritime Provinces to be passed over to a non-profit community group through the federal government's lighthouse transfer initiative.  You can climb the tower here to see a bird's-eye view of fish sheds at the edge of the protected harbor, and the long stone beach near the wharf.  There are two tidal, cobble beaches here – one to the west of the wharf, and one to the east.  Beachcombing is a popular activity, as is swimming, and you may spot turkey vultures here.

Phinney Cove & Young's Cove

Your shore tour continues through the hamlets of Phinneys Cove and Youngs Cove – and if it is a Friday evening you might like to join in the local “jam session” at the Youngs Cove Community Hall.  

Parker's Cove

Your next stop brings you into the seaside village of Parker’s Cove.  Immigrants from England and Scotland settled this area in the mid 1600’s, and made their living from the sea and the forest.  This community still shows vestiges of its boat building and maritime trade history, as this was the harbor that schooners utilized to deliver goods between the Annapolis area and St. John, New Brunswick.  Barrels of apples, boxes of produce, and loads of lumber were shipped out, and fine goods, barrels of molasses and demon rum came back.   The Parker's Cove wharf is the largest and most active lobster fishing district along the Shore Road, and you may see the local fleet unloading their daily catch.  If you time your visit to coincide with low tide, you can walk on the bottom of the ocean here, and investigate the inter-tidal marine life for yourself.  Bring your microscope along!  The large public wharf is an ideal location for doing a little fishing of your own, or watching the sun set into the ocean, and washroom facilities can be accessed at the local campground.  The seafood market here features lively lobster, succulent scallops, and fresh fish, and will even cook your lobster to order.  Another attraction is the opportunity to visit an award winning artist in his studio during the week.
    

Hillsburn, Litchfield & Delaps Cove

Delap's Cove Waterfall

1. Beachcomb on one (or all) of seven cobble beaches
2. Visit a (or all three) lighthouse(s)
3. Enjoy a seaside picnic anywhere along 50 miles of beautiful shoreline
4. Watch seals and seabirds at Margaretsville or Young’s Cove
5. Hike along the shore in Delaps Cove
6. Watch for whales at Parker’s Cove or Hampton Beach
7. Watch an artist/artisan in his/her studio
8. Visit a museum highlighting local history
9. Shop for local crafts
10. Pick up a fresh lobster, succulent scallops, or fresh fish for your supper
11. Watch fishing boats unload their daily catch
12. Enjoy a show at the Evergreen Theatre
13. Walk on the bottom of the ocean in Parker’s Cove
14. Watch the sun set into the ocean from any one of our five wharves
15. Enjoy the local music scene in Litchfield, Young’s Cove or Port George