Canada's Serene Nova Scotia Municipality Is A Coastal Beauty

Of all the nations in the world, Canada has the longest coastline. So it's no surprise to learn that the country is home to some spectacularly beautiful seaside villages, like Blue Rocks, a hidden gem on Nova Scotia's South Shore. Small and serene, the quaint fishing village and its stunning surroundings are a dream for nature lovers and photographers to explore. 

Blue Rocks is easily overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Lunenburg, a chic coastal town with a historic center officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two villages are just minutes away by car, so it's easy to see both on a single day. From Lunenburg, drive east along Blue Rocks Road for about five miles. When you spot a collection of colorful, charmingly weathered fishing shacks framed by the sea and the sky, you'll know you've arrived in Blue Rocks. The town is named for the blue slate rocks that dot the shoreline, standing out in contrast from the vibrant golden and deep red seaweed strewn around it. It's a wonderfully scenic backdrop for the tiny village with its cozy cottages and wooden rowboats bobbing in the surf. 

Some say Blue Rocks is like Peggy's Cove, but without the crowds — a reference to another Nova Scotia town that was once named the most picturesque village in all of Canada. Others suggest coming early in the day to see the sun rising over the ocean. "Pretty spectacular," said one visitor on Google Reviews. "The unique rock formations and glowing yellow seaweed add to the charm of this beautiful place. Worth getting up for, I promise!"

Apart from wandering around the storybook-like village, snapping photos, and enjoying the views, there's not a lot to do in the town itself. (One of the only businesses in town, the adorable Point General, a café and shop billed as "perhaps the smallest of all general stores," has closed, at least temporarily.) Many agree that the best way to explore Blue Rocks is by getting out on the water. From the village, follow The Point Road to Pleasant Paddling, a kayak outfitter with a slipway on Blue Rocks harbor. 

Rent a sea kayak (from $45 for two hours) to paddle around the rocky islands just offshore, or join a guided tour. Departing daily at 2 p.m., Paddle Through the Islands ($89 per person) is a three-hour excursion that includes a stop at a secluded beach. Other tours are more comprehensive, like the full-day Paddle Everywhere tour ($150), wildlife-focused, like Paddle to the Seals ($104), or, in the case of The Evening Paddle ($79), feature a glorious sunset over the sea. "Our two-hour excursion on the water turned out to be the highlight of our trip to Nova Scotia," said one visitor who rented a double kayak with his brother for a self-guided adventure. "Unbelievably picturesque," commented another traveler, who commended the knowledgeable guides on her tour. "We saw many seabirds and seals."

Nearby Lunenburg offers lodgings, including cute cottages on Airbnb and Smuggler's Cove Inn & Suites, a popular four-star hotel on the waterfront. Enjoy freshly caught seafood at Grand Banker Bar & Grill, located right on the harbor. And if you're continuing your explorations of Nova Scotia, don't miss a stop in Barrington — the foodie destination, less than a two-hour drive away, is the lobster capital of Canada.