Nova Scotia's South Shore

There are plenty of great rides in Nova Scotia (and I have been on many of them) but my favourite is on the South Shore along the old #3/332 highways, from Upper Tantallon to LaHave. The reason for my selection becomes quickly evident as you travel along this route: it is a scenic “twisty turny” classic highway with the ocean’s presence, in many instances, a mere stones throw away. The smells of the ocean are ever pervasive, as are the sounds of crashing waves and inquisitive sea birds. It is an ocean lovers dream ride. To make this ride even more wonderful are the series of small coastal towns that litter the south shore, their origins of fishing and shipbuilding still clearly evident today. These towns are interlinked by the #3, like beads on a necklace, and each one has its own treasures and characteristics. Towns and communities like Hubbards, Chester, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, and LaHave can be experienced along this ride, by either stopping for a refreshment break or just slowly cruising through their old neighbourhoods. Some of my favourite stops in these locations are: “Trellis Cafe” in Hubbards, “The Rope Loft” in Chester, “Mug & Anchor Pub” in Mahone Bay, and lastly, “The LaHave Bakery” in LaHave. Getting to the final community of LaHave is fun as you cross the LaHave River via the provincial ferry. And when you finish this ride and visit the LaHave Bakery, eating one of their butter-drenched scones with coffee, and sitting in one of their Adirondack chairs on the veranda, you will close your eyes and realize how amazing life truly is.

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Submitted by: Candace Slaunwhite