Welcome to Blockhouse, Nova Scotia! Here you will find two vintage and antique stores, a trading store, two cafe’s, and Canada’s first art maze! Whether you like to shop, explore, eat… or do all three, Blockhouse, Nova Scotia is the place to be!

Coming from either direction on Highway 103, take exit 11, turning towards Blockhouse, and follow the road until you reach the four-way stop. Just slightly before the four-way stop, make a left turn into a small parking lot and visit Blockhouse Trading Company! At this location, both tourists and locals can consign, sell or donate vintage items. The shop owners are very community oriented, which can be seen clearly in their saying “serve the community and preserve history.” You can find this location at 11 Cornwall Rd, Blockhouse, NS.

Continuing on, make a left turn at the four-way stop and head towards The Brindle Boston and The Four Points Vintage Market, conveniently located right next to each other! These locations have lots of vintage items and antiques, with The Four Points Vintage Market being new as of 2023, and The Brindle Boston featuring gifts catered towards dog lovers! There are also Vintage Markets held at this location throughout the summer. Head over to our Festivals & Events Calendar to find out when the next market will be. Find The Brindle Boston at 531 NS-325, Blockhouse, NS, and The Four Points Vintage Market at 513 NS-325, Blockhouse, NS.

Across the street from these locations, you will find Boulangerie la Vendeenne, also commonly known as the French Bakery. Enjoy their bakery and pastry selections such as breads, croissants, tarts, and more! You can also purchase Helen B’s preservatives at this location, such as jams, jellies, and the ever so popular Million Dollar Relish, just to name a few. You can find this location at 500 NS-325, Blockhouse, NS.

Time to turn around! Head back towards the four-way stop and continue straight on Highway 325. Make a right turn on School Road and drive along until you find Chicory Blue General Store on your left. Enjoy a cup of coffee or lunch either inside at this location, out on the patio, or at their magnificent outdoor garden. The garden is always growing, so be sure to visit more than once as the garden may look different on your next visit! You can also rent a bike at this location, and hop onto the Rails to Trails system. Chicory Blue General Store has been so kind as to create a path to the trail directly from the store. You can find Chicory Blue General Store at 27 School Rd, Blockhouse, NS.

Head back to Highway 325 via the direction you came in, making a right-hand turn when you turn off of School Road. Approximately 3km up the road on your right-hand side, you will find BernArt Maze. They are Canada’s first ever art maze! There are nearly a kilometer of paths to explore with unique and exciting artwork around every twist and turn! You can find the Art Maze at 1136 NS-325, Blockhouse, NS.

Image Description: A total of eight smiling women. Three of the women are in wheelchairs. They are in the front. Three women are standing in the background making hearts with their hands. The remaining two women are slightly crouched behind two of the women in wheelchairs.

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Explore

Spend a day on Crescent Beach (Crescent Beach Road, Crescent) driving over white sand while listening to the crashing waves. This beach is the only beach in Lunenburg Region where you are allowed to drive a vehicle directly on the sand!

Alternatively, enjoy some time outside on the flat terrain trails at Miller Point Peace Park (13905 Trunk 3, Dayspring). Smooth and level trails not only allow for a leisurely stroll, but also ensure that the trails are accessible to everybody!

Did you know that MODL loans adaptive equipment? We have a Hippocampe All-Terrain Wheelchair with beach ballon wheels and ski attachments available. Towed, pushed, or self-propelled, the Hippocampe chair offers autonomy to its user. Follow the link below to fill out our equipment loan form. It is recommended to fill out your form at least 24 hours prior to planned usage.

Equipment Loan Form

April through August, please bring your filled out form to 33 Leary Fraser Drive, Dayspring (MARC), Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm.

September through March, please bring your filled out form to 10 Allee Champlain Drive, Cookville (Municipal Services Building), Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm, or email your form to tissy.bolivar@modl.ca.

Dine

27 South Restaurant and Catering: +1 (902) 530-0101

Enjoy a delicious meal at 27 South Restaurant and Catering (527 Trunk 10, Cookville). This location has a paved parking lot and automatic sliding doors. The restaurant is located inside of the Best Western Plus Hotel, so please consider making a reservation!

Osprey’s Nest Public House: +1 (902) 693-6378

If dining coastal is more your style, check out the Osprey’s Nest Public House (39 John Rieser Drive, Atlantic Breezes Subdivision, Hwy 331, Petite Rivière). Although there is no paved parking, there are accessible parking spaces conveniently located near the ramp into the restaurant.

Dear Emma, Pizza & Wine Bar: +1 (902) 764-3327

Another option to check out is Dear Emma, Pizza & Wine Bar (3017 NS-332, Rose Bay). This restaurant, although having no paved parking, has a ramp that is accessible to all leading to the interior of the building.

Shop

Spend the day shopping at a few of our local farm markets! Start at Wile’s Lake Farm Market (3254 NS-325, Wileville), where you will find freshly baked treats, locally made goods, and even ice cream! This location is accessible through a paved parking lot and a flat entrance.

Next, cruise the 103 towards Hebbville, turning left at exit 14. Nearby you will find Indian Garden Farms (119 Hodge Podge Dr, Hebbville), which has operated as a family farm since 1856! This location also has paved parking and a flat entrance to the market.

If art and jewelry are more your style, try visiting Heart to Hand Studio/Gallery along the LaHave River (3440 Hwy 331, LaHave). One of the owners, Monica, tells that their “driveway, door access, and counter height were all made with accessibility in mind.”

Today’s exploration begins at the Ovens Natural Park, a park that preserves the old sea caves dating back to the 1861 Gold Rush. Spend your morning kayaking along the shoreline and caves with a guide, trying your luck at panning gold on their rocky beach, and hiking the trail to see the dramatic cliffside of the caves from above.

To find the Ovens Natural Park, follow the Highway 332 out of Lunenburg toward Riverport for approximately 12km until you encounter the Feltzen South Rd, turn down this road and drive another 3km before turning onto the Ovens Rd.

After your visit to the Ovens, return to the Highway 332 and make a left towards Rose Bay, following this road for 2km to find the Rose Bay General Store and Bistro on your right. Stop here for your lunch of pizza, sandwiches, salads, soups, fish, clams, or snacks before heading to any of the local beaches!

Visit Sand Dollar Beach if you are a fan of beach combing, or Hirtle’s Beach if you are into rocks and big waves! Spend your afternoon lounging on the sand, searching for shells, or building the world’s greatest sandcastle!

For an additional active option, Hirtle’s Beach has a hiking trail out to Gaff Point, this 7km round trip hike is rated as an intermediate hike with moderate hills. Portions of the trail have roots, rocks, sand, and overall, somewhat difficult terrain, but the views make this hike a breathtaking 2 hours.

(Photo above is of the Ovens Natural Park Sea Caves Trail)

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The rustic and gentle charm of Big Tancook Island is only a passenger ferry ride away from the mainland. The 8 km (1 hour) trip across the water from Chester is free and provides a step back in time and a step closer to nature. Shaped like a fish hook and named after the Mi’kmaq word for “facing the open sea”, Big Tancook Island is only 3 miles long and 1.5 miles at the widest point. With only 150 year-round residents, it’s true island life, Nova Scotia-style.

Choose the ferry schedule that best suits your adventure and enjoy the amazing ocean views of Chester Harbour and some of the 350 islands in Mahone Bay. The first ferry stop drops off local residents to Small Tancook Island. While equally beautiful, it has less amenities to day tourists. Your second stop will be Big Tancook Island. Discover the island’s pathways by foot or by bike, inhaling the sea air, enjoying a picnic in the pristine natural surroundings and gaining a sense of the history and spirit of a hardy fishing community.

Click here to see the Tancook Island Ferry Schedule.

See one of Nova Scotia’s last single room schoolhouse where all island children grades pre-primary to five get their education. Follow along the road to find The Wishing Stone Gallery and Museum where you will find local art such as photography, painting, rug hooking and more. Take a break and relax at The Southwest Cove Municipal Day Park, it’s a great place for a picnic or to dip your feet in the water. During the summer months the Recreation Centre is open to tourists for a place to stop for local information, washroom facilities, or a place to take a break from the sun.

After a homemade feast at Patrick’s Restaurant or Carolyn’s Café and Crafts, both serving local cuisine and icecream, you may decide you’re not quite ready to head back to the “real-world”.

New Germany and the surrounding area is filled with rural gems! Take a tour of the local winery and u-pick, visit the falls, check out the museum, and do so much more!

Start your day trip in Newburne visiting Lunenburg County Winery (813 Walburne Road, Newburne, NS). Situated on a drumlin approximately 25 minutes inland from Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, and Bridgewater, the winery is located at Hackmatack Farm (1980), a commercial highbush blueberry farm. Take a pleasant drive into the country and visit this location to taste wine, pick berries, or have a picnic.

Next, head to Indian Falls (1591 Newburne Rd, Newburne, NS) to see the crashing waterfall and to walk the winding trails! Known for having some of the area’s best fishing, Indian Falls also offers a picnic area, on-site privies, walking trails, a rock beach and look off points.

A bit further down the road, you will come across Parkdale-Maplewood Museum (3005 Barss Corner Rd, Parkdale/Maplewood, NS). Located inland from the Lighthouse Trail on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, this museum has a wealth of local heritage to share with you. Take a walk through the museum to see how the ancestors of the local communities lived.

From here, head into the quaint community of New Germany, where you will find several restaurants and a glasswork shop! If you’re looking for a quick snack, check out Cake by the Maples (5175 Hwy 10, New Germany, NS), a wooden roadside stand serving a variety of homemade baked goods. If you’re looking for a full meal, check out Charlie’s Burger & Pizza, 2 Papa’s, or Sizzle Sticks.

There is also a new café in the area with a menu serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Find the Hummingbird Café at 5147 Hwy 10 New Germany, NS. This café formerly operated at the New Germany Farmers’ market, which you can check out on Friday’s from 2:00pm – 6:00pm (5311 Trunk 10, New Germany, NS).

Finish your day with a stop at Village Glassworks (4928 highway 10 New Germany, NS). On site at this shop, owners design craft-stained glass panels, lamps, mirrors, and many suncatcher patterns. They also feature other Canadian Maritime made gifts including pottery, pewter, candles, and cards.

Blue Rocks is a hidden gem of the region, located just minutes out of Lunenburg. Often advertised as “Peggy’s Cove without the lighthouse”, Blue Rocks is a must-see when visiting Lunenburg area. A traditional fishing community with unique natural features, Blue Rocks is a favorite among amateur and professional artists and artisans of all types. During high tide the Old Fish House appears to be floating amidst the Atlantic Ocean and the contrast of the “blue” rocks and yellow and red seaweed makes for picture-perfect additions to your vacation scrapbook and the perfect subject for all ar.

Following along Blue Rocks Rd out of Lunenburg, you will find yourself in a small community frozen in time. Small fishing shacks litter the coast and artisans open sheds along the road to display their works. Continuing out to the very end of Blue Rocks, turning right onto The Lane, and left onto The Point Rd will lead you to Pleasant Paddling. Plan ahead with them to either rent a kayak or take a guided tour of the many rocky islands sheltered from the winds of the Atlantic.

Upon your return to the shore, head back toward Lunenburg and take the time to stop at the Art Barn, a gallery displaying the work of local artist Linda Roe, who creates pieces of local scenery using acrylic and needle-felting.

As you continue toward town, visit the Blue Hog Studio, Gallery, and Food Truck! Located along the water, Blue Hog displays the fine art photography and camera collection of Donald Dunnington and the graphite and charcoal artwork of Helen Dalton, among others. The artists also run the partnered food truck outside, with BBQ and seafood, as well as homemade ice cream made daily! Enjoy their talents in multiple fields as you overlook the ocean across the road in this serene location.

If you’re looking to extend this day beyond Blue Rocks and head to the Beach, Second Peninsula PICNIC Park and Bachman’s Beach are just a short drive from Blue Rocks. Following Blue Rocks Rd to the Highway 332, turn right on the Highway 3, and right again onto Second Peninsular Rd after 1km. Turn right after 2.9km to stay on Second Peninsula Rd, and then make a left turn into the park at the sign. Park along the loop and walk down one of the paths to the small beach in the park. Picnic tables sprinkle the shore and have spectacular views of the islands in Mahone Bay.

To continue to Bachman’s Beach, continue past the entrance to the Picnic Park for 3km, the beach will be on the left.

Start your day by journeying down to Petite Riviere Vineyards, a historic winery best known for its red wines and for being one of the oldest grape growing territories in North America, dating back to the 1630s. Enjoy a tour and a tasting on the building’s terrace, overlooking the hills of lavender and grapes.

Continue into the village of Petite Riviere and stop at the Maritime Painted Saltbox, a vividly colourful art gallery displaying the works of Tom Alway and Peter Blais. Meet the artists and browse through their displays, including handmade furniture, contemporary fine art, and whimsical folk art.

Further into the village, stop by the Mariner Craft and take a peek at all the crafts made by local artists, and browse their selections of knick knacks! A left turn just past the Mariner Craft will take you to Sperry’s Beach, a quiet and small beach where the Petite Riviere itself meets the Atlantic Ocean. Often boasting warmer waters, Sperry’s Beach is a local hangout, and is great for paddleboarding!

As lunch approaches, head back to the Highway 331 and make a right turn across the one lane bridge over the river. Continue right along the Highway 331 until you arrive at Beachside Pizza, a fantastic pizza place only minutes from the beaches, and grab some lunch! Stop into Ploughman’s Lunch just down the road after lunch for some homemade soft serve ice cream before continuing the afternoon.

Head back toward Petite Riviere after lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing on Rissers Beach. One of the only lifeguarded beaches in our region, Rissers Beach boasts soft white sand, relaxing waves, public washrooms, and a small food truck! It is easy to lay here for hours and listen to the waves crash on the shore.

For the adventure seekers in the family, give Swell Time Board Co. a call ahead to schedule a surfing lesson, rent a surfboard, or rent a paddleboard! Spend some time learning how to master the waves with their helpful instructors, or try it on your own with Rissers Beach’s beginner friendly waves!

After a long day in the sun, visit the Osprey Nest Public House for dinner, less than 5 minutes away from Rissers Beach. It features local pub classics and occasional live music! With both indoor and outdoor seating, the Osprey Nest Pub is a new local favourite for people of all ages and tastes.

Check out the link below to see a copy of the 2024 edition of the Petite Riviere, LaHave & Area Map!

https://www.paintedsaltbox.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-PRACS-MAP-PRINT-VERSION.pdf-reduced.pdf

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Make your way to the LaHave River Cable Ferry. The cable ferry service across this river has been active since the 1800s, connecting East LaHave on the Lunenburg side of the LaHave River to the LaHave and Petite Riviere region. The ferry is free to all members of the public, and is accessible to cars, trucks, RVs, bikes, walkers, and more.

Upon crossing the Ferry from the Northern Side to the Southern side, stop at the LaHave Bakery for a delicious brunch. This bakery has been in operation since the 1980s, but the building pre-dates the bakery itself, and is filled with old knick knacks to reflect the old nature of the building. Located in the same building as the bakery are the LaHave Craft Co-op, LaHave River Books, and Homegrown Skateboards.

Located just next door are West Cote Bell Pottery and Heart to Hand Studio Gallery. West Cote Bell Pottery makes one-of-a-kind pottery, tableware, tiles, sinks, sculptures, and more are made on site at the studio. Heart to Hand Studio is known for their award-winning wearable art jewelry made from recycled silver and copper, as well as sculpture and textiles.

Next, get back into the car for a short drive out to the point past LaHave. Taking a left off the 331, will bring you to the Fort Point Museum. Located just one kilometre from the ferry, this community museum is home to exhibits about the first French colonists and settlers in the area, the development of the community, and the Indigenous population who predate the settlers, the Mi’kmaq. The location also acts as a picnic ground and is a National Historic Grounds.

Leaving the Museum, returning to the Highway 331, and making a left will direct you through the community of West Dublin toward Crescent Beach. Arriving at Crescent Beach and continuing along the road that stretches the entire length of the beach will bring you to the LaHave Islands. This collection of islands is the home of the LaHave Islands Marine Museum. The museum, based in an old United Church, exhibits artifacts from the local community’s fishing history, a fully equipped dory, and a Bush Island Double Ender boat shed.

After this visit, head back toward Crescent Beach to spend some time on the sand or extend your day and head to Cape LaHave Adventures for a kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental and tour! Plan this extra visit in advance by reaching out to them.

Finish off your day with some delicious pizza from Beachside Pizza and Market or with sandwiches and ice cream from the Ploughman’s Lunch.