TOP THINGS TO DO and See IN MAHONE BAY
Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia - Voted one of the 12 Best Small Towns in Canada
Mahone Bay, the quintessential small Canadian town. It's a destination with something for everyone - from harbour views to colourful Victorian homes and artisan studios. A place where you can enjoy locally sourced seafood and award-winning wines in one of its charming restaurants or cafes! Meet friendly locals at Saltbox Brewery, Barn Coffee House or Betty’s Kitch wine bar, each providing their own unique experience. And don't forget about those iconic three churches that make up Mahone Bay's beautiful backdrop – voted as one of Travel & Leisure’s 12 Best Small Towns in Canada 2022! This picturesque town will captivate your heart.
Uncover more hidden gems when you visit our recommended best places to eat & drink during your stay here. See our Mahone Bay Restaurants page for recommendations for the best places to eat and drink.
Whether you're looking for a place to rest your head or an adventure around town, our Interactive Map of Mahone Bay is packed with fun activities. So take in all that our charming seaside village has to offer! seaside. Also, check out the top Mahone Bay hotels.
River Ridge Lodge - the Ideal Accommodation to Visit Mahone Bay and Lunenburg
Looking for the best of both worlds? Whether you want to relax or explore, this charming countryside getaway has something for everyone. In just five minutes, discover Mahone Bay - where history meets enchantment in a picturesque seaside town, and within 20 minutes from River Ridge Lodge you find yourself in Lunenburg. Experience serenity without missing out on all the fun; come see what makes our cozy lodge so special!
Step back in time at the Mahone Bay Museum
Step into the storied past of Mahone Bay at the Mahone Bay Museum! See firsthand how Foreign Protestant settlers arrived in 1754 and shaped the community. Discover Mi'kmaw culture, explore mahogany-trimmed Early Kitchens, become immersed in World War I artifacts - all housed within an 1875 building located right on Main Street. Plus, there's plenty to keep kids entertained too!
578 Main St., Mahone Bay - Tel: 902-624-6263
Northern Sun Gallery & Gifts - Unique Jewellery and Giftware
Northern Sun Gallery & Gifts is a treasure trove of unique items to explore! Discover exquisite jewellery at great prices, as well as neat giftware and one-of-a-kind clothing accessories. Even better – the store offers handcrafted pieces that are sure to satisfy any special someone in your life.
8 Edgewater Street, Mahone Bay - (902) 531-3000
Cycle or Hike the Trails and Take in the Views
Experience the stunning beauty of Mahone Bay and its surrounding South Shore area on two wheels! River Ridge Lodge offers complimentary bikes for guests to use or check with Sweet Ride Cycle in Mahone Bay. Visiting cyclists can explore countless trails while viewing breathtaking views.
Visit the District of Lunenburg website to discover some great trails on the Rails to Trails Network near River Ridge Lodge, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg!
The Teazer - Your One Stop Shop for Unique Gifts
At Teazer, Mahone Bay's oldest gift store, there are plenty of unique gifts to discover - from jewelry and apparel to witty and cheeky greeting cards. Everyone loves a visit; whether they're shopping for someone special or just want to see what new treasures await! Frauke is always sure to find something she likes while Mike knows he can count on Teazer for the perfect funny or naughty birthday card.
21 Edgewater Street, Mahone Bay - (902) 624-9097
Amos Pewter - A one-of-a-kind Artisan Experience
Since 1974, Amos Pewter has been captivating folks with their handcrafted jewelry and home decor. Treat yourself to an enlightening demonstration at this renowned artisan shop, where you can witness molten pewter being molded into unique designs. For a truly memorable experience, create your own custom piece of pewter artwork - perfect for keeping as a treasured keepsake!
589 Main Street, Mahone Bay - 1-800-565-3369
Flipped Restyle Mercantile - Frauke's Favourite Consignment Boutique
Frauke loves to shop sustainably, and in style, so Mahone Bay's Flipped Restyle Mercantile is her go-to destination. The store owner offers only the best secondhand clothes and accessories that look like they just came off of a runway show! There are plenty of great finds waiting at this consignment boutique - if you're lucky, it will feel as though your entire wardrobe has been flipped overnight.
237 Edgewater St, Mahone Bay - (902) 514-7316
Find your Perfect Pair of Shoes at Mahone Bay Trading Company
Mahone Bay Trading Company is a haven for those seeking shoe perfection! With brands like Mephisto, Olang, Naot and Ecco in stock it's no wonder people from all over Nova Scotia flock to the South Shore store. Mahone Bay Trading Company is one of South Shore's most beloved shoe stores!
544 Main St., Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia - (902) 624-8425
Sprig Marketplace Apothecary - Find the Perfect all-natural Gift
Sprig Marketplace Apothecary is the perfect destination for finding fresh and thoughtfully curated presents! Featuring an array of all-natural, Canadian-made skin care and cleaning products—seeking out a special something has never been simpler.
249 Edgewater Street, Mahone Bay - (902) 624-0465
Oak Island Interpretive Centre & Tours - Experience the Legend for Yourself
Experience the mystery and thrill of Oak Island, located on the Nova Scotia South Shore. For centuries, treasure hunters have been trying to uncover its hidden secrets in pursuit of a legendary fortune believed to be buried beneath Money Pit- so captivating that it has become featured on The History Channel's "The Curse Of Oak Island".
While the Oak Island Interpretive Centre is currently closed for the 2023 season, it's all for a good cause – the site is being repurposed to provide space for the Archaeology Team to work their magic. Progress is being made on a brand new Archaeology Centre, which will be a hub of activity for experts and enthusiasts alike. Be sure to check out oakislandtours.ca to stay informed about the reopening of the Oak Island Interpretive Centre and guided Oak Island Tours in the 2024 season.
River Ridge Lodge offers the perfect proximity to exploring Oak Island - just a mere 6-minute drive away! There are only two accommodation options within 6 minutes of Oak Island, the other one being the Oak Island Resort. However, River Ridge Lodge is certainly one not to miss!
Oak Island Boat Tours - Get an inside look at "The Curse of Oak Island" with star Tony Sampson
For those looking for an exciting on-water exploration of Oak Island and its scenery, you won't want to miss Salty Dog Sea Tours! Led by Tony Sampson - one of History Channel's "The Curse Of Oak Island" stars- visitors can take a daily guided tour that allows them to see this mysterious island from a unique perspective. You may even catch some key sites seen in the show itself as it follows the world's longest running treasure hunt!
What better way than 1.5 hours out at sea uncovering its secrets? Private charters are also available, so gather your crew for an epic adventure like no other!
The tours depart just 6 minutes away from River Ridge Lodge at the Oak Island Resort, between Mahone Bay and Chester
Sail and See - a Sailing Experience - Sail away on a Nova Scotia Adventure
Let Ton and Robyn of Sail and See take you on a voyage aboard Oak Haven, their 35-foot cutter-rigged sail yacht. Explore the wonders of Mahone Bay and see some divine shores of the Nova Scotia South Shore: delve into its captivating history, uncover legendary mysteries and admire breathtaking natural environments - all while sailing through beautiful shorelines along the Nova Scotia South Shore.
To maximize your experience, there is a Sails & Trails Package on offer at River Ridge Lodge which includes accommodation, breakfast plus complimentary bike rentals along with either a half or whole-day private sailing tour! Who said adventuring was hard? Embark on this journey today; it is sure one of boating blissfulness!
683 Main Street, Mahone Bay - (902) 541-0399
BernArt Maze - A Brand New Art Experience in Canada
Unveiling Canada's very first Art Maze and outdoor gallery, BernArt Maze offers guests a vibrant adventure for all to explore! Home to over 100 talented artists from around the globe, this magical space features an astonishing kilometer of pathways framed by captivating sculptures, mosaic pieces and stunning murals - allowing visitors the chance to discover something new with every twist or turn. You can find BernArt Maze just 10 minutes away from River Ridge Lodge.
1136 Hwy 325, Maitland - (902) 553-0790