LaHave, Petitie Rivière & Rissers Beach Day Trip
If you're looking for a fun outing that packs in amazing views, tasty eats and wonderful beaches all into one day, then the LaHave & Petite Rivière area is definitely your jam; it's one of our favourite day trips! Zip along the beautiful coastal route to take it all in before refuelling with some delicious food and drinks.
We've got a handy printable pdf file of the LaHave and Petite Rivière Day Trip Description and Map.
Gaff Point Trail, Secret Beach & Hirtle's Beach Day Trip
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Gaff Point Trail, a 6.6-km loop hike near Kingsburg starting from Hirtle's Beach that has something special for everyone - dirt paths, wooden planks, smooth rocks and flat stones provide an adventurous day out with plenty of opportunities for picnics along the way. Feel like you're on top of the world as you traverse this beautiful landscape!
Explore LaHave, Petite Rivière & Rissers Beach
The LaHave and Petite Rivière area is a perfect place for an easy day getaway. From gorgeous beaches to stunning sightseeing spots, the coastal route will leave you in awe - not to mention indulging with some delicious food and libations!
Below the description, you can download the printable pdf file of the LaHave and Petite Riviere Day Trip Description and Map.
Old LaHave Bakery and Cable Ferry
Embark on a captivating journey to LaHave, where you can experience breathtaking views and interesting culture. Start off at River Ridge Lodge, then take the scenic route through Maders Cove over Lunenburg until reaching Mason Beach and Riverport.
For an unrivalled view of LaHave River, don't forget to cross it with the LaHave cable ferry - one of Nova Scotia's last! The short wait combined with the 5-minute ride make up for epic sceneries; moreover, embarking is free, so why not try it? The ferry departs East LaHave on the 1/4 hour and 3/4 hour.
Once reaching LaHave, explore what an old French settlement has prepared: the famous LaHave Bakery offers traditional bread made from locally grown ingredients, while LaHave Crafters Co-op boasts handmade artisans' treasures worth admiring.
Continue towards Fort Point Museum - this perfect point was indeed home in 1632 as the first capital colonized by France! Get immersed into New Frances settler lifestyle via museum artifacts exhibited here or just unwind surrounded by picturesque landscape.
Crescent Beach and Rissers Beach Provincial Park
After exploring Fort Point Museum, head back south 8 kilometres until you reach Crescent Beach Road; here lies Crescent Beach: 2 km long with ocean views that stretch from Georges Island to Mainland – plus its car accessible so those with mobility issues can explore too! Walk along this popular summertime destination where swimming, kite surfing & boogie boarding are commonplace activities during warmer months.
Afterward, take your trip further up Hwy 331, where you will come across Rissers Beach Provincial Park boasting change rooms, washroom facilities and showers - making it the perfect spot all-day outing by the sea!
Rissers Beach Boardwalk
Rissers Beach is a picturesque escape featuring 1.5 kilometres of sandy beach and warm, shallow waters perfect for swimming! On sunny days the beach provides an ideal spot to relax and soak up some sun rays; be sure to take in its beauty with a leisurely stroll all the way down before returning along peaceful Risser Beach boardwalk that follows an inland marsh back toward your parking lot. All seasons are great opportunities to enjoy this fabulous paradise.
Osprey's Nest Pub in Petite Rivière
For beach-goers looking for a bite or refreshment, the Osprey's Nest Public House is just around the corner! Located on Hwy 331 and John Rieser Drive, this charming spot offers an inviting patio in warmer weather - complete with live music performances every Saturday plus select Sundays. However, do remember to check their schedule; they're typically open Thursday through Sunday only. Don't miss out (and don't forget those snacks!) when you roam near Petite Rivière.
Petite Rivière General Store
Petite Rivière's downtown is full of unique gems! Take a step back in time at the historic Petite Rivière General Store, established in the mid-1920s. Find all those charming necessities - from coffee and baked goods to groceries, gas and liquor outlets. Enjoy some yummy ice cream across the street in their beautiful park after touring this local hub.
Further, explore with artistry: Maritime Painted Saltbox
features work by Tom Alway & Peter Blais, or stop into Mariner Craft for sagged bubble glass creations or leather good accented wire jewelry amongst many other one of kind crafts made locally out of pottery, pewter and woodwork.
Before heading out on your journey, ask us for the Petite Rivière LaHave & Area Guide Map to discover hidden gems just right around every corner!
LaHave and Petite Rivière Day Trip Map and the way back to River Ridge Lodge
Take in scenic views of the LaHave River Valley and enjoy a short detour through Conquerall Mills as you make your way back to River Ridge Lodge. From Italy Cross Road, turn right onto Crousetown Rd before continuing on Hwy 3 into Bridgewater - then take a left-hand turn at Hwy 325 and drive across the river bridge until reaching Mahone Bay.
If convenience is what you're looking for, hop onto Highway 103 either from Italy Cross or Bridgewater and race along 'til Exit 10. Make sure to look out for the sign marking entry into Martins River before finally arriving at beautiful River Ridge Lodge after just 4 kilometres (or 6 if taking the scenic route).
Discover Gaff Point Trail & Secret Beach
Escape to Nova Scotia's nature and explore Gaff Point Trail and Secret Beach near Riverport. This 6.6-kilometre loop hike takes advantage of stunning coastal views by including various types of terrain such as well-worn dirt paths, smooth stones, wooden planks and flat top rocks to trek over along your way!
Whether you're an experienced hiker or just getting into the sport, this trail has something for all skill levels! The trail is moderately challenging but an exceptionally rewarding experience. With breathtaking scenery along the way, it's no wonder that so many visitors make this journey every year! Get ready as your journey begins along Hirtle's Beach before venturing further inland through lush forest terrain - perfect for walking, hiking and trail running alike.
Along with beachfront views at the start of your adventure comes a warning: make sure that your feet are properly prepared. Sturdy shoes are a must as the first and final kilometres of this hike require walking across beach rocks - not suitable for weak ankles or those wearing flip-flops! But don't despair; if it's low tide when starting/ending, you may be able to spend some time soaking in the beauty of an untouched sandy Beach instead.
To help plan out your trip print our Gaff Point Trail detailed description and map! Download the pdf file to access helpful images that will provide insight into this great hiking trail.
Fuel Up at Rose Bay Store & Bistro
Before heading to the trailhead at Hirtles Beach, make sure to stop at Rose Bay Store & Bistro before leaving onto Hirtle Beach Road - there are European delicacies like locally sourced bread or meats on offer here.
After that, it’s off to the parking lot that has two outhouses, should they be needed. Low tides are ideal conditions for exploring this local hotspot. This spot is also perfect if you are looking for an outdoor adventure or thrill-seeking storm-watching.
Start Gaff Point Trail at Hirtle's Beach near Kingsburg
With varied landscapes and stunning views, this trail is a great escape no matter the conditions. To beat the crowds on weekend days, go against tradition - try it counter-clockwise for fewer disruptions! Make sure to note your surroundings no matter which direction you choose because every turn brings something new.
Refresh at Rose Bay Store & Bistro before heading back! For an extra special experience during July or August be sure to reserve a spot at The Ol' Miner Diner in Ovens Nature Park where you can enjoy some live music along with delicious food and refreshments. Finally, don't forget about all the culinary delights awaiting amidst Lunenburg's historic cityscape: from Saltshaker Deli to The Knot Pub - our Restaurant page will make it easy for you to find something just perfect!
Uncover Gaff Point Trail's Secret Beach
Take your adventure to the next level and explore Secret Beach, accessible only by repelling down a cliffside. Hirtle's Beach is perfect for relaxing with friends or family after completing this hike - if rappelling isn't everyone's thing! For further exploration, Kingsburg awaits; its stunning shoreline provides plenty of opportunity to take in spectacular scenery while enjoying a leisurely stroll along the coast.
Explore the Wonders of Ovens Natural Park - Where the Gold Rush Happened!
For the daring explorer looking to keep their outdoor adventure going, look no further than Ovens Natural Park! This park is conveniently situated along your route back to Lunenburg and makes for a perfect addition to any extended stay in the area. Unleash your wild side with an unforgettable day trip - there's nothing quite like it!
Adventure seekers and nature lovers alike will find Ovens Natural Park a magical experience. Located in Feltzen South, this 190-acre coastal forest reserve is where the Gold Rush happened over 100 years ago. Visitors can hike on incredible trails along cliffs to explore famous sea caves or "Ovens", from which it derives its name. The best time for exploring the park's hidden gems? During high tide!
Reignite your senses with a picnic lunch accompanied by daily live music during July & August at 7:30 pm - don't forget to make reservations, as spots tend to fill up quickly. Although an entrance fee is required for access to trails, there's no charge when just eating at their restaurant beside majestic views of the oceanfront scenery.