Time to explore something new just ‘around the corner’ from Halifax – Peggy’s Cove. It is a little over an hour bus trip from the Halifax Cruise Terminal. First stop is to look at the city from the top of the hill where the National Historic site of the Citadel is located.

The bus drives through the city, onto the road to Peggy’s Cove that follows along the coastline. Actually did you know, Nova Scotia has the longest coastline in North America? Many bays, inlets, harbors and islands all add up to gorgeous views and lots of lighthouses. Over 50 lighthouses were originally built and 30 are still remaining. Love the lighthouse in Halifax we can see from our cruise balcony.

As we turn left onto the road to Peggy’s Cove, there are a few cars already leaving this well known summer tourist destination.

Our tour guide grew up in Nova Scotia and is knowledgeable of the history and lore. She tells us Peggy Cove got its name from the famous explorer Champlain who first discovered it and name the bay (after his mother) St. Marguerite Bay. (Marguerite = Margaret = Peggy) Later when the area became part of Nova Scotia province, a land grant was issued to German immigrants in 1811, and sometime later it was shortened to Peggy’s Cove. The folklore story is a small child named Peggy was found in the cove alone as a result of a shipwreck. People adopted the child, calling her Peggy of the Cove and eventually the town changed the name to Peggy’s Cove. Who really knows what to believe.

The old schoolhouse had a wall display with some of the history to confirm our guide’s story. (Note the carvings in the doorway to the schoolhouse show that kids will be kids!)

Peggy’s Cove is a quaint fishing village of 30 permanent residents. Lots of artists have come and stayed in this village. The shops show off their artistic crafts and art. Some of the artists are on site to sign their works. All the stores had signs posted – No Photography Please. I enjoyed wandering these small shops after lunch. The major artwork is a carved stonewall just across from the artist, de Garthe’s gallery – currently closed.

Lunch was at The Sou’Wester. Lobster, perfectly prepared!

What Peggy’s Cove is especially known for is the beautiful Lighthouse on a granite, rocky bluff AND being a working traditional fishing village. The lighthouse marks entrance to the amazing and picturesque inlet/cove, leading people to take too many photos (and artists to paint) either in the fog or not. What a breathtaking scene of a Nova Scotia village! Here are my ‘too many photos’ that might provide you with an idea of the varied weather and beauty.

Back to the ship for dinner and making the plan for tomorrow in Nova Scotia, fog, rain, or sun?