Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
4.5
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
12 within 5 kms
Attractions
9 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- KathleenR_28Port Dover, Canada6,358 contributionsBeautiful viewsMy friends and I visited Peggy’s Cove in November. Not only was the weather perfect but also there was hardly anyone around. What perfect timing. I’ve visited this place before and I still think it’s a lovely spot. The ocean view was wonderful.Visited November 2022Travelled with friendsWritten December 3, 2022
- Mark GDieppe, Canada345 contributionsClassicBeen over 10 years since I visited. Lots of upgrades in parking, public washrooms and a huge observation deck added with seating and wheelchair access. Was early November, but there were 4 tour buses, and lots of visitors. Locals very nice and helpful.Visited November 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten December 11, 2022
- VOODOO-THANGWhitehorse, Canada227 contributionsMust Stop !If your travelling thru Nova Scotia this is a MUST STOP place. Spectacular rock formations and views. Fortunately we drove thru here early in the morning before the crowds arrived. The sea was calm that day which made it very nice but if the wind blows you will see some amazing waves crashing up the rocks.Visited December 2022Written December 13, 2022
- caroler54Sedro Woolley, Washington201 contributionsFeasting on Lobster at Peggy's CoveThis was such a beautiful setting. Bitter sweet as it did get over run with tour buses and people. Glad we arrived early. We had purchased 4 live lobsters en route and cooked them in the Peggy's cove parking lot where we set up a table and feasted on fresh lobster! Wow and Wow! So delicious. Beats the price of restaurant lobster! We traveled from WA in our small RV so had all we needed to make the feast.Visited June 2022Written December 19, 2022
- Sandy SRiverside, Connecticut652 contributionsDon't miss when in HalifaxDrove down from Halifax to Peggy's Cove. Enjoyed climbing the rocks and taking lots of pictures -- so beautiful and picturesque. So famous that we expected a mob scene, but wasn't really that crowded - lots of space to spread out.Visited August 2022Written February 17, 2023
- dbinhou7511Houston, Texas1,563 contributionsScenic siteScenic location, but can be crowded during the tourist season. Still worth a view if the crowds aren't too great. See the waves crashing onto the rocky shore. You only have to walk a short distance away to be away from the crowds and able to really enjoy the beauty of the area.Visited July 2022Written March 16, 2023
- BK on Tour6 contributionsPretty views and no peopleWe day tripped to Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg from Halifax. We were there off season so nothing was open but the views and the rocks were beautiful. There was hardly anyone here and we just spent some time clambering. It was pretty cold and there wasn’t anything else to do because nothing is open in April, but managed to get some wonderful pictures.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten April 6, 2023
- RichTLondon, Canada17 contributionsMust see in Nova ScotiaThe scenery was beautiful, we got there early in the day so it was just our little family. We got some good photos with the waves crashing into the rocks surrounding the lighthouse. I’m sure it would have been more beautiful if the weather was a little better. The Sou’ Wester is a great little gift shop with very friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten May 5, 2023
- DynamicjohnTampa, Florida313 contributionsVery windyDid a cruise excursion to Peggy's Cove. It's a neat little area with about 35 residents. The views and the lighthouse are must sees. If you get there and have limited time get your food first then take your pictures. Make sure you have an extra sweater because it can get windyVisited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten May 31, 2023
- LovemyAcura🌵15,641 contributionsLovely setting!The weather and the number of visitors can be a tremendous influence as to how you perceive this location. The first time we made a visit here was several years ago and it was raining heavily with strong winds. In May we paid a second visit (while on a cruise) and it was sunny, beautiful, with comfortable temperatures. There were only two tourist buses while we were there (counting outs). The lighthouse is a photo op but no real visit inside can be made. The landscapes around the lighthouse are the real attraction. This time we had a memorable visit walking around the paths and enjoying the ambience of the fishing village. Do not miss the Fishermen's Monument. Fitting tribute!Visited May 2023Written July 1, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
3,114 reviews
Excellent
2,135
Very good
753
Average
169
Poor
42
Terrible
15
TennisStar602
New Jersey611 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Solo
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse was absolutely gorgeous! It was nice to take pictures in front of the lighthouse; entry into the lighthouse was not permitted. There was plenty of free parking and there was a restaurant with a gift shop. There were also public bathrooms. The houses in this vicinity were truly breathtaking. The Atlantic Ocean was extremely rough, and individuals should use extreme caution when they walk along the rocks next to the lighthouse. It was very easy to slip and fall, and it could be dangerous to end up in the cold and choppy water of the Atlantic Ocean.
Written November 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KK78
Bay Shore, NY677 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Friends
Worth the drive to visit this out of the way iconic lighthouse. The weather was rainy/cloudy but that only made our pictures even better. The short drive up to the lighthouse is nice too.
Written October 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George
Lisburn, UK12 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Blessed with another glorious day we visited the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove. There was a refreshing wind with a sea swell giving waves crashing to shore. Reminded us of a gentle day along the North coast in Northern Ireland! (another place well worth a visit!)
It’s picturesque and gives opportunity for great pictures.
Not really a place for wheelchairs or small children- we were warned numerous times to not walk on the black rocks because they are slippery! Not sure some folks really understood the danger of the sea!
It’s picturesque and gives opportunity for great pictures.
Not really a place for wheelchairs or small children- we were warned numerous times to not walk on the black rocks because they are slippery! Not sure some folks really understood the danger of the sea!
Written October 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori
26 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Plan an evening visit right before sunset. Excellent sunset pictures with the lighthouse and water in the background. Definitely worth seeing, relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Take a gander inside of the gift shop to find some treasures.
Written October 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve R
Bolton, UK466 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Solo
A very picturesque tourist filled spot. There's adequate parking and a helpful visitor centre. Toilets here stink horribly so avoid if at all possible. It's worth an hour or two if you're in the area but not worth travelling specially to.
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamie H-D
Poole, UK687 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
The views are wonderful, although we had a lot of fog / sea mist when we visited it was still a great experience and fun to walk / climb along the large rocks, mind your step though and be careful not trip or fall.
Great for all ages and everyone can enjoy the views and sound of the crashing waves whether you go out on to the rocks or stay at the viewing platform.
A lovely place to visit, free parking (which was very surprising) and a decent visitor centre with lots of helpful brochures and friendly staff. Toilets were clean and tidy too.
Great for all ages and everyone can enjoy the views and sound of the crashing waves whether you go out on to the rocks or stay at the viewing platform.
A lovely place to visit, free parking (which was very surprising) and a decent visitor centre with lots of helpful brochures and friendly staff. Toilets were clean and tidy too.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peter d
Toronto, Canada1,422 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Dropped by Peggy’s cove after many years away- wow what a change after 6 years. New viewing pad, walk ways, easier access. That brought lots of people on the Saturday that we visited. My wife had found memories of the ginger cake at the restaurant - so we just had to go. The Peggy’s cove set has not changed much - just like the “pirates of the Caribbean” set at Disneyland. But. I go enjoy taking iconic photos here. Always worth a visit - weekdays probably better
Written September 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LunaLove
Montreal, Canada1,064 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Couples
Went with a tour out of Halifax - we were the only people at the lighthouse that day which seemed miraculous...a beautiful place to visit and photograph.
Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faithfultraveler
Halifax, Canada1,168 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
When family visits, a must see in Nova Scotia: Peggys Cove and its famous lighthouse. Now with a viewing deck
Written September 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DannyWasserman
Virginia Beach, VA4,240 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Just stunning views off the coast in Peggy's Cove. The lighthouse is at the end of the road and the coastline is breathtaking. There are boats and cruise ships coming in and out and the jagged rocks off the coast are just surreal. The whole area with the large rocks to climb on and the people walking around make for a pleasurable day.
Written September 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephanieRobb
Ottawa, Canada22 contributions
Can you visit INSIDE the lighthouse?
Seth M
Barre, VT225 contributions
No, this lighthouse is not open to the public. I didn’t find the lighthouse itself to be anything spectacular. It is the whole scene together with the Cove, harbor, village, sea and the lighthouse that make the place so special.
gilly459
Treharris, UK41 contributions
We want to do this tour,we are arriving on cruise ship,is it better to book with ship or can you do it independently cheaper
GSRDPM
The Woodlands, TX289 contributions
We stopped in Halifax while on a Cruise on the Anthem of the Seas. We rented a mid sized car for less than $50 for the day and drove to Peggy's Cove. We had no problem parking, though it was crowded on the September day we were there. Ton's of bus traffic. We stopped at Shaw's on the way back for lunch and the Fairview Lawn Cemetery to see the Titanic graves (Parking there was super easy and about a 2 minute walk) before parking on the street near the Maritime museum. Hertz was just outside the cruise terminal. It was super easy with a GPS provided you are comfortable driving in unfamiliar surroundings. Leaving the ship as soon as you get in port helps to beat the bus traffic (at least from YOUR ship) out to the cove. You will have plenty of time to see everything out there and make it back well before the ship leaves. Another couple we met from our cruise took a bus tour and regretted not doing it on their own as they spent less time enjoying the cove and more time just sitting on the bus (waiting for others, etc...)
Hello, we are planning a visit to Peggy's Cove next week, we are wondering if it will be open to public or if there are any private events going on, so we can decide on the best day.
Karen L
29 contributions
as far as i know ut us always open to the publuc
Who was Peggy
MONIQUE A
Winnipeg, Canada148 contributions
Peggy’s Cove is an iconic destination and its lighthouse sitting out on Peggy’s Point is a must-see attraction. Visitors love the area, including for its quaint fishing village, the beautiful lighthouse and the smooth, wave-sculpted granite rocks.
Although the lighthouse has had hundreds of thousands of visitors, few people know the story behind Peggy’s Cove, including who Peggy was and why the lighthouse and surrounding village were named for her.
Read on for answers to these questions and more!
The Peggy of the Cove Museum is located in an old house just before Peggy’s Cove and is painted from top to bottom with a beautiful mural by Ivan Fraser. Fraser is the caretaker of the museum and of the Peggy of the Cove legend. The museum is located in Ivan’s childhood home and is full of paintings from local artists and antiques.
Peggy of the Cove
Ivan is a vivacious character and full of love for Peggy of the Cove, and the town itself! The grounds of the museum have a playground, a giant lobster trap, a painted rainbow tree, and other fun photographic props!
Inside the museum, Ivan showed us what inspired him to write the books, Peggy of the Cove. He explains to visitors that at the tail end of Hurricane Josephine in 1996, Ivan took a photograph of a wave splashing up on the rocks at Peggy’s Cove. In the wave was the silhouette of a woman. This photograph inspired Ivan to paint a painting called the Rescue of Peggy and write the story of her rescue.
The legend of Peggy’s Cove has two versions.
VERSION 1:
The first is perhaps rather obvious; the cove was once known as Margaret’s Cove because of its location at the entrance to St. Margaret’s Bay. When abbreviated, it becomes Peggy’s Cove, an area known the world-over for its scenic beauty, attracting visitors from near and far.
VERSION 2:
The second version of the Peggy’s Cove legend is more exciting, although admittedly less practical. This tale explains that the name originated from a book ‘This is Peggy’s Cove,’ by local artist William deGarthe. deGarthe wrote a story of a Schooner that was shipwrecked on Halibut Rock, just off the point on which the famous lighthouse sits. He describes the ship running aground, losing everything except for a young woman named Margaret.
Margaret survived the wreck and stayed in the area, eventually marrying one of the local men. Before long, visitors began to refer to the area as ‘Peggy’s Cove’.
Ivan has written three novels, a children’s book and a song about Peggy of the Cove. His wife has created dolls for the main characters in the book, and there are tributes to Peggy all over the museum. Ivan masterfully mixes his own stories of growing up in Peggy’s Cove with the stories of Peggy and how she came to be in the area after her shipwreck.
Gardener536
Omaha41 contributions
We are planning a trip to Nova Scotia this summer and are interested in its lighthouses. In my search of the "Nova Scotia Lighthouse" website, I could only find 3 that would have their "towers open" to climb to the top - Burntcoat Head, Gilbert's Cove and Fort Point. We don't want to take a boat to get to any, but are wondering if someone who lives in Nova Scotia knows if there are others I might have missed? Thanks so much!
MichaelCarreiro
Montreal, Canada468 contributions
There are a few lighthouses that you can visit the interior during the summer months. TripAdvisor does not allow the posting of links but do a google search for NSLPS (Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society) and it will list all the towers that are open to the public. Their website will list which towers are open to the public as well as which are closed, but have other buildings open to the public. It will also give the GPS coordinates for the lights.
You can also do a search for "lighthousefriends" and select Nova Scotia. You can view the lights in a map form or in list form. It will list the lights as well as complete histories of each and other useful information. I find this site to be particularly useful.
I too would not take a boat to any lighthouse. I have done so, which is an adventure in and of itself, however, those lighthouses are not open to the public and mostly they can only be viewed from the water and not able to make landfall due to no way to dock a boat.
No one has answered my question
bythelake2007
Louisville, KY69 contributions
What is your question
Loved my visit there, but missed the "legend" about the pebbles on the shore as a
Indian good luck to pass on????
JDA60
Virginia Beach, VA770 contributions
I’ve never heard of this legend. It would have to be a Mic Mac legend but not one I’m familiar with.
Is there parking? If we park at the restaurant to eat can we leave the car there?
Sue A
Murrysville, PA99 contributions
Yes. Lots of free parking
Ada B
Hay River, Canada48 contributions
Is winter a good time to visit??
Thomas M
Littleton, NH5,240 contributions
We went in Sept. From pictures I would guess 1- you can certainly visit there. 2- it certainly won't be crowded and 3 - it almost most certainly will be cold & icy!
If we lived closer - my wife & I would definitely visit it in the winter.
Is November a good time to visit?
M C
Tucson, AZ52 contributions
I frankly would not miss it but one always has the chance of fog or rain even if the weather is nice in Halifax.
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Claim your listingPEGGY'S COVE LIGHTHOUSE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Peggy's Cove Lighthouse:
- Peggy’s Cove & Halifax Historic Tour (From C$164.42)
- Best of Halifax Small Group Tour with Peggy's Cove and Citadel (From C$139.60)
- Nova Scotia Day Tour - Visit Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, and the Annapolis Valley. (From C$268.87)
- Peggy's Cove Sunset + Halifax Dinner Small Group Night Tour (From C$226.47)
- 4- Hour Private Tour of Halifax Including Peggy's Cove (From C$795.24)
- Hotels near Peggy's Cove Lighthouse:
- (0.19 km) Peggy's Cove Bed & Breakfast
- (2.74 km) Clifty Cove Motel
- (3.50 km) Oceanstone Resort
- (2.69 km) Lighthouse Lane Cottages
- (2.86 km) Harbourview Inn
- Restaurants near Peggy's Cove Lighthouse:
- (0.10 km) Tom's Lobster Shack
- (0.11 km) Peggys Dogs
- (0.14 km) U-Cook Lobster
- (0.14 km) Peggy's Cove Lobster
- (0.13 km) The Foggy Rock Cafe
- Attractions near Peggy's Cove Lighthouse:
- (0.01 km) Peggy's Cove Visitor Information Centre
- (0.05 km) William deGarthe Art Gallery
- (0.18 km) William E. deGarthe Memorial Monument
- (0.11 km) Beales' Bailiwick Ltd
- (0.11 km) Neil Depew Gallery