At Mavillette Beach, a 1.5-kilometre sandy beach, a large salt marsh and practical ways to spend a day by the water come together. At low tide, you can look for beach finds; behind the beach, birdwatching is a focus in its own right. You can also enjoy views of the fishing pier and Cape St. Mary’s Lighthouse, as well as opportunities for surf watching and Blokart land sailing.

Beach, Tides and Salt Marsh

Mavillette Beach is a 1.5-kilometre sandy beach. You can walk or run there and collect beach finds. At low tide, beachgoers find driftwood, stones, shells and sea glass. If you want to look specifically for these items, plan your beach visit for low tide.

Behind Mavillette Beach is a 132-hectare salt marsh. Its many different bird species make it popular with birdwatchers. Beachcombing by the water and birdwatching in the marsh are distinct nature experiences.

From Mavillette Beach, you can see the fishing pier and Cape St. Mary’s Lighthouse. In 2026, lifeguards were on duty at the beach from July 1 to August 30, on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you are travelling in a later year, check the schedule for your travel year.

Surf Watching and Blokart Land Sailing

Mavillette Beach is becoming a surf destination for locals. You can watch surfers or bring your own surfboard. Tidekite ReWIND Adventures offers Blokart land sailing in Mavillette; confirm availability before booking. This gives you another specific option for planning your trip alongside beach activities, without suggesting that the two offerings promise the same experience.

More to Explore in the Broader Destination of Digby County

In Smith’s Cove, the Old Temperance Hall Museum features exhibits dating back to the 18th century. The museum is next to the Digby County Rail Trail. The Annapolis Valley Trail System follows the abandoned Dominion Atlantic Railway railbed and is used by hikers, cyclists and ATV riders.

Digby Neck extends into the Bay of Fundy to Long Island and Brier Island. The route includes two short ferry crossings for vehicles and foot passengers; check ferry service before you travel. On Brier Island, Mariner Cruises has offered whale-watching and birdwatching tours off the island in the Bay of Fundy since 1994. The tours last approximately three hours.

In spring, fin whales, minke whales and porpoises are among the first to arrive in the waters around Brier Island; timing can vary with sea conditions. Brier Island is also home to the rare Eastern Mountain Avens, which grows in only one other place in the world.

Digby Scallop Days takes place over four days each year, from Thursday to Sunday. The program includes demonstrations of scallop shucking and boat rigging; you can also shuck a Digby scallop yourself. If you want to include the event in your travel plans, check the dates for your travel year.

Discover more destinations: Smiths Cove, Digby, Weymouth, Clare, Little Brook.

See the broader travel guide: Digby County.