An accessible view of Peggy’s Point Lighthouse and the coast offers a tangible starting point for exploring Peggy's Cove. The protected landscape around the village, a granite monument, crafts and maritime activities provide additional areas of interest. You can shape your visit around what you’d like to explore in more depth: the views, local history, craftsmanship or a tour on the water.
Lighthouse and protected landscape
Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is in the fishing village of Peggy's Cove on the South Shore and was built in 1915. The accessible viewing platform offers views of the lighthouse and coast. The Peggy's Cove Preservation Area surrounds the village and comprises around 1,000 acres of protected land with a sensitive ecosystem. These represent two distinct scales: a single viewpoint and a protected area focused on the wider landscape.
When planning, you can decide whether you’re mainly looking for a view of the structure or would also like to make the protected area a focus in its own right. The lighthouse is a specific historic destination in the village; the Preservation Area represents the protected landscape around it. Both aspects give Peggy's Cove more than one possible focus, without describing the same kind of visit.
A monument carved into granite
The William E. deGarthe Memorial Monument is next to deGarthe's former home in Peggy's Cove. The sculpture is carved into a 30-metre-long granite outcrop behind the house. It depicts 32 fishermen, their wives and their children. To understand the site, consider the location beside the former home, the rock and the people depicted as a whole: the monument connects a specific memorial to deGarthe with a portrayal of fishermen and their families.
The grounds are not maintained in winter. If you plan to visit the monument during this season, take this into account and check the conditions before your visit.
Pewter craftsmanship and boat tours
At Amos Pewter in Peggy's Cove, visitors can see how molten pewter is cast into sculptures, jewellery, collectible ornaments and other souvenirs. The focus here is on the making process, not the view or a monument. If you’re interested in craftsmanship, the demonstration offers a distinct area of interest for your stay.
The Sightseeing & Marine Life Tour from Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours passes Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. During the tour, you can look out for seals, tuna, leatherback turtles and sunfish. This is different from viewing the lighthouse from the viewing platform: here, the route past the Lighthouse and the chance to spot marine life go together. Before travelling, check whether the tour runs on your preferred date.
The Deep Sea Fishing Tour has a different focus. Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours provides the equipment and can clean, fillet and package your catch. This makes it easy to choose between two clearly different activities: the Sightseeing & Marine Life Tour focuses on passing the Lighthouse and looking out for marine life; the Deep Sea Fishing Tour is about deep-sea fishing and the option to have your catch processed. Before travelling, also check whether this tour is offered on your preferred date.
Discover more destinations: Port Dufferin, Eastern Passage, Prospect, Halifax, Indian Harbour, Tangier, Oakfield, Musquodoboit Harbour.
Return to the broader travel overview: Halifax County.
