5 Beaches Worth a Visit this Winter

Updated January 6 2026
As I write this, Nova Scotia is suffering through what is  already a crazy winter-now, rain, freezing rain , ice, black ice and so on.  Temperatures are expected to rise over the next few hours to bring more of the same….well you know. I’m sure the last thing on your mind is slipping away to the beach.

Maybe you should.

Its a well known fact that sunlight-in any temperature -helps fight seasonal depression. Add to that the the peace giving calm of ocean waters and  a trip to the beach seems a great way of combating the winter doldrums,  when Christmas anticipation and  cheer seems a distant memory and spring is just a date on the calendar.

Here are a few of my favorite  Nova Scotia beaches  to visit,in no particular order. These are personal favorites-you may have your own!

And yes, the water is cold and yes, I have been known to dip in when it’s cold. Maybe not January cold, but cold.

Dress appropriately and take a little stroll along the shore, or park with a beach view and enjoy a thermos of hot chocolate. Don’t forget to bring your camera to catch those rolling waves!

1. Queensland  Beach Provincial Park

9600 Hwy 3, Hubbards.
Situated along hwy 3 west of Chester, in Hubbards,this popular beach is always crowded in summer.  This time of year, you’ll likely only have to share with a dog walker or two. The tides on the South Shore aren’t really a concern – high tides today at Queensland here only about 6 feet higher than low.

Please note: Tide times are different province-wide. When I add a link to tides, it’s for the  that area only.

2. Houston Beach

Follow 358 through Canning and watch for signs to Stewart Mountain Rd, just below Blomindon Provincial Park This is one we go to  most often . Of course you need to make sure the tide is on the way out. I urge people to being confine their Bay of Fundy beach  rambles on the ebb tide- 2 -3 hours after the tide starts to go out and come back to starting point no later than three hours before high tide. This is because the tides are very high in the Minas Basin and there are cliffs that makes escape impossible if  you’re trapped by the tide.

Watch for views of the Elephants Truck at low tide near Delhaven along the way-best at low tide.
FYI in summer this is a great place for a bonfire.

3. Summerville Beach Provincial Park

7533 Highway 3, Summerville Centre, South Shore just east of Liverpool.
This provincial park beach offers a wide expanse of white sand, bordered by salt marshland, great for  a long winters stroll. It’s really lovely. There are washrooms and picnic tables. If you feel like an overnight getaway, the Quarterdeck is almost  close enough to hit with a snow ball. Our go to for  white sand day at the beach

Conrad’s Beach

From Dartmouth, head east on Cole Harbour Rd which turns into Lawrencetown Rd. Once you past West Lawrencetown keep your eyes open for Conrad Rd. on the right side. Follow Conrad Rd. to the end where you will find a very  small parking lot. Follow the board walk to the beach.

One of  my favorites It’s long and lovely and  less crowded than Martinique  Beach-but don’t forget the tiny parking lot

5.Pomquet Beach Provincial Park 

432 Pomquet Beach Road, Pomquet.

Another little provincial park beach-this one in Acadian territory just past Antigonish beach ,with sloping sand dunes and salt marsh.It has an interconnection system of boardwalks that winds though the trees. Last time I was there, washrooms were open in the winter. Always a plus for me.

A few more of our favorites:

• Carter’s Beach- Port Mouton-limited parking at beach and a .5 km walk from the new parking lot.