Things to Do
Become enchanted by our unspoiled panoramic views; whether it’s from one of our many pristine white sand beaches, trail systems or on the banks of a river. We are the Lobster Capital of Canada and home to many delectable seafood experiences. Explore our picturesque coastal destination, celebrate in our rich culture and heritage through our many fun filled festivals and events and experience southern hospitality at its best!
Experience our seafaring history from the oars of a traditional Nova Scotia dory or by climbing the stairs of a majestic lighthouse, like the lighthouse keepers did years before and peering out over the Atlantic Ocean from the top.
Download our pdf 75 Things to Do (1.83 MB) List and see how many you can check off!
Take a look at the Top 15 Things to Do in 2015 within the Municipality of Barrington!
Learn to Row a Dory
Try your hand a rowing a traditional Nova Scotian dory at the Cape Sable Island Causeway every Tuesday night at 6 PM from June until September. The Queen of Hearts Dory Club will teach you all about dory rowing and its history, whether you try it yourself or just go along for the ride!
Shelburne County Lobster Festival
Celebrate all things lobster during the Shelburne County Lobster Festival – June 4-7. Lobster dinners, lobster chowder, lobster burgers, and lobster Newburg take centre stage, while music, dancing, sports tournaments, boat races, lobstermen competitions, craft sales, and fun runs round out the weekend’s activities.
Darren Hudson’s Lumberjack AXEperience
Seven-time World Champion logroller, Darren Hudson offers the chance to be a lumberjack for the day. Learn skills like axe throwing, logrolling, tree climbing and competitive sawing alongside the picturesque Barrington River. Visit Darren Hudson's Lumberjack AXEperience.
Cape Days
Come explore the most southern tip in Nova Scotia! Cape Sable is home to the Cape Sable Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the Maritimes. This island, located just off of Cape Sable Island is an outdoor adventurers paradise! Join us on August 8 – boat rides begin at 9 AM. Visit Cape Days.
Bird Watching
We are one of the best birding destinations in Eastern Canada. The Cape Sable Island area features an unparalleled diversity of birds, especially during spring and fall migration. Hawks, warblers, sea ducks, even falcons and owls are regulars, and numerous rare and accidental sightings make this location exceptional. We are home to 4 Important Bird Areas, including Eastern Cape Sable Island, Bon Portage Island, Barrington Bay and Baccaro.
Woolen Mill Museum
Watch daily demonstrations of spinning, dyeing, and weaving of wool, and give it a try yourself! Check out the mural that includes the very first piece of Nova Scotia Tartan, which celebrated 60 years in 2013. New this year – the weaving of the Nova Scotia tartan! Visit the Woolen Mill Museum.
Shag Harbour UFO Centre
Uncover our mysterious past at the Shag Harbour UFO Centre – learn all about the mysterious happenings of October 4, 1967, and decide for yourself if you believe! An extraordinary event in 1967 would practically put the small fishing village of Shag Harbour on the map. Located at the southern tip of Nova Scotia, this rural community was host to one of the best-documented UFO events of the past 40 years. The Shag Harbour UFO Incident is the World’s only government-recognized UFO sighting!
Nova Scotia Marathon/Half Marathon & 10km
Runners will enjoy this coastal run which is mainly flat with some rolling hills. The Full Marathon will take you to Nova Scotia’s most southerly point, The Hawk, and includes some of the most beautiful ocean views around.
Wood’s Harbour Days
June 15-21, 2015 – a celebration of the fishing village of Wood’s Harbour. This week-long celebration is host to a street parade, suppers, variety shows fun & games for all ages. Don’t miss the beautiful parade of lights at the end of the week – boats are decorated with lights and parade on the ocean with many viewpoints along the way. Visit Wood's Harbour Days.
Baccaro Lighthouse
The only lighthouse in the Municipality of Barrington which is accessible on land, the Baccaro Point Lighthouse stands majestically at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. This is a great area for bird watching and watching the surf, especially during hurricane season. Picnic tables are on site during the summer months. While you are here, visit the Seal Island Light Museum and learn all about the lighthouses in our area. Climb the stairs of the lighthouse, just like the lightkeepers did years ago and take in the view from the top!
Lobster!!
You can’t come to the Lobster Capital of Canada without trying some of our delicious lobster! You can find this tasty crustacean on the menu in many of our restaurants, from right out of the shell to the traditional creamed lobster, or go for a different take on it, and try Lobster Poutine! Whichever way you try it, you won’t be disappointed!
Our Beautiful Beaches
Sink your toes into one or all of our beautiful white sand beaches! Uncover the mysterious drowned forest at the Hawk beach, or swim in the warm waters of Sand Hills Provincial Park. From bird watching to seaglass discovery, you will find many things to do on our beautiful beaches, or just relax a day away to the sounds of the ocean!
Boat Races
The Nova Scotia Boat Races Association hosts a number of boat races all summer long in the Municipality of Barrington and the Town of Clark’s Harbour. These modified lobster boats are exciting to watch as they race across the water! The roar of their engines and the excitement of the large crowds is something not to miss!
Dan’s Ice Cream Shoppe
A visit here isn’t complete without a stop at Dan’s Ice Cream Shoppe! Dan’s was named one of the Best Ice Cream Shops in Atlantic Canada by Saltscapes Food & Travel Magazine. Delectable ice cream treats and more in a retro 50’s atmosphere…it’s a must-do!
Festival of Lights
Our Winter Festival of Lights is a celebration of both Christmas and kick-off for our Lobster Season. Come visit and see our giant Lobster Trap Christmas Tree! The Tree is located at the Cape Sable Island Causeway and is decorated with buoys of present-day fishermen and in memory of those fishermen who have passed on and/or who have been lost at sea. We kick off the festival with the lighting of the Lobster Trap tree and a spectacular display of fireworks over Barrington Bay! Be sure to check out our shop local promotion and a wonderful parade of lights!
