When the world came to a standstill in 2020, Maritimers were quietly handed an unexpected invitation: an invitation to rediscover home. With borders closed and trips to faraway lands undone, we started exploring our own provinces in ways that many of us never had before. We followed winding coastal roads, we sailed to otherworldly islands still within the province, and we fell in love with places that had always been there, patiently waiting for us to discover them.
When interprovincial borders reopened, our curiosity only grew. We were all collectively itching to explore new places close to home. We crossed lines on maps with excitement, eager to experience regions we’d long meant to visit but never quite made time for. On each adventure, we discovered something new. Hidden seaglass beaches, small coastal town magic, and an undeniably deeper sense of connection to the Maritimes we call home.
Not surprisingly, as time passed and borders opened, many of us went back to our old ways. Passports were dusted off. Long-haul flights were booked. We chased far-off, sun-soaked destinations with white sand beaches and flooded tourist hotspots.
Remember that summer when it felt like everyone was sipping Aperol spritz in Italy?
There’s a growing hum that the Maritimes are about to welcome a wave of visitors bigger than ever before. An era of record-breaking tourism. And let’s be honest, this was inevitable. I’ll proudly stand on my soapbox any day and say it loudly and often: we live in one of the most extraordinary places on the planet.
The freshest seafood in the world. Beaches that take your breath away. Playful whales and charming puffins who choose to summer with us as the humans do. More lighthouses than time to explore. And yes—I may be lobster-pinch biased—but some of the kindest, warmest people you’ll ever meet.
East Coast Mermaid has always been a safe harbour, welcoming locals and visitors alike with an open invitation to fall in love with my home province of New Brunswick, and with the neighbouring provinces that together make up the Maritimes.
This year, as East Coast Mermaid celebrates ten years of coastal magic, I’m beyond excited to share a new series with you.
One that invites you to discover a new Maritime destination to visit and fall in love with this summer, too. Some of these places may feel familiar. You may have already wandered their shores or enjoyed a lobster roll (or two) in the past. But if I can introduce you to one new seaside town that completely captures your heart this year, then it was all worth it.
First up, the Lobster Capital of Canada.
Located on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, Barrington is the kind of coastal gem that quietly steals your heart. Home to what I believe to be the most breathtaking white-sand beaches with turquoise waters in Canada—yes, white sand and turquoise waters—it offers a reminder that you don’t need to fly thousands of miles to the Caribbean to experience that kind of magic. Here in the Maritimes, you can sink your toes into soft sand, breathe in salty air, and slow down in all the right ways.
Crowned the Lobster Capital of Canada, Barrington delivers seafood experiences that are nothing short of unforgettable. Lobster is caught fresh, clams are fried to perfection (the best fried clams I’ve ever had were in Barrington), and every meal feels like a celebration of place. Add to that the warmth of the locals who are genuinely some of the kindest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet, and Barrington becomes more than a destination. It becomes a place you long to return to.
Want to level up your travels? Or perhaps spend less time driving and more time relaxing? Begin your journey to Barrington by sailing across the Bay of Fundy aboard the MV Fundy Rose with Bay Ferries, where the salty air and open water instantly set the tone for adventure. From there, follow the coast with stops in Digby for fresh scallops, explore Yarmouth and the famous Cape Forchu Lighthouse, and let the South Shore charm its way into your heart. Add it all together, and I truly can’t think of a more mermaid-approved summer escape.
In this article, you’ll hear me not only refer to Barrington but also Cape Sable Island, Clark’s Harbour, and even Shag Harbour. To avoid any confusion, please know that these are all areas within or shortly outside the Municipality of Barrington, and you’re likely to visit all of the above if planning a summer vacation to Barrington.
Barrington and its surrounding Cape Sable Island are renowned for some of the most stunning white-sand beaches on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, and among the prettiest you’ll find anywhere in Atlantic Canada. I would go so far as to say these beaches are among the most beautiful in the country. I mean, look at that water!
The beaches are wide, boasting almost Caribbean-white sand against the deep turquoise blue of the Atlantic Ocean, inviting long walks, playful beach days, seaglass treasures for beachcombers, and epic sunsets. The best part? Not only are these beaches free to the public, even on the busiest and hottest day of summer, but they are also never busy. Each beach features a selection of beach toys for children to use during their visit, and Stoney Island offers Mobi-Mats, making it wheelchair-accessible for everyone to enjoy a day at the beach.
The three more notable beaches that I fell head over fin in love with during our visits are Stoney Island Beach, Daniel’s Head Beach, and The Hawk—what I can only describe as one of the most unique and otherworldly beaches I’ve ever explored due to the ancient tree stumps from a 1,500-year-old drowned forest that emerge at low tide.
But don’t worry, there is also a sandy side of the beach, perfect for a day with the family. It also offers stunning views of the Cape Sable Lighthouse. If you’re visiting Barrington, you’ll want to make sure you carve out time on your itinerary to visit all three.
Each beach features free parking and a selection of beach toys for children to use during their visit, and Stoney Island offers Mobi-Mats, making it wheelchair accessible. Everyone deserves a perfect beach day.
One of the most iconic sights in Barrington is Cape Sable Lighthouse. Perched on Cape Sable, a low, windswept sandy islet roughly three miles long, the lighthouse sits just offshore from Cape Sable Island at the far southwestern edge of Nova Scotia. Cape Sable Lighthouse is the tallest in Nova Scotia (101 feet) and is accessible only by boat.
During our visit this past summer, we were incredibly fortunate to experience Cape Sable in a way few ever do—by charter. Approaching the lighthouse by skiff and seeing it in all its glory up close was unforgettable, but stepping onto the island itself was what truly took our breath away. We wandered the white sand beaches and looked for treasures amongst the driftwood, wrecked lobster traps, and buoys that had washed ashore, just waiting for beachcombers. For most of our visit, we were the only souls on the island. Truly feeling like we’d washed up on a deserted island at the edge of the world.
Those familiar with Cape Sable may know about the sheep that call these dunes home during the summer months. Being able to spot them and capture photographs felt nothing short of magical. It’s the kind of moment that will always be a core memory for me. I had such a hard time leaving them to keep exploring, but when we arrived at the lighthouse, they were all gathered there enjoying the shade. They were magnificent!
Scoring a private charter to the island is a privilege not just for mermaids. If you’re visiting the area and know someone who knows someone, it’s worth inquiring about a lift to the island to see the lighthouse up close and to enjoy a picnic on the beach.
And if you’re lucky, the sheep may come out to play for you, too!
But if sailing to the island is not possible for you, the lighthouse is best viewed from Hawk Beach, the most southerly tip of Nova Scotia, and still absolutely worth the drive out to Cape Sable Island to see! It’s still photographable from the land and it photographs well with the stunning driftwood pieces you’ll see at the Hawk’s drowned forest.
When I travel, food is not just part of the experience—it’s often one of the reasons we choose a destination. Yes, I want to wander seaside towns, take long walks on the beach, and chase lighthouses and sunsets. But I also want to return home talking about the meals: the unforgettable seafood and the new recipes I can’t wait to recreate.
One of the things about Maritime travel is that it can be hard to try new things when you’ve grown up on lobster rolls, fried clams, fish and chips, and other beloved coastal dishes. For the first time in my 41 years on the planet, Barrington challenged that notion and changed my palette forever.
Let’s start with the fried clams because I’m sure I caught your attention early on when I said that my fried clams on Cape Sable Island were the best fried clams I’ve ever had.
West Head Takeout in Clark’s Harbour on Cape Sable Island came highly recommended, even months before I had the chance to visit Barrington in the summer months, and it overdelivered. Even the seagulls know what’s up.
When I first visited Barrington in February 2025 for the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl and to meet the beloved Lucy the Lobster, I heard the lore about West Head Takeout. Locals raved about their fried clams and everything else on the menu. So naturally, it was our first stop when my husband and I cruised onto Cape Sable Island that summer.
I grew up on fried clams. Spending summers along the shores between Cocagne and Bouctouche in Southeastern New Brunswick, they were simply part of life. A must from beach canteens on a perfect summer day, a quick stop at Chez Leo on the way to the cottage after a day in the city, and the answer to the age-old question ‘what’s for supper?’ on balmy July days.
Truth be told, I was certain I’d already tasted the best fried clams of my life. Certain… until last summer.
It’s hard to put into words what made them different. Maybe it was the clams themselves—I’m told they were Digby Neck clams. Maybe it was the technique: light, crisp, never greasy, fried to absolute perfection. One bite, and I immediately understood the lore surrounding this coastal takeout. They were the best I’ve ever had.
Shifting gears from fried clams to lobster. Again, I truly thought I’d experience every way to enjoy lobster, growing up in New Brunswick. Lobster is an essential food group for me. Well, guess again.
I first discovered creamed lobster, a uniquely Southwestern Nova Scotia traditional way of serving lobster, while in Barrington last February. A year later, I still think about it at least once a day. How’s that for leaving a lasting taste?
Creamed lobster takes everything you love about a classic lobster roll or sandwich and turns up the comfort. Served warm and indulgent, it begins the familiar way you’ve always known. The lobster is boiled or steamed, then carefully shucked. But from there, it transforms. Tender lobster meat is gently sautéed in plenty of butter, finished with a splash of vinegar and a generous pour of cream. The result is rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
While most restaurants serve creamed lobster in Barrington, for the ultimate experience, you’ll want to grab a table at Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack. And don’t stop at the Creamed Lobster Roll, available on either garlic-butter toast or a roll, depending on your preference. You’ll want to splurge on the Lobster Fondue as an appetizer, featuring sautéed fresh-caught lobster skewered with garlic toast and a pot of warm lobster cream for dipping. It’s worth it for the photo op alone.
Capt. Kat’s offers a number of ways to experience creamed lobster, including the Fishermen’s Delight, which features a crispy, golden filet of fried haddock, a crispy onion ring, and salty cheese curds, topped with a generous helping of rich, buttery creamed lobster.
I tested it for you, and yes, it’s as sinful and delicious as it sounds.
And if dairy and cream aren’t your thing, you should know that Capt. Kat’s is home to a repeat winner for Best Lobster Roll at the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl’s annual Lobster Roll Challenge, which I had the privilege of judging last year. You can read about THAT adventure here.
Whatever you decide to order at Capt. Kat’s, you can’t go wrong! But trust me, get the creamed lobster if you can!
I can’t talk about the charm and pull of Barrington without mentioning the abundance of museums and historical sites that you will no doubt want to add to your itinerary. While I’m known for wanting to maximize my time spent at the beach, we couldn’t resist checking out a handful of spots during our visit last summer.
For starters, the Shag Harbour UFO Museum and UFO site is a must when visiting. Shag Harbour is known for its 1967 UFO incident, and to this day, it is one of the best-documented UFO events of the past 40 years. Not only can you stroll through the museum and learn about the incident and the investigation that followed, both in Canada and the USA, but you can also visit the lookout at the crash site when the UFO went down into the cold waters of Shag Harbour on that fateful night in October 1967.
We were incredibly fortunate to meet Laurie Wickens, President of the Shag Harbour Incident Society, who can often be found at the museum on the weekends. He told us all about that evening, when he and his friends, all teenagers at the time, witnessed the incident and immediately reported it, thinking it was a downed aircraft. Over 50 years later, the incident remains a mystery.
Another must when visiting the area is the Barrington Museum Complex, which consists of four museum sites. We took time to explore the Seal Island Light Museum, housed in a 35-foot-tall replica of the original 60-foot Seal Island Lighthouse, located 18 miles offshore. You can even climb to the top of the light, which I highly recommend as it offers a spectacular view and photo op!
We learned about local lighthouse keepers and the area’s rich maritime history. I was amazed by the number of shipwrecks scattered around Cape Sable Island, largely due to the underwater ledges and the changing topography of Cape Sable.
Last, but certainly not least… I may very well be saving the best for last. I cannot talk about Barrington without mentioning the incredibly warm coastal hospitality that I experienced on both visits.
During the winter months, I was hosted by the lovely Lois and Dave Wilson in their beautiful home right on the ocean on Cape Sable Island. I fell asleep to the sound of rolling, crashing waves at night and woke up to the most stunning sweeping ocean views in the morning.
Though I still haven’t met the Wilsons in person, I truly felt like I’d been invited to stay with old friends and that their home was my home. And I think that speaks volumes about Maritime hospitality.
Their home, known as Ocean Waves Beach House is available to rent on Airbnb, and I can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for a beautiful home to return to after a day of exploring.
This summer, we were hosted by Brandon Blades, owner of PEBs by the Sea, the most incredible glamping experience we’ve experienced to date. PEBs is located on the Hawk, the most southern tip of Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia.
From the moment we arrived, Brandon and Max made us feel completely at home. They walked us through everything we needed to know, ensured we were settled in, and surprised us with thoughtful welcome gifts — including the most beautiful basket from the Town of Barrington.
Within seconds of chatting with Brandon, you’ll learn that PEBs by the sea isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a beautiful tribute to Brandon’s mother Prudence Elizabeth Blades. He’ll share how this oceanfront escape was created in her memory, and as he speaks, you can hear the pride and intention woven into every detail. By the time he’s finished, you feel less like a guest and more like an old friend.
Perched where sunsets melt into the Atlantic, and sunrises spill over white sand, it’s peaceful, thoughtful, and quietly breathtaking. Hawk Beach is just a three-minute stroll away, deer and rabbits wander freely, and seabirds fill the sky in this special coastal haven. It’s not just glamping; it’s legacy, love, and a place to exhale and shake off your worries.
PEBs by the Sea isn’t just a place to stay: it’s an experience. Completely off-grid, the dome is powered by solar and a central power bank that lights the space, charges your devices, and even fuels your morning coffee ritual. The outdoor kitchen (complete with a Blackstone grill) became the heart of our mornings as we cooked up hearty breakfasts with the ocean air all around us. There’s a detached, outdoor bathroom with a compostable toilet and a propane-heated shower that feels so good as you rinse off the sand from your skin after a long day exploring the beaches. And then there’s the hot tub, perfectly positioned with sweeping ocean views.
On our last morning, Brandon brought down fresh homemade crepes made by Max, the perfect ending to an amazing stay at PEBs by the Sea, fueling us for the journey home. We’ll be talking about our experience for many years to come and I’m confident it won’t be our last!
When speaking of hospitality, it would be rude not to mention the deer on Cape Sable Island, who made our stay extra special with their friendly visits throughout the day. And yes, they will peek at you while you’re enjoying the hot tub. It’s part of the experience, so offer them a toasted s’more.
When I tell you that I fell madly in love with Barrington in 2025, know that I mean it wholeheartedly. It’s the kind of place that reminds you of why you travel in the first place. It’s not about checking sights off a list before moving on to the next one or chasing what’s trending on Instagram.
It’s about slowing down, sinking into a place, and letting it surprise you. Allow yourself to wake up with the sun or to the gentle crunching of local deer grazing outside your dome. Fall asleep at night to the sound of crashing waves and a flicker of Cape Sable Lighthouse in the distance.
Fill your day with white-sand beaches and long conversations with locals who treat you like you’ve always belonged. Fill your belly with fresh lobster and clams, and a tasty treat from Dan’s Ice Cream Shoppe as you watch the sunset from the Hawk.
Barrington is a destination that doesn’t demand your attention, but quietly earns your affection. Because once you’ve experienced it, it will be impossible to get it out of your system. I mean, look at that water!
If you’re craving a summer vacation that feels unhurried, authentic, and deeply rooted in Maritime tradition, where turquoise water and white-sand beaches replace crowded downtowns, and where every meal is served with intention and an abundance of flavour, Barrington is waiting.
Come for the beaches, be hungry for creamed lobster, and stay curious. Don’t be surprised if you leave already planning your return, carrying a little piece of this southernmost corner of Nova Scotia with you long after the sand has been shaken from your shoes.
PS: Want to recreate our itinerary? Or be inspired to build your own? I’ll be publishing the East Coast Mermaid Guide to Barrington this spring to help you on your journey! To not miss out, make sure you’re subscribed to the Tide Pool Newsletter.
No Comments