Halifax 
Credit: Canso Islands National Historic Site
Named after Sir Guy Carleton, the history of Guysborough county can be explored through several of the outdoor sites mentioned below, stretching back almost 300 years. There’s also a great diversity of natural beauty, so you’re sure to find something that catches your mind and captures your imagination. If you’re looking for longer outdoor adventures by land or sea, you’ll find those here too!
Head for the Berries
If you’re looking for a wild coastline day hike, you should check out Berry Head Light Trail. This 8km trail takes you past multiple coves as you navigate the coastline. You’ll also find abundant wildlife and cranberry barrens, so bring a bucket if you want to pick some. This trail will give you spectacular views of the water and the Berry Head Lighthouse, which was established in 1876.
Cost: Free
Website
Paddle Through History
The (alphabetically) first paddle route in Guysborough takes you from Country Harbour to Bezanson’s Beach. Country Harbour is one of the deepest harbours in Canada, and this whole route echoes with the history of Loyalist immigrants back in the 1700s. This route is 34 km long and should be done over two days, so make sure to bring some camping gear. My suggestion? Don’t camp on Mount Misery, just take pictures of it.
Cost: Free
Website
The Cove of Ducks
When I saw the name of this park, I actually looked up what black ducks look like. I’d argue that the birds in those pictures aren’t black, they have mostly dark brown/dark gray feathers, but misnomer aside, you will find plenty of them at Black Duck Cove. The park includes a white sandy beaches with warm water (for the east coast of Nova Scotia), several picnic tables, and a boardwalk that will take you past the beach, through/over a bog, and out to the flat rocks. There’s also an inland trail that will take you to through the forest to berry bushes, where you’ll find panels telling you about the local plants (these are useful if you want to eat something). With so much to do just by walking, make sure you fit in a swim, a picnic, and some birdwatching!
Cost: Free
Website
Go Camping in the Park
Credit: Nova Scotia Provincial Parks
If you’re looking for a great place to camp in Guysborough, head to Boylston Provincial Park. It’s between Boylston and Guysborough, so you’re close to humans if you need them (or if you just need ice cream sandwiches). The campsites are unserviced, so you’ll be getting the full woods camping experience (there is Wi-Fi available though)! The campsites are on the hilltop, so you’ll get a fantastic view of the Guysborough Harbour every morning.
Address: 11131 Highway 16, Boylston
Website
Climb Bull Hill, Bring Hiking Experience
Check out Bull Hill Trail if you want some gorgeous and challenging hiking (or mountain biking)! The 10 km route will take you up Bull Hill and down a sharp descent on the other side. There are berry bushes to pick, big rocks to climb to take great pictures, and lots of chances to observe wildlife. Make sure you bring water and snacks in case you don’t find enough berries, and wear shoes that will be okay with walking through the boggy fields.
Cost: Free
Address: New Harbour, Nova Scotia
Phone: 902-533-3705
Website
Step into Canso History
Learning about the past can be a special part of vacation. Going to Canso Islands National Historic Site lets you learn about all kinds of history about the area. You’ll see the oldest fishing port on mainland North America, see artifacts from the 1700s, and learn about the conflicts that raged between English and French troops. Part of the site is on the mainland, and then you take a shuttle to Grassy Island and see even more.
Cost: Free
Address: 1465 Union Street
Phone: 902-366-3136 or 902-295-2069
Website
Find Peace in the Gully
Credit: Chapel Gully Trail – Canso
If you want to explore through nature and time, you need to check out the Chapel Gully Trail. There are two loops that make up the trail—one is much shorter than the other, so you can take whichever path you’re up for. You’ll hike through pine forests (including some Jack Pines, which are very rare), cross a bridge over sea water, and walk through the gully. You’ll see the site of the Pest House, where people were quarantined during the 1800s, and look out at the ocean and realize that you are at the furthest point east of mainland North America—there is nothing but ocean for thousands of kilometres.
Cost: Free
Website
Take a Walk of Faith
The Dover Shrine Trail is an activity that’s deeply linked with Christian faith, so if this is important to you then you should visit. The trail is 1km out to a St. Agnes shrine, surrounded by bushes and rocks that have come to rest there. There is also a path that counts the fourteen Stations of the Cross as you go up a steep hill to a cross. This moderately difficult trail offers beautiful views of the village of Dover and the surrounding area, so if this is a meaningful activity for you, you will find beauty every step of the way.
Cost: Free
Website
Walk Through the Grass
I mentioned Grassy Island in the Canso Islands National Historic Site. The island is part of visiting the site, certainly, but the trail in and of itself is worth an entry. The trail leaves from the Interpretive Centre and takes you past eight designated sites, all important to the history of the island. It’s a 1 km loop, so it’s not a strenuous add-on to your visit, and you’ll get to learn even more about the English, French, and Mi’kmaq history of the area.
Cost: Free
Address: 1456 Union Street, Canso
Website
Walk by The Water
The Guysborough Waterfront Trail actually begins a street up from the waterfront. It’s a short hike of about 2km return, and it hugs the shoreline. They’ve got panels about the area and plenty of waterfowl around to see. If you want to learn more about the area, you can take the Guysborough Historical Society walking tour, which both starts and ends where the Waterfront Trail begins.
Cost: Free
Address: 106 Church Street, Guysborough
Website
Paddle Through the Lake
Paddling in a lake is a splendid way to spend an almost-too-warm day—you can get wet if you want to beat the heat, but you still dry off quickly. Hazel Hill Lake has an excellent paddle route to follow that is a 6km loop if you go the whole way. There are islands to explore along the way, and you can explore the far side of the lake’s shoreline as well. Due to it being quite remote, you’re likely to see birds like eagles and hawks overhead, looking for fish. It’s rated as a novice route, so it can be enjoyed by all.
Cost: Free
Website
Resort of Trails
Credit: Liscombe Lodge Resort Nova Scotia
Liscombe Lodge Resort has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor activities—its best-known feature, though, has to be their trail system. There’s over 16 km of trail to explore, and guests can choose guided hikes on any of the trails. There are adventures to be had for people of all levels of experience, including two difficult trails called Mayflower Trail (2.9km of rugged hiking) and the Liscombe River trail (9.6km over challenging terrain. The lodge is ready for any group, and has lots of special activities just for kids, so if you’re looking to vacation as a family in Guysborough, this is a great place to consider.
Cost: Free
Address: Highway 7 near #2884, Liscombe Mills
Phone: 800-665-6343
Website
Trail from Harbour to Bay
Credit: Guysborough County Regional Development Authority/Flickr
The Little Harbour to Tor Bay Trail takes you right along the coastline, taking you from harbour to bay. The loop is 4.5 km long and is mainly packed earth. You’ll get beautiful views of the water, and you should plan to spend some time in Tor Bay. Tor Bay Provincial Park has long sandy beaches and a big picnic area, so you can bring some snacks on your hike to sustain you for the trip back.
Cost: Free
Address: Larry’s River, Nova Scotia
Website
Enjoy Park and Lake
With all the ocean swimming opportunities in Nova Scotia, you might forget that there are great lakes to swim in too. One example is Lochiel Lake Provincial Park, a picnic park just a few kilometres north of Aspen. You can swim and boat in the lake to work up an appetite for a picnic. If you grow tired of aquatic activities, not to worry—there’s a forest of mixed-wood trees to explore, an open field perfect for frisbee, and even a short walking trail.
Cost: Free
Address: 13575 Highway 7, Lochiel Lake
Website
Climb to the Tower
Credit: Guysborough County Regional Development Authority
If you want a great view, you need to get onto something tall—a mountain, a skyscraper, or another person’s shoulders if you’re not picky. Lundy Fire Tower Trail takes you up a hill to the Fire Tower, which will give you a view as far as 50 km on a clear day. The terrain is rated as moderate and is a 4km return journey, so bring water and snacks! Don’t worry if you forget your snacks though, because near the summit you’ll find fields of berries. Note: please be sure you know what you’re eating. If in doubt, leave it out.
Cost: Free
Website
Visit the Petite Park
Guysborough has two picnic parks, which is perfect! The Marie Joseph Provincial Park is in Marie Joseph, and it’s both roadside and coastal, making it a great place to stop and stretch your legs (and have a picnic). There are several picnic tables overlooking the shore, and you’ll see several islands you can boat out to. It’s a tiny little piece of picnic park, perfect for a low-energy day when you want to be outside but not, you know, be super active outside.
Cost: Free
Address: 1420 Highway 7, Marie Joseph
Website
Paddle Through Waterfront and River
If paddling on the lake isn’t quite your aesthetic, why not try the Guysborough to Milford Haven River Paddle Route? The entire route is 17 km one way, so this is definitely a full day deal. There are several places of interest along the route, including the Guysborough Waterfront, Little Island, the Osprey Shores golf course, and Priest Island. The directions indicate that you should use Priest Island as a chance to stretch your legs on the trail and have a meal before you continue on into the Milford Haven River proper. You’ll end among grassy flats, so be ready for that, and then you can rest there and either wait to be picked up or start your journey back—choose your own adventure.
Cost: Free
Website
Learn About Lighthouses
Visiting lighthouses is all well and good, but if you don’t know much about the history it can feel like you’re just visiting another glowing tower on another patch of coastal land. The Out of the Fog Lighthouse Museum aims to educated visitors on the important role lighthouses have played in making life in Nova Scotia possible. While they naturally cover stories about the Guysborough lighthouses, their mission is to document the history of every lighthouse in Nova Scotia. You’ll see artifacts, model lighthouses, and hear stories about lighthouse keeping.
Address: Half Island Cove, Guysborough Co.
Phone: 902-358-2188
Website
Hike by the Lighthouse
Credit: Port Bickerton Lighthouse
Speaking of lighthouses, how about the Port Bickerton Lighthouse? Both an interpretive centre and gift shop, you can learn about the lighthouse, visit the shop, and see art created by the artists in residence over the years. They’ve also got several walking trails, each a unique adventure into the surrounding area. The trails are all either 1 km or less, so you don’t have to pick just one!
Address: Highway 211 Port Bickerton
Contact
Website
Trail Fit for a Queen
Also known as the Barrenland Trail, the Queensport Road Trail winds from Queensport all the way to Cole Harbour. This is an 18 km trail, so plan for a full day excursion. The trail crosses through forests, but its main feature is the Bonnet Lake Barren Protected Wilderness Area. Whether you’re biking or walking, this unique trail will give you plenty of beautiful pictures and memories.
Cost: Free
Address: Highway 16, Queensport
Website
Step Back in Time in Sherbrooke
Credit: Sherbrooke Village
Most museums are indoors, some with an outdoor area. Very few museums, however, are an entire village, but Sherbrooke Village Museum is happy to be among the few. The Village Museum has been open for 50 years as of 2020, but since it’s supposed to be a typical village from 1860-pre WWI, there’s a certain timelessness to the site. You can take a guided tour or simply wander around, learning from the costumed guides. You can even learn a traditional trade, even blacksmithing, all in just a day!
Cost: Tours by donation, Artisan for a Day is 125$.
Address: 42 Main Street
Phone: 1-888-743-7845
Website
The Trail That Isn’t A Spelling Mistake
Apparently Shorline Trail is really spelled like that and is not a typo—I guess you’re sure to remember it! This trail is a gravel path along the shoreline in Guysborough, and there are picnic tables along its 3.5 km return length. It’s a flat and groomed track, so should be accessible to most if not all of your party. Along the way you’ll find old apple trees, waterfowl (including cranes!), and at the end of the trail you can look to see where a French fort was many years ago.
Website
Hike to the Wreck
The hike from Sonora Point to Fury Wreck begins by climbing over an iron gate—don’t worry, this is allowed. The trail follows the coastline, perfect for views of the sea and places to hunt for cool rocks. However, you’ll also see sobering reminders of the power of the ocean along the way, including broken structures and rusty iron remnants of storms long ago. The end of the trail is the wreck of the Fury; she’s disintegrating slowly but is still an amazing sight to behold. This hike is 6km return and does involve climbing over rocks at a few points.
Cost: Free
Website
Visit the Stone Wall
Sometimes you don’t want to go out into the wild, but you still want to have adventures in the outdoors. Stonewall Park provides a great opportunity for those outings; it’s right within Sherbrooke, but has acres of beautiful outdoor space to enjoy. There are walking trails, boardwalks, and picnic tables, and of course the stone wall (built by hand!) from many years ago. It’s a beautiful park to explore, and if tantrum time should happen to come, you’re able to make a quick exit.
Cost: Free
Address: 8407 Highway 7, Sherbrooke
Phone: 902-522-2598
Website
Paddle Through the Islands
See the Sugar Islands by canoe or kayak along this paddle route. These islands have diverse terrain and are home to wildlife from gray seals to black vultures. You can explore Tanner Island, and several of the islands have open shorelines where you can camp overnight (I would suggest not one with seals, they are very noisy). It’s a 12 km loop and not for beginners, but if you’re up to the voyage you’re sure to have a sweet time.
Yes, I do think I’m hilarious.
Cost: Free
Address: Port Felix Wharf
Website
By: Adrienne Colborne
My wife has 230 acres in stourmont NS . Her father left it to her ! We live in Ontario and wanted to come this summer to see the property, but of course can’t because of COVID ! She is gonna sell it ASAP once we can get down to check it out . It’s water view and has a lake at the back of the property! Basically all bush !!