9 Picturesque Places to Kayak in Nova Scotia

Published October 27th, 2025

Photos by Jay Kana except the ones of me, which were taken by the outfitter.

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I kinda like kayaking. A lot. A lot a lot.
I’ve kayaked in nearly all provinces and territories across Canada, I’ve kayaked all five Great Lakes in one day and perhaps it’s me being a Pisces but I’m at my happiest when I’m on the water.

Canada’s ocean playground has a plethora of paddling possibilities and if you’re looking for places to kayak in Nova Scotia, I’ve got you covered!
This handy guide includes places I’ve kayaked so everything comes with first-paddle, errr, first-hand experience.
From the majestic Bay of Fundy to the serene Kejimkujik National Park to the urban escape via the Shubenacadie Canal, Nova Scotia has kayaking opportunities for everyone.

(If you want some company when you go, let me know…)

Here’s how I’ve set up this guide for kayaking in Nova Scotia;
I’ve made the Halifax Citadel the point of reference for distance because, well, it’s huge and a major landmark in Halifax, the capitol city of Nova Scotia.
I’ve included a link to the outfitters and rental options in the brief description portion.
There’s also a link to a short video if moving pictures are your thing.
The guide is split into guided and self-guided sections.

And with that, let’s launch into the guide!

GUIDED TOURS

LaHave River

Distance from Halifax: 1.5 hours west
Outfitter: Cape LaHave Adventures - 14 Bell's Cove Road, Dublin Shore, B0R 1C0
Types of tours offered: Half-day, full-day, multi-day, seasonal
Experience level: Beginners and up
Video

My kayaking experience coincided with their unique bioluminescent night tour and the complete experience was superb. Sarah, the owner, greeted me upon arrival, the guides were wonderful, the rental gear was in excellent condition and I would certainly recommend paddling with Cape LaHave Adventures. Our larger group was led by three guides, all patient and experienced, making for a memorable adventure on the water. 

Mersey River

Distance from Halifax: 2.25 hours west
Outfitter: WhyNot Adventure - Jake's Landing, 1507 Kejimkujik Main Parkway, Maitland Bridge, B0T 1B0
Types of tours offered: Two-hour, four-hour and multi-day
Experience level: Beginners and up
Video

My two-hour tour in the splendour of Kejimkujik National Park was balanced with historical information, nuggets of nifty nature info and soaking in the beauty of this special part of Nova Scotia. My guide on the group tour was eager to share but not overload us with information and this leisurely paddle is a wonderful way to explore the park from a distinct vantage point.
The gear was in good shape and there’s an option to do self-guided exploration through either kayaks, canoes or standup paddle boards. 

North River & St. Anns Harbour

Distance from Halifax: 4 hours east
Outfitter: North River Kayak Tours - 644 Murray Rd. Cabot Trail, North River Bridge, B0E1B0
Types of tours offered: Half-day, full-day and training courses
Experience level: Beginners and up
Video

Angelo and I got along instantly during our half day tour; he’s a warm and kind soul that balances sharing information about the area with letting you absorb the natural beauty.
His fleet of kayaks and gear are in top-notch condition, the team is abundantly friendly and if you love Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail as much as I do, then this is where to paddle. 

Also, make sure he brings his famous hand-made banana bread! (Tell him I told you about it.)
Also, also, across the road is Rivernest Wilderness Cabins, also owned by him.
I was fortunate to spend the night in one of the five bespoke cabins before my morning the next day. 

Bay of Fundy

Distance from Halifax: 2.75 hours northwest
Outfitter: NovaShores Adventures - 637 School Ln, Advocate Harbour, B0M 1S0
Types of tours offered: Full-day, multi-day and two-hour standup paddle board
Experience level: Confident beginners and up
Video

The Three Sisters day tour is an unmatched journey on the world-famous Bay of Fundy. Approximately eight kilometres round trip of paddling, a stop for la gourmet picnic lunch at a remote cove and mesmerizing geology.
Start times change with the tide schedule and as such, you’ll notice the difference on the return paddle from lunch.
The waves can get up to a few feet in height depending on the wind and weather and smartly, every kayak that goes out is a two-person one for increased stability.
Ownership has made this surreal adventure widely accessible and the guides are/were remarkable throughout the tour. 

East Point Islands

Distance from Halifax: 1.25 hours west
Outfitter: Pleasant Paddling - 245 The Point Road, Blue Rocks B0J 2C0
Types of tours offered: Half-day, full-day, multi-day, sunset and specialty
Experience level: Beginners and up
Video

My “Paddle Through the Islands” tour saw three hours of kayaking bliss, complete with a leisurely paddle and a stop for a snack on a remote island. There’s plenty of wildlife in the area and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a glimpse. Launching from a beautiful fishing village, you’ll traverse the islands in all their beauty and be given interesting information about the history of the area. 

Mason Cove, Tangier Harbour

Distance from Halifax: 1.25 hours east 
Outfitter: Coastal Adventures - 84 Masons Point Rd, Tangier, B0J 3H0
Types of tours offered: Half-day, full-day, multi-day, specialty
Experience level: Beginners and up
Video

The underrated, magical and serene Eastern Shore region is home to some of the best kayaking in Nova Scotia, hosted by Coastal Adventures.
My half-day tour saw my group meander Mason Cove and paddle Tangier Harbour at a decent yet not rushed pace. This captivating kayaking tour is a wonderful way to learn about this part of the province from the water.

SELF-GUIDED TOURS

Shubenacadie Canal, Lake Charles

Distance from Halifax: 20 minutes northeast 
Rental option: Wildwood Water Sports 54 Locks Rd, Dartmouth,B2X 2W7 - Cash Only
Rental types: Kayaks, canoes and standup paddle boards
Video

Whether it’s on a lunch break, after work or anytime, really, paddling here is truly an urban escape. Once on the water, you’ll forget there’s a bustling metropolis encompassing you as the canal’s serene surroundings are heavenly. Continue to Lake Charles for a more open experience and yes, you’ll see an IKEA to your left as you make the transition. 

Plus, there’s an accessible kayak launch on-site!

Inner Bay of Melmerby Beach, Little Harbour 

Distance from Halifax: 2 hours northeast 
Rental option: Melmerby Adventures Melmerby Beach Provincial Park, 6280 Little Harbour Rd, New Glasgow B2H 5C4
Rental types: Kayaks and standup paddle boards
Video

Enjoy the calm of the inner bay as you paddle at your own pace here. As you reach the openness of Little Harbour, be sure to admire the area from different angles, especially behind you as this park is bursting with beauty.

Liscomb River

Distance from Halifax: 2.25 hours east 
Rental option: Liscombe Lodge 2884 Nova Scotia Highway 7, Liscomb, B0J 2A0 and are for guests only
Rental types: Kayaks and canoes
Video

Launching from the Liscombe Lodge, enjoy the peacefulness of the Liscomb River. For shorter jaunts, turn left and paddle toward the Highway 7 bridge for a blend of nature with a sprinkle or urban. Head straight toward Rileys Island and the subsequent Rileys Little Island for more of a nature-focussed experience.

Tag Modern Traveller on social media when you go paddling in Nova Scotia!