How to spend a Delightful Day in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia
By Jay Kana | Published February 20th, 2026
Photos by Jay Kana
I know, I know; when Nova Scotia is mentioned, most people think of Halifax, the Eastern Shore, Wolfville, the Cabot Trail, kayaking, the Annapolis Valley, and perhaps kayaking again. Ok, fine; that’s just me.
Only two hours north of Halifax is the quaint and charming town of Parrsboro, shining beside the Minas Basin.
I spent a few days there and will certainly be returning. There’s some cool things to see and do here and perhaps (a very strong perhaps,) you should add it to your list of Canadian places to experience sooner than later.
What’s there to do in Parrsboro?
Fundy Geological Museum
Opened in December of 1993, The Fundy Geological Museum smartly blends information with hands-on activities for an enjoyable experience.
You’ll experience some of Canada’s oldest dinosaur bones, prehistoric fossils that are discovered in nearby sea cliffs along the Fundy Shore, and trove of Nova Scotia’s minerals.
There are walking beach tours, an excellent “Fossils on Horseback Overnight Getaway” tour, and an exciting “Fossil Family Fun at Five Islands” program.
Ottawa House By-the-Sea Museum
Enjoy a trip to the past through this 2.5 storey wood-frame house on the shores of Minas Basin.
The Ottawa House By-the Sea Museum shows what life was like in the 1800’s in one of the oldest parts of Nova Scotia.
A claim to fame here is, according to their website, that “his 18th century, hand-hewn timber building was once the summer home of Sir Charles Tupper, Father of Confederation, Premier of Nova Scotia and 6th Prime Minister of Canada.”
As you tour the various rooms, you’ll see time-period specific items accented by information and hundreds of artifacts.
Parrsboro Lighthouse
Parrsboro Lighthouse.
Get a good view of the Parrsboro lighthouse from just outside the Harbour View Restaurant (more on that later.) At low tide, you can walk closer and admire this piece of Nova Scotia’s history.
Yes, Nova Scotia has a plethora of lighthouses and this is certainly one worth photographing. Or grab a video. Or do what you want!
There’s an excellent article from the popular lighthousefriends.com website here that’ll get you up to speed before your visit.
Age of Sail Museum
Age of Sail Museum, Nova Scotia.
I did a dedicated article on the Age of Sail Museum and the short version is this; close to the Greville River and built on an old shipyard site, Age of Sail in Nova Scotia is a houses historic treasures of the areas rich lumbering, shipbuilding and sailing history.
Inside the museum building, you’ll be greeted by wave after wave of artifacts, information, explanations, historical records and more including massive nets (not for catching feelings,) small-scale replicas of ships, archives and a genealogy listings.
While not specifically in Parrsboro (it’s located in Wards Brook,) it’s a beautiful 20 minute drive west on Highway 209 and certainly worth going to.
Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE)
Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) cable cross-section exhibit.
A mere 15 minutes southwest of Parrsboro brings you to the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy, cleverly acronymed as FORCE. Or maybe the acronym came first. Who knows? Well, someone knows but that someone is not me. Anyway.
With free admission, you’ll enjoy interpretive exhibits, a small theatre and waves of cool information on Canada’s lead research facility for tidal stream technology.
Why does FORCE exist? An excellent question that their website answers with “…is created to better understand how this technology can play a role in Canada’s clean energy future and help respond to climate change impacts like ocean acidification, sea level rise, and coastal erosion.
Arts
I only write about things I experience and while I haven’t been to the Ship's Company Theatre, they’ve been around for over 40 years, which says something.
For what it’s worth, I almost went to a performance during my time in Parrsboro but it was happening the day after I left. Maybe I should start working on a cloning machine. Or a time machine. Or both.
Where to eat in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia?
Harbour View Restaurant
One of the most popular spots in Parrsboro is the Harbour View Restaurant and yes, you should call ahead for reservations.
Fresh seafood and pies that are baked on-site daily bookend a great menu.
I had the fish and chips which were excellent and I recommend it.
Remember to make a reservation. Seriously.
Glooscap Restaurant & Lounge
More seafood here, surprise surprise! Burgers, sandwiches, pizza, breakfasts and more in an open-concept dining area make this a cozy spot for a meal.
Yep, I had the fish and chips here as well and it was quite good.
facebook.com/glooscaprestaurant
Where to stay in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia?
Gillespie House Inn
With a tagline of “Where the porch lights always glow," it’s easy to see why the Gillespie House Inn is one of my favourite places to stay in Nova Scotia.
With a storied history, Lisa and Troy have owned the property since 2024 and done an excellent job in making it a heavenly haven.
Each room has a different theme, from Stargazer to Beachcomber’s Dreamland to Harvester’s Haven and much more, they’ve created a serene space to relax and recharge.
Plus the breakfasts are fabulous!
When you go, tell them Jay sent you!
gillespiehouseinn.com
Tag Modern Traveller on social media when you go!