Epic South Shore

Epic South ShoreOn this seven day kayak trip you will experience all of the best paddling and island camping of Nova Scotia's incredible South Shore. We will travel through three distinct areas, all of which offer exceptional island hopping and camping opportunities: experience the vast white sand beaches and historic settlements of the LaHave Archipelago, the narrow channels and unique geology of Blue Rocks & Stonehurst area, and the sheltered drumlin islands

On this seven day kayak trip you will experience all of the best paddling and island camping of Nova Scotia's incredible South Shore. We will travel through three distinct areas, all of which offer exceptional island hopping and camping opportunities: experience the vast white sand beaches and historic settlements of the LaHave Archipelago, the narrow channels and unique geology of Blue Rocks & Stonehurst area, and the sheltered drumlin islands protected by the Mahone Islands Conservation Association (MICA) for their ecological significance and beauty.

On these multi-day kayak trips we have the opportunity to see a diversity of bird life including osprey, eagles, guillemots, cormorants, herons, razor bills, leach's storm petrels, and terns. Seals, porpoises, sunfish and other marine life may also be spotted on our travels. Paddle through a varied, intricate coastline that has been shaped by a fascinating history of privateers & rum-runners, shipbuilding and vibrant Nova Scotian coastal culture. Breathtaking open ocean crossings are a highlight when weather permits, for more adventurous paddlers. Some paddling experience recommended.

Sample Itinerary 

Please note that this itinerary is an example and may change based on the weather conditions.

Day 1: Arrival and Paddle to Camp #1

Overnight Location - Island Camp #1 | Time - Kayaking – 3–4 hours | Meals - Lunch, Dinner

Arrive at the meeting point at 10:00 am for coffee, fresh pastries, introductions, and a trip overview. Participate in kayak and gear fitting, followed by packing kayaks & a safety briefing. Depart at 11:30 am from Dublin Shore and paddle towards our island camp, stopping for lunch along the way.

Arrive at Camp #1 in the mid to late afternoon to set up tents, relax, or explore the island while your guides prepare dinner. Enjoy appetizers, a 6:00 pm dinner, and optional campfire and stargazing.

Day 2: Kayak to Cape LaHave Beaches

Overnight Location - Island Camp #1 | Time - Kayaking – 4–5 hours | Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with breakfast between 7:30–8:30 am, followed by an optional morning stretch at 9:00 am. Paddle on a day trip to the pristine white sand beaches of Cape LaHave, returning to Camp #1 by 4:00 pm. Relax before dinner at 6:00 pm, with optional campfire and stargazing to end the evening.

Day 3: Paddle to Mosher Island Lighthouse

Overnight Location - Island Camp #2 | Time  - Kayaking – 4–5 hours | Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast between 7:30–8:30 am, then pack up camp and depart by 10:00 am. Paddle to Mosher Island Lighthouse, stopping for lunch en route.

Arrive at Camp #2 by mid-afternoon to set up camp and explore the historic lighthouse and walking trails. After a 6:00 pm dinner, take an optional night paddle to witness bioluminescence.

Day 4: Paddle to West Ironbound or Cross Island

Overnight Location - Island Camp #3 | Time - Kayaking – 4–6 hours | Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day with breakfast between 7:30–8:30 am, then pack up camp and depart by 10:00 am. Paddle to West Ironbound Island, where you'll learn about island sheep husbandry traditions and view wild island sheep. Depending on weather, we may continue to Cross Island. 

Arrive at Camp #3 by 3:00 pm. Dinner is served at 6:00 pm, followed by optional campfire and stargazing.

Day 5: Paddle to Blue Rocks

Overnight Location - Island Camp #4 | Time - Kayaking:  4–5 hours | Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Have breakfast between 7:30–8:30 am, pack up camp, and depart by 10:00 am. Paddle along scenic routes to Blue Rocks, exploring rock formations and coastal landscapes.

Arrive at Camp #4 by 3:00 pm to set up camp and relax. Dinner is served at 6:00 pm, followed by optional campfire and stargazing.

Day 6: Explore Mahone Bay Islands

Overnight Location - Island Camp #5 |  Time - Kayaking – 4–5 hours | Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin with breakfast between 7:30–8:30 am, then pack up camp and depart by 10:00 am. Spend the day exploring the Mahone Bay Islands by kayak, discovering hidden coves and beaches.

Arrive at Camp #5 by 3:00 pm, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm and optional campfire and stargazing.

Day 7: Return Paddle to Westhaver’s Beach

Overnight Location - None | Time - Kayaking – 3–4 hours | Meals - Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a final breakfast between 7:30–8:30 am, pack up camp, and depart by 10:00 am. Paddle to Westhaver’s Beach, arriving by 12:00 pm to meet the shuttle back to Cape LaHave Adventures. Return by 2:00 pm for final unpacking & farewells.