Peggy’s Cove Coastal Area of St. Margaret's Bay

The bay's shores are mostly rocky, although the head of the bay offers several great (white) sandy beaches at Queensland, Black Point and Cleveland; another sandy beach exists on the western shore of the bay at Bayswater. Many of the islands have great secluded beaches and amazing reefs which are great snorkelling areas. St. Margaret’s Bay is a cruising destination for sailing yachts, a sea kayaking destination, and its picturesque shorelines offer protection in many natural harbours, as well as anchorages in coves and near the many small islands. Explore the islands along our kayak routes. You'll find an overview of the features uniqiue to each island including trails, beaches and views, common wild life sightings, geological and human history, photos and so much more.


History

The history of St. Margaret's Bay spans thousands of years. Before European arrival, the Mi'kmaq would spend their summer months, fishing and hunting along the shores of St. Margaret's Bay and then returning inland for the winter months. Over the years archaeological digs have unearthed arrow heads and other Native artifacts as proof that the Mi'kmaq did spend time around the Bay. Even during the early 1900's they continued to set up summer camps in the Bay area. Several islands, coves, inlets and communities have been named after the area where the Mi'kmaq were known to have camped.


Paddling Stats

• Sea kayaking: Yes (Beginner-advanced)
• Fishing: Yes - (Mostly salt, some fresh water)
• Wilderness camping: Yes, wilderness camping on islands & local campgrounds accessible via sea kayak (see our Overnight Tours here).
• Marine & other wildlife: Whales, harbour porpoises, ocean sunfish, seals, eagles, mink, rabbit, deer and much more.
• Kayak tours/rentals: Yes
• Courses: Yes
• Nearby campgrounds: Yes
• Kayak sailing: Yes - tours/rentals
• White water: No
• Islands: Yes
• Accessible beaches: Yes
  
  

Kayaking Geography

Islands: West Coast Indian Islands. Over 13 local islands with beaches, camping, wilderness hiking. Exposures vary from very sheltered to medium sea-exposures. Access - Most islands are accessible, however some require permission to camp. Leave no trace camping is practiced on all Sea Sun Kayak tours and we educate renters who choose to camp unescorted on Leave No Trace camping practices.

Island Exposures: Beginner to advanced paddling conditions, depending on the weather conditions and island.

Peggy's Cove Coastline: Exposed: Very scenic

Prospect: Many islands: Semi-exposed: Intermediate to advanced (experienced) paddlers.

St. Margaret's Bay Coastline: Sheltered-Exposed: In summer, usually sheltered, with increasing exposures as one paddles southward. Many sheltered coves in the northern portions. (Beginner-advanced)

Historical/Parks: Micou's Island Provincial Park: New park (island-peninsula) with turn of the century house. Kayaking, Hiking, beach, swimming.

Local Wind Conditions: June-Oct 1st: Normally Southwest winds. Usually light in mornings and picking up in the afternoons with lighter winds common in the evenings.

Local Hiking & Biking: There are many natural Hiking regions to explore accessible via foot, including the Peggy's Cove Coastal Barrens & the Trans Canada Trail (Biking/hiking)