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10 Best Peggy’s Cove Tours in 2024 + What To Expect
Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia, is one of the most visited landmarks in Canada.
It is a quaint fishing village anchored by an iconic white lighthouse on the outskirts of the greater Halifax region. I lived in Halifax for four years while I studied at university.
During that time, many family friends visited me, all insisting on taking a day trip to Peggy’s Cove. It’s the most photographed lighthouse in Canada with stunning ocean views as its backdrop.
Whether driving or flying into Halifax, the most convenient way to visit Peggy’s Cove is with a guided tour.
So, this guide will tell you about the 10 Best Peggy’s Cove tours for an easy day trip from downtown Halifax.
My Top 3 Picks: Best Peggy’s Cove Tours
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
Why Should I Visit Peggy’s Cove?
Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia, is on par with the CN Tower as an icon of Canada.
Most go to take pictures of the century-old lighthouse, but the surrounding fishing village is just as picturesque. You can get up close to the lighthouse and climb on the surrounding rocks, taking in the beautiful uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The rocky coastline is a great place to sit and let the waves crash as you eat a lobster roll and look out at the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s a pleasant retreat from the busy city of Halifax and a wonderful day trip for anyone who likes nature and history.
Best Peggy’s Cove Tours
Several excellent Peggy’s Cove Tours will help you get to/from Peggy’s Cove and provide helpful information about the geography and history of Peggy’s Cove.
Tours generally operate from mid-May through October, and you should look for tours that provide you with lots of free time to explore the local shops, grab an ice cream, and take pictures of the scenic rocks.
Let’s review the 10 Best Peggy’s Cove Bus Tours from Halifax!
1. Best of Halifax Tour with Peggy’s Cove and Citadel
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
This small group tour offers private tours from Halifax to Peggy’s Cove with a maximum of just six people per group!
The benefit of taking a small group tour is that it offers a more personalized luxury experience.
“Only had 48h in Halifax and was able to squeeze in a number of stops in this half day tour. Jack was a great tour guide, and would recommend doing this as your first activity for orientation. Also includes a trip to Peggy’s Cove which would have been difficult to get to otherwise.” – Saundra (Read more reviews)
The tour takes 4 hours and offers a scenic drive in a comfortable Sprinter van from Halifax to Peggy’s Cove. Your guide fully narrates the excursion, teaching you about the history of Halifax and Peggy’s Cove.
Free time is given in Peggy’s Cove to explore the lighthouse, small shops, and rugged coastline. I
t’s just a short walk from the bus parking area down to Peggy’s Point lighthouse. Along the way you’ll find lots of Adirondack chairs to sit in and take pictures of.
- Group Size – 6 people max
- Tour Length – 4 hours
- Cost – $60 USD
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – Yes (from hotels in Halifax)
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
2. Nova Scotia Day Tour – Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and Annapolis Valley
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | ✅ Book it!
Looking for a Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg Day Trip?
This Nova Scotia Day Tour will be the best option if you are looking for a full-day tour with Peggy’s Cove on the itinerary. In addition to Peggy’s Cove, this tour visits other great places in the Halifax region.
“Great tour because of a great tour guide. While you see all the Nova Scotia sites you need to see, what really sets it apart is the atypical tour guide. You get an unfiltered commentary on the area and sites, I feel I understand the region much better.” – Lloyd (Read more reviews)
The itinerary includes Peggy’s Cove, Queensland Beach, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, and Wolfville Waterfront Park before ending the day in the Annapolis Valley.
The Lunenburg tour is a great add on, as it’s nearby and equally famous. It’s home to the Blue Nose II – a famous schooner boat.
The price of this tour only includes transportation and a local guide. Still, they will give you plenty of free time at Peggy’s Cove, lunch recommendations in Lunenburg Historic District, and the opportunity to sample wines in Annapolis Valley.
I recommend building in a wine tasting. You can sleep it off on the short bus ride back to Halifax.
- Group Size – 7 people max
- Tour Length – 8-9 hours
- Cost – $195 USD
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – Yes (from hotels in Halifax)
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
3. Peggy’s Cove & Halifax Tours
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | ✅ Book it!
This combination tour is great if you are pressed for time because you will get to see the city’s most important landmarks and the famous cove in one day!
The tour starts between 8AM – 10:30AM, depending on the day of the week, so double-check the start time before booking!
“This trip was absolutely wonderful! The scenery was spectacular and it gave you a good feel of the Maritime region. But what made it so wonderful was our tour guide.” – Anonymous Reviewer (Read more reviews)
On this tour, you will get to visit Peggy’s Cove, the resting place of a few Titanic victims, the historic Halifax Citadel, Halifax Public Gardens, Pier 21, and more!
At Citadel Hill, you’ll see how far the Halifax explosion reached. And at nearby Fairview Lawn Cemetery, you’ll see the true impact of the Titanic sinking.
- Group Size – 24 people max
- Tour Length – 4-5 hours
- Cost – $141 USD
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
4. Peggy’s Cove Sunset and Dinner
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
This tour by See Sight Tours is unique because it lets you view the iconic Peggy’s Cove lighthouse at golden hour.
“the highlight of the day was Peggy’s Cove with the wild Atlantic Ocean. Worth every dollar.” – Tripadvisor (Read more reviews)
Departing at 6:30 pm from Halifax, you will head to Peggy’s Cove, where you will have time to explore and photograph the beautiful lighthouse during sunset.
At Peggy’s Cove, you will have a complimentary dinner at the famous seafood restaurant, Sou’wester. They specialize in fresh seafood caught just offshore but also have non-seafood options.
- Group Size – 6 people max
- Tour Length – 4 hours
- Cost – $146 USD ($78 USD per child)
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – Yes (from hotels in Halifax)
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
5. Peggy’s Cove Day Trip from Halifax
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
This fun Peggy’s Cove Express Tour from Halifax takes you to Peggy’s Cove in a large coach bus.
Along the way, you will pass by and learn about a ton of famous landmarks, including the Halifax Public Gardens, the Citadel National Historic Site, the Old Town Clock, the Province House, the naval dockyards, and the Halifax waterfront boardwalk.
“Great driver and tour guide, perfect amount of time at Peggy’s cove. Peggy’s cove was definitely worth the drive and a do not miss on a trip to Halifax.” – Marlon (Read more reviews)
Then you will have about 2 hours at Peggy’s Cove to explore, shop, dine, take in the sights, and enjoy the scenic views of the ocean.
This tour by Murphy’s Sailing Tours is only available at 1PM on the weekends.
- Group Size – 45 people max
- Tour Length – 3-4 hours
- Cost – $67 USD (slight discount for children and seniors)
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No (meet at Maritime Museum of the Atlantic)
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
6. Peggy’s Cove Express Small Group from Halifax
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
This small group Peggy’s Cove Tour has several departures daily, so there is a tour that works for most schedules, but if you visit early in the day, you can miss most of the crowds!
“The trip was amazing, it’s totally worth it. Our tour guide was so friendly and informative, our group was nice and friendly, I enjoyed this trip and I definitely recommend it. Will book again.” – Nuha (Read more reviews)
This is also a fantastic tour for cruise passengers looking for a short excursion since they will pick you up at the terminal, and it’s only 3.5 hours long.
The tour is 3 hours and 30 minutes long and departs from Halifax.
- Group Size – 6 people max
- Tour Length – 3-4 hours
- Cost – $64 USD (slight discount for youth)
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – Yes
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
7. Peggy’s Cove Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
This tour of Peggy’s Cove highlights other quaint coastal villages around Halifax.
“just the right amount of time in Peggy’s Cove. The tour really exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend.” – Lind (Read more reviews)
In addition to Peggy’s Cove, guests on this tour will visit other hamlets (small villages) like Shad Bay, Big Lake, East Dover, and West Dover.
This tour is operated by Aberdeen Bus Charters & Tours. It is the perfect option for people who want to see more of the coast than just Peggy’s Cove on a short half-day tour.
- Group Size – 24 people max
- Tour Length – 3-4 hours
- Cost – $111 USD
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
8. Peggy’s Cove Small Group Sunset Tour from Halifax
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
Peggy’s Cove is stunning in its own right, but it’s extra special during sunset.
Experience Peggy’s Cove during golden hour on this small group tour from Halifax. The tour offers free hotel pickup/dropoff and has enough free time at the cove to eat dinner, take photos, and walk around the village before dark.
On your way back, you’ll see the sparkling city lights of Halifax at night and learn about the local history and culture from your guide.
- Group Size – 6 people max
- Tour Length – 3 hours
- Cost – $71 USD ($41 USD for Children)
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – Yes
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
9. Private Tour of Halifax Including Peggy’s Cove
⭐️ RATING: 3.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
Interested in seeing Peggy’s Cove but don’t want to go on a large bus tour? This is one of the best private tours you can book for yourself and up to 5 other friends/family members!
Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter Van and take you to the picturesque fishing village to see the famous Peggy’s Cove lighthouse.
You’ll have lots of free time to explore the little town, shop and dine.
On your way back to Halifax, the tour stops by the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, where you can learn more about the famous fort and watch re-enactments.
“We had an awesome tour and highly recommend to all. Our Tour guide/driver Mak of our private tour made this exceptional. He was knowledgeable, passion, & so professional.” – Rodney (Read more reviews)
Then as you enter Halifax, your guide will give you a driving tour of the most notable places in Halifax.
This is another excellent tour for families on cruise ships looking for a short, personalized excursion.
Tours depart at 9AM or 1:30PM.
- Group Size – 6 people max
- Tour Length – 4 hours
- Cost – $577 per group
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – Yes
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
10. Gray Line Peggy’s Cove Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.2/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Gray Line is a tour industry big shot and is known for delivering a great experience for tourists in destinations worldwide. So it’s no surprise Gray Line offers a guided tour of this iconic Canadian landmark.
The tour is 3.5 hours long, with free time to explore Peggy’s Cove at your own pace.
“This was a well run tour. Our guide was charming. Peggy’s Cove was worth the effort. Delightful.” – Barbara (Read more reviews)
The tour also passes by a few of Hallifax’s top attractions on a driving tour of the city as you make your way to/from Peggy’s Cove.
- Group Size – 8-20 people (8 passengers minimum. This tour will be rescheduled and or refunded if it does not meet the minimum passenger requirement)
- Tour Length – 3.5 hours
- Cost – $52 per group
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Tips for Visiting Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia
Keep a Safe Distance from the Shore – Peggy’s Cove has rocky shores and a strong current, so be careful around the wet rocks and keep a safe distance from the waves while visiting Peggy’s Cove.
Take Motion Sickness Medicine – If you develop motion sickness, nausea tablets can help you endure the winding roads. Your tour will likely take the “lighthouse route” along the coastline.
Where to Eat- Many kiosks serve food, but Sou’wester seafood restaurant is one of the best!
When to Visit – The peak summer months can be really crowded.
Admission – It is free to visit Peggy’s Cove. There is no admission fee.
How to Dress – Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. It’s often a few degrees cooler at the cove than in Halifax.
Halifax to Peggy’s Cove Distance – 40 kilometers
FAQs About Peggy’s Cove Tour
Is Peggys Cove worth it?
Peggy’s Cove is definitely worth visiting. It’s an easy day trip from Halifax that can be done in just 3-4 hours, and the beautiful coastal village has a lot of fun shops, kiosks, and coastal views.
How long do you need at Peggys Cove?
You need about one to two hours to see everything at Peggy’s Cove, but many people spend more time here enjoying the views and relaxing on the giant rocks. Most tours last about 3-4 hours (including travel time).
How do I spend my day in Peggys Cove?
The best way to spend time at Peggy’s Cove is by enjoying the views and taking pictures at the famous lighthouse. But there are also many shops, restaurants, and exciting history to learn about at Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia.
What is so special about Peggys Cove?
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse was built in 1915, and it’s the most photographed in Canada and has a rich history you can learn about while visiting. The town itself is also quite charming, and it’s still an active fishing community with colorful houses scattered amongst the rocky cove.
Wrap-Up: Peggy’s Cove Tour, Nova Scotia
Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia, is a wonderful day trip from Halifax. I highly recommend making time for Peggy’s Cove in your itinerary.
You can visit on your own, but it’s way more convenient to book a day trip. On a tour, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way. Plus, having a tour guide will help you learn more about the area and enrich the entire experience!
You can’t go wrong with any of the tours compiled here, and with so much variety, you’ll surely find one that suits your travel budget and preferences! There are many fun things to do in Nova Scotia including whale watching tours!
Read More About Nova Scotia:
- 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Halifax: Should You Move to Nova Scotia
- 51 Fun Things to do in Halifax: The Best Activities You Won’t Want to Miss!
- 7 Best Whale Watching Halifax Tours: Where to See Whales in Nova Scotia
- 3 Best Halifax Hotels with Waterslides
- 10 Best Peggy’s Cove Tours
More Great Canada Tours
- 13 Best Canada Northern Lights Tour and When to Go
- 21 Best Places to Go Kayaking in Canada
- 11 Epic Sites for Backcountry Camping in Canada
- 9 Best Places for Whale Watching Canada: Know Before You Go!
- 13 Best Sunsets in Canada to See Before You Die
- Renting a Car in Canada: 41 Important Local Tips & Tricks
- 86 Bucket List Canada Things to Do: The Ultimate Must Do List
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
