Sambro, near Halifax, Nova Scotia, is one of Canada’s oldest fishing villages. Its peninsular setting instantly suggests a maritime role. Visit the main fish plant, one of several dotting the area. Listen to employees inform visitors and customers how to tell the gender of a lobster and identify which is better to eat. Your future lobster dinners will forever be informed events.
Walk a short distance along the coastal road to Crystal Crescent Beach to spend some time on the powder sand or follow the lengthy walking trail that goes through amazing and changing landscapes. Park in a large free lot that leads to three beaches, with the last one designated for nude bathers.
Look out at an island while you’re at the beach to see Sambro Lighthouse, the oldest structure of its type in North America. Built in 1758, the historic site marks the entrance to Halifax Harbor, one of the world’s largest and deepest ports.
Originally, the light was illuminated by fish oil and the lighthouse keeper fired a cannon during bad weather. Today these features have been replaced by automation and solar power. Take a boat tour to the lighthouse offered occasionally by the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society, which has online information.
Return to the city along the shore road that takes you through Sambro Head with its ocean vista, Ketch Harbour’s picturesque wharves, Duncans Cove’s coastal hiking trails and several other communities. Alternatively, travel in the opposite direction to Peggy’s Cove and see its lighthouse, a Canadian icon.
Bicycles are also commonly used for traveling the 31 miles (50 kilometers) of the popular Sambro Loop, familiarly known as the Tour de Sambro, with nicely paved shoulders. Ride round-trip from the city to Sambro and bring your camera, which will surely capture a few bytes of pictures showing Nova Scotia charm.
