Coastal Appreciation Week 2026

Reducing Coastal Climate Change Risk Through Adaptation

As a lead up to Coastal Appreciation Week, the Thinkers Lodge in Pugwash is hosting a public meeting to share insights from an international gathering of experts on coastal climate adaptation and to learn from local experience in Cumberland and Colchester Counties and Nova Scotia. Everyone is welcome. 

The public meeting is part of an international workshop taking place at the Lodge over three days, Tuesday-Thursday, July 7-9. Participants are from Atlantic Canada, the U.S, Mexico and the Caribbean. Refreshments will be available at 5 p.m. and the meeting will run from 5:30 to 6:30 with time after to speak with the workshop participants.

When: June 8 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Lobster Factory at the Thinkers Lodge 227 Water Street Pugwash (Map Pin)
Cost: Free
Registration: No 

Shipwrecks Along the Coastline of St. Paul Island

With over 350 documented shipwrecks along the coastline of St. Paul Island, which is only 4.8 kilometres in length, there is not much of it that has been untouched. St. Paul is just 24 kilometres northwest of Cape North on the northern tip of Cape Breton and was referred to as "kiwkto'qi Mnikuk" or "round Island" by the Mi'kmaq. Each day, the St Paul Island Museum and Lighthouse will showcase a specific shipwreck which came up against these rocky shorelines and bring additional awareness to the importance of navigational aids along our coastlines.

When: Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (museum is closed on Mondays)
Where: 575 Dingwall Rd, Dingwall, Nova Scotia, B0C 1G0 (Map Pin)
Cost: Free (optional suggested donation: $5)
Registration Required: No
Special considerations: The museum is closed on Mondays.

Questions? Contact stpaulislandmuseum1@gmail.com 

Chebogue River Appreciation Day

Southwest Paddlers Association (SWPA) invites the public to kayak or canoe alongside SWPA's Big Canoe on the Chebogue River to appreciate this coastal river as she heads out to sea.  Expect to debark and do a small coastal shoreline hike on one of the islands.

When: Sunday, July 12, starting at 1:30 p.m. for a 3 - 4 hour outing
Where: Paddle will start and end at the Chebogue River Aquatic Club (50 Aquatic Drive, Arcadia, on the outskirts of Yarmouth, N.S.)
Cost: Free
Registration required: No

Special considerations: Participants bring their own kayak or canoe. PFDs mandatory. Should have extra paddle in boat, float line, personal first aid, sunscreen, water, snacks, extra clothing in case one gets wet and appropriate footwear to walk on coastline (no sandals or open toes please). Although this is a recreational paddle appropriate for all levels of paddling ability, participants should be comfortable paddling in their kayaks or canoes, and able to do a leisurely paddle for up to 3 hours. 
Questions? Contact Sandra at sandracphinney@gmail.com 

Bras d'Or Watch - Ross Ferry 

The Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Region Association invites you to Bras d’Or Watch, an initiative that introduces residents and visitors to the unique Bras d’Or ecosystem. Scientists and local community members welcome citizen scientists to learn more about the natural environment of the nearshore and check on ecosystem health. Each Bras d’Or Watch event is a celebration of our place in the unique Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere. We invite anyone to come and chat and learn with us! This is a family-friendly event where parents, guardians and youth can explore and enjoy the beautiful Bras d'Or Lake. 

When: Sunday, July 12 from 12 to 4 p.m.
Where: Ross Ferry Marine Park (9685 Kempt Head Rd, Ross Ferry, N.S. B1X 1N9)
Cost: Free (donations accepted but not required)
Registration Required: No, this is a drop in event.

Special considerations: Low level of difficulty. The microscopes and tables are level with the parking lot; however, the ramp down to the water is steep. All animals collected are brought up to the parking level for identification and can be accessed by all participants. 
Questions? Contact Colette at manager@blbra.ca  
 

Riverport Coastal Appreciation Day 

This event will begin at the Riverport Community Centre. In the afternoon, the events will move to Hirtle's Beach for learning and fun. The day will be a series of interesting, family-friendly, fun, educational activities. The event will focus on raising awareness of our coastline and its natural inhabitants, encouraging our community to value its environmental well-being.  

Speakers and presenters are members of our community who have been working on projects and studies that are remarkable but sometimes receive little public attention. A light lunch will be available for $15. Participants are encouraged to plan to end the day with a full beach experience. All ages welcome!

View the event poster

When: Sunday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Riverport Community Centre  - 79 Lower LaHave Road, Riverport (Map Pin) and (afternoon) Hirtle's Beach - Hirtle Point Road, Kingsburg (Map Pin)
Cost: Free (donations optional)
Registration required: No
Special Considerations: There is parking at the rear of the Riverport Community Centre. When the parking lot is full, people are welcome to park on the road. Parking is also available at Hirtle's Beach, providing a short walk to activities. If it is a beautiful "beach day," there is also parking on the road. Bring sunscreen, your own water, your bathing suit/towel if you like and perhaps a picnic supper if you want to stay after the formal events are finished. Riverport Community Centre has an accessible entrance at the back. There is also a short boardwalk to the beach.

Questions? Contact Marion at marionm12@gmail.com

Seawall Beach Cleanup

Scotian Shores are headed to Seawall Beach for a shoreline clean up. We have bags and gloves; you just need to show up with a smile and help us clean!

When: Sunday, July 12 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Seawall Beach - Digby Neck
Cost: Free
Registration required: No
Special considerations: Dress appropriately for forecasted weather and walking on the coast. It is recommended to wear sunscreen, bug spray and tick spray and bring snacks and water. This is a family-friendly event. 
Questions? Contact Scotian Shores at Scotianshores@gmail.com 

McNabs Island Coastal Shoreline Guided Tour  

Hike along the changing coastline of McNabs Island with a guided tour by the Friends of McNabs Island Society. Learn about how the shape of the island has changed as beaches and coves come and go in response to natural processes and human interventions. Learn about how sea levels rise is impacting the island now and will continue to do so in the future. Stroll along sandy Maughers Beach, which didn’t exist 80 years ago. Walk around peaceful McNabs Pond, which has changed from a cove to a tidal inlet, then to a freshwater pond and now back to a tidal inlet again. Stroll Wreck Cove — a favourite anchorage of local boaters. Visit Fort McNab and learn about this historic hilltop fort with its panoramic views of Halifax Harbour. Visit the newly restored Teahouse Outdoor Education Centre for an island orientation.

View the event poster

When: July 12. Boat departs Eastern Passage at 9:30 a.m. (please arrive at least 15 min. before departure) and returns at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Boat departs from 87 Government Wharf Rd in Fisherman's Cove, Eastern Passage (A&M Sea Charters). Boat returns to the same location.
Cost: Boat fees are as follows:

• $40 per adult (non-members)
• $30 per adult for Friends of McNabs Island Society members
• $20 for children/youth 16 and under
• FREE for children 4 years and younger, courtesy of the Friends of McNabs Island, but they will still need a ticket.

Registration Required: Participants must buy a ticket through Eventbrite. Please select the July 12 coastal shoreline tour. Note: There is a second coastal tour on August 9. Maximum of 24 participants.
Special Considerations: Participants should practice tick awareness and dress appropriately (wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather). There is no shelter during the walk from rain or sun as the route is mostly along the shore (tours are not cancelled for light rain or drizzle, only for steady rain). Bring snacks/lunch and water. There is no drinking water or food for sale on the island. There are outhouses. We travel along the shore of the island using shoreline trails (former military roads) and cobble or sandy beach beaches. Expect sections of wet, uneven or slippery terrain (alternate bypass exists). Terrain is mostly flat, with some moderate uphill sections. This is an approx. 6-kilometre walk with frequent stops including a lunch stop at Fort McNab.

Questions? Contact Cathy at info@mcnabsisland.ca

 

Bank Swallows and other Aerial Insectivores at Five Islands Provincial Park

Join Birds Canada and the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark to explore the Bank Swallows of Five Islands Provincial Park. This guided event will introduce you to these acrobatic aerial insectivores and share the vital importance of the coast for these incredible birds. Come learn how we can work together to protect these seasonal visitors and the habitats they rely on.

When: July 12 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Five Islands Provincial Park; 618 Bentley Branch Rd, Five Islands. Day Use Area: From the park entrance, check in at the camp office. From the office, drive ~500 m and take a right towards "Day Use Parking". We will meet at the parking lot. (Map Pin)
Cost: Free
Registration Required: No
Special Considerations: There will be a short walk to the beach from the day use area. Close-toed shoes are recommended, and dress in layers for the changing weather of the coastline. Easy – mostly accessible from the parking lot to the beach.  

Questions? Contact Will at community@fundygeopark.ca 

An Introduction to Coastal Law and Policy - Lunch and Learn

Join East Coast Environmental Law staff lawyer Mike Kofahl in an online lunch and learn webinar about coastal law and policy. Mike will introduce some of the important laws that regulate our coasts and provide highlights from our recent legal research and work that spans topics like beach and sand dune conservation, municipal governance and public access.

When: Monday, July 13 at 12 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Cost: Free
Registration Required: Yes. Please register here.

Questions? Contact admin@ecelaw.ca 

Coastal Plant Walk 

Plant Ecologist Dr. Jeremy Lundholm will lead a group of people on a hike at Polly's Cove, identifying plants and discussing their importance to the coastal barrens ecosystem.

When: Tuesday, July 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. (could be 2-3 hours)
Where: Polly's Cove Trailhead - Prospect Rd, West Dover, N.S. (44°29'36.81"N 63°53'22.15"W)
Cost: Free
Registration required: Yes, please register via this form (spaces limited)

Special Considerations: The terrain is rugged, so solid hiking shoes are needed. Dress for the weather, including sun protection (hat, sunscreen), insect repellent, water bottle and any snacks you may need. Bring binoculars or magnifying glasses if you'd like to look closer at plants or faraway things. Event is a rambling hike through rocky terrain with potentially wet areas. Not very accessible for mobility aids. 
Questions? Contact Jeremy at jeremylundholm9@gmail.com  

ESCOM Coastal Monitoring Day: A New Moon Citizen Science Event 

Participants will begin with a short introduction to the Eastern Shore Citizen Science Coastal Monitoring Network (ESCOM) and the coastal monitoring parameters used by the network: beach profile, granulometry, coastline and vegetation. After this introduction, attendees will be divided into small groups according to the number of participants and local beach conditions, with each group focusing on one monitoring parameter. During the first hour of field practice, participants will learn how to apply the selected method with guidance from the local Coastal Climate Team. After that, participants may choose to rotate and practice a second monitoring parameter, depending on time, group size and site conditions. The activity will close with all groups coming together for a shared conversation about why environmental data matters for coastal conservation, community preparedness and long-term understanding of coastal change.

When: Tuesday, July 14 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Various locations including

•  Black Duck Cove (map)
• Tor Bay (map)
• Port Shoreham (map)
• Port Bickerton (map)
• Moosehead (map)

Cost: Free  
Registration Required: Register via healthycoast00@gmail.com or a text to 902-399-6309, no later than June 30. Max. 10 participants per beach.
Special Considerations: This is an outdoor, hands-on field activity on beaches and coastal access areas. Participants should wear sturdy footwear suitable for sand, gravel, wet areas, uneven terrain and possible rocky or vegetated sections. Please dress for changing coastal weather and bring sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water, snacks, a hat and any personal medications you may need during a three-hour outdoor activity. No previous scientific experience is required, but participants should be comfortable walking outdoors, following safety instructions and working as part of a small field team. Some beaches may involve walking over soft sand, slopes, cobbles, driftwood, dunes or irregular access paths, so participants should contact the team coordinator in advance if they have concerns about mobility, balance or accessibility.  

Questions? Contact Camilo at healthycoast00@gmail.com 

Tuesday Night Fun Sail

The Tuesday Night Fun Sail is a regular sailing activity at Lunenburg Yacht Club that brings out sailboats of all kinds for an enjoyable evening on the waters of Princes Inlet, Mahone Bay. Afterwards, we gather for food, drink and camaraderie in the club. While there is a start, a course and a finish, it is a fun sail in community, not a race. No finish times are kept or calculated.

View the event poster

When: Tuesday, July 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Lunenburg Yacht Club, 734 Hermans Island Rd, NS (map)
Cost: Free
Registration Required: Visiting sailboats are welcome. Contact racing@lyc.ns.ca in advance.
Special Considerations: In order to participate, visiting sailboats need to supply proof of liability insurance. Participating in the sailing requires access to docks/wharfs/ramps etc. Lunenburg Yacht Club itself is fully accessible and those wishing to spectate and have a meal or beverage are welcome.  Food and beverage service is available at the yacht club.

Questions? Contact Colin at colinmann08@gmail.com 

Sunrise Salutations on the Beach

This outdoor practice invites you to connect with the natural rhythms of the Minas Basin during Coastal Appreciation Week. Ground yourself on the pebbles at First Beach in Parrsboro as we move through a gentle, refreshing yoga flow designed for all skill levels. Join us to breathe in the salt air and celebrate the beauty of our coastline together.

When: Tuesday 14 July from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m.
Where: First Beach, Pier Road, Parrsboro, N.S. Follow directions to Harbour View Restaurant (Map Pin)
Cost: Optional donation of $10
Registration Required: Yes, please email wpbollwerk@gmail.com by 5:00 p.m. on Monday. July 13
Special Considerations: This beach is fully exposed so be prepared for sunny or windy conditions. To fully embrace the beach environment, participants are encouraged to bring a beach towel to practice on, instead of a traditional yoga mat. The beach is accessible but can have rocks and pebbles that make walking and balance challenging.

Questions? Contact Will at wpbollwerk@gmail.com

Two Lenses, One Landscape: An Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) Guided Hike 

The Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark, the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism and Enterprise Network and the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq invite you to a guided hike at Thomas Cove near Economy to engage in Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing). Your guides will take you along this beautiful coastal loop to appreciate the stunning landscape, from the Wabanaki-Acadian forest to the majestic cliffs that serve as the backdrop for the living legends of Kluscap and give the Geopark its name. 

What: A 3.2 km hike with moderate elevation gain, rated easy to moderate in difficulty. 
Why: Etuaptmumk embraces both Mi’kmaw and Western perspectives, placing equal value on learning to see the world through both lenses.
When: Wednesday, July 15 from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 654 Economy Point Rd, Economy, N.S. B0M 1B0 (Map Pin)  Note: Closest washrooms are at the Economy Welcome Centre or That Dutchman's Cheese Farm.
Cost: Free
Registration: Please contact community@fundygeopark.ca or call 902-814-8509 to register for this event.
Special Considerations: Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes are highly recommended for uneven terrain and rocks. Dress in layers; coastal weather can be windy and change quickly. Bring sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and at least 1 litre of water. Please follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all garbage. The 3.2 km hike is rated moderate over uneven terrain and will be conducted at a mindful, conversational pace.

Questions? Contact Will at community@fundygeopark.ca

Explore the Coast Through Art

Artistic coastal scientists will be leading a family-friendly walk around McCormack's Beach, exploring how the water and land interact through art made of natural materials found on the beach. The walk is an opportunity to ask questions about coastal processes, habitats, plants, wind and wave energy, climate change adaptation and more, while out on the coast. It's also an opportunity to create ephemeral (non-permanent) coastal art using the beach's own natural materials.

When: July 16 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: McCormack's Beach Provincial Park (1641 Shore Rd, Eastern Passage)
Cost: Free
Registration required: No
Special Considerations: Event is a walk through crushed gravel paths, beach sand, salt marsh mud, cobble and rock beaches, and over boardwalks. Recommended: sun protection, insect repellent, water and good footwear for walking on described terrain. We will be flexible with the difficulty of the walk, depending on any accessibility needs of participants! 

Questions? Contact Kelly at kelly.umlah@smu.ca  

Guided Shorebird Walk 

Celebrate Coastal Appreciation Week with the Coastal Coalition and the Blomidon Naturalist Society! Come join Howard Williams to view shorebirds on the rocks at high tide at the Guzzle. Howard watches and listens to birds on a daily basis and has been doing so for 40 years.  He enjoys being out and about in Nova Scotia and is a recovering geoscientist. If lots of shorebirds are out, we may visit Evangeline Beach as well.  

View the event poster.

When: Friday, July 17 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: Grand Pré Heritage Park overflow parking. We will meet at the overflow car park (Map Pin) and carpool from there to The Guzzle (the gravel road up to the Guzzle is bumpy and there is limited parking).  
Registration Required: Yes, please click here to register.
Cost: Free
Special Considerations: Please wear appropriate footwear for the shore and dress for outdoor weather. Hats, sunscreen and bug spray are always good to have in your pack. Don’t forget your binoculars. 

Questions? Contact Leonie at coordinator@blomidonnaturalists.ca

Friends of the Pugwash Estuary will be hosting a guided paddle as part of the Annual Summer Flotilla. The guided paddle will identify 5 distinct ecosystems along the Pugwash Estuary and briefly discuss their importance to the coastal ecosystem.

When: Sunday, July 19. Launch at 1 p.m. BBQ to follow.
Where: Estuary House - 2169 Crowley Road, Pugwash Junction. (Map Pin)
Cost: Free
Registration: On site
Special considerations: Participants must bring their own canoe/kayak and all safety equipment required for boating safety by Transport Canada. Expect to be on the water for 2-3 hours. Adequate sun and insect protection required. Remember to bring adequate liquids for personal hydration. The Pugwash Estuary varies in width; wider sections can be windy. Weather can change quickly. Paddlers should keep within sight of the group to avoid getting lost. 

Wild Worship on the Coast

Lorraine Otto, an Anglican priest, will hold a service celebrating the ocean and its importance to all life on earth. This service is intergenerational and everyone is welcome.

When: Sunday, July 19 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Where: Stony Beach, East Lawrencetown, Halifax (Map Pin)
Cost: Free
Registration Required: No
Special Considerations: Dress for the weather. It will take place rain or shine (but not during a hurricane). Bring warm clothes, as even if it is hot and sunny in town, it may be cold at the beach. Sunscreen and bug spray are advisable. The beach is easily accessible and close to the road.

Questions? Contact Lorraine at lorraineotto@hotmail.com 

Pride Paddle and Flotilla

Celebrate Pride and Coastal Appreciation Week with St Margaret's Bay Pride at Shining Waters Marina! This two-part event begins with a 75-min. paddleboarding class with SUP Yoga Halifax with rental included ($25), followed by an open parade / flotilla on the water. Join for one or both — if joining the flotilla only, bring your watercraft of choice! Follow @stmargaretsbaypride on Instagram and Facebook for more details.

View the event poster

When: Sunday, July 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Shining Waters Marina, 148 Nautical Way, Tantallon (Map Pin)
Cost: Flotilla only (free); paddleboarding class ($25)
Registration Required: Registration is only required for the Paddleboarding class (register here)
Special Considerations: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting sweaty or wet in. We recommend layering up so you don’t get cold and can remove them as needed. Towel, change of clothes (there is always a chance you may fall in, so come prepared), light layers to protect yourself from the sun, sunscreen and an open mind. All SUP gear will be supplied: boards, paddles, leashes, PFDs. Wetsuits not included. For more info, please see SUP Yoga Halifax's FAQ.

Questions? Contact Tania at stmargaretsbaypride@gmail.com