Coastal Appreciation Week 2026

Join us for the inaugural Coastal Appreciation Week to celebrate Nova Scotia’s coasts, taking place from July 11 to 19, 2026!

Nova Scotia’s coastline stretches more than 13,000 kilometers, and as Nova Scotians, we define our identity and way of life from the vital coastal spaces that we all cherish. The coast hosts a wide range of critical and sensitive habitats from coastal barrens and marshes to dunes and rocky shores. Hundreds of species, including endangered species and migratory birds, depend on these habitats. We too depend on these critical natural spaces to support livelihoods and entire coastal communities.

Coastal Appreciation Week seeks to connect people and communities with the coast across Nova Scotia to celebrate our beautiful coastlines. It is an opportunity to get involved with the many great organizations who work on the coast and learn about the important work they do. Coastal Appreciation Week is also a time where we can collectively learn about and reflect on what the coast means to each and every one of us.

Coordinated by the Ecology Action Centre and the Coastal Coalition of Nova Scotia, Coastal Appreciation Week will see more than two dozen organizations host events throughout Nova Scotia. For a full list of participating organizations and events, please see below.

You can participate in amazing events throughout Nova Scotia, including guided paddles, shoreline cleanups, webinars, field outings, interactive activities and more!

Check out the week’s schedule below. Events will continue to be added to this page. Please check back regularly for updates!

Saturday, July 11

Event information coming soon.

Sunday, July 12

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 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 Community Coastal Appreciation Day

Details pending - please check back soon.

Seawall Beach Cleanup

Scotian Shores are headed to Mink Cove 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

Friends of McNabs Island - McNabs Island Hike Summer Series

Details pending - please check back soon.

Monday, July 13

Event information coming soon

Tuesday, July 14

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

Wednesday, July 15

Event information coming soon.

Thursday, July 16

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 2-4pm
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

Friends of the Pugwash Estuary – Pugwash Estuary Flotilla Paddle

Event details pending - please check back soon.

Events Map

Check out this interactive map to learn what Coastal Appreciation Week are happening near you! You can also explore the map here.