Is Peggy Cove worth going to?

[fideauxdon]

A word of caution, though...we were in the area in late Spring, and went about 50 miles out of our way to see Peggy's Cove. When we got there, the fog was so thick that we couldn't see anything, including each other, from a distance of five feet. I'd still like to see the sight, but I wouldn't lock in a shipboard excursion on something that risky.

[texanslovetotravel]

We did Peggys cove as part of a private tour we purchased. We went in with another couple we met on our cc board and had the best time. This guy was very knowledgeable, we were gone about 5 hours and it was about $100 per couple. Much cheaper than the ship. Pm me if you want his email address.

[paul929207]

I called Avis when we were getting off the ship and they sent someone to pick me up. At the end, they drove me back to the ship

[momofmeg]

I will be docked in Halifax on August 17th. I am debating on whether or not I should stick around in Halifax (visit Maritime Museum and downtown) or rent a car and go to Peggy's Cove? I will be docked between 10am and 6pm.

 

Thanks for any input!

 

I thought it was it was very picturesque. I also enjoyed the Titnaic museum while there. We did the museum that morning and Peggy's cove that afternoon.

[momofmeg]

We did Peggys cove as part of a private tour we purchased. We went in with another couple we met on our cc board and had the best time. This guy was very knowledgeable, we were gone about 5 hours and it was about $100 per couple. Much cheaper than the ship. Pm me if you want his email address.

 

Really? we did it through the ship for about $25 each. I thought the price was very cheap for a ship's tour. This was in 2007.

[STARFISH*4]

we ENJOYED our tour to Peggy's Cove very much...took NCL city tour and Peggy's Cove...WELL WORTH IT:)...we live in the Mountain West so Lighthouses and Coastal areas are not something we come in contact with all the time!

[EGG]

We've stopped at Halifax 3 times and here is my experience.

 

Peggy's Cove is a great picture taking opportunity that they have turned into an excursion.

We took an excursion on a beautiful day. It is a nice drive on non highway tree lined roads, but otherwise nothing special. Our guide had a constant commentary on the bus and that is one of the reasons we take the bus. Once you get to Peggy's Cove you are on your own with 1000 other people. Climb on the bolders if you dare, go into the lighthouse (not much interesting when we went), go into the gift shop with 500 other people. We hate gift shops so we walked several blocks away from the light house, where it was interesting to see the houses that people in the area lived in and wonder what it would be like to live there. I really think if there was something else to do in the area it would just be a picture taking stop.

 

Go to the ports of call thread and you will find a lot to do in Halifax. Walk on the promenade along the water until you get to town. Probably a mile walk. Some of the things we did were

Citadel

Church

Maritime museum

Watch a free glass blowing exhibition in one of the shops

Shopping in real stores, not gift shops

City Hall (although the free tour was gone on our last visit)

There is also Canada's version of an Ellis Island immigration museum right next to the terminal (fee).

Tons of gift shopping in the terminal building (and I mean tons).

Free hop-on-hop off bus, although it was not easy to find the first time and it does not come that often.

 

There is also a brewery tour in one of the indoor malls although there is a fee. By the way if you are stopping at Portland Maine, I believe there is a lighthouse there that is on the $5 bus you catch at the pier. We were up early for breakfast and enjoyed watching the ship pass the lighthouse on its way to the pier.

 

Enjoy. As you can tell, we love the NE/Canada tour and have done it many times.

[cet84]

Wow! Thanks for all the great insight everyone!

 

 

smeyer418 why do you not like trolley tours? Just trying to understand what they are like so I can decide if would be something I would like or not like.

 

thanks!

[cet84]

EGG thanks you had a lot of great insight! What is this $5 bus tour in Portland about?

[LiftLockCouple]

Another Canadian with East Coast roots to weigh in on this. DW and myself have over the years made a point of spending a weekend every year in Halifax , Lunenburg, and Mahone Bay ( unfortunately that has fallen on hard times in the last few years). All three have their own magic and we have enjoyed them on several occasions. Peggy's Cove being in the same general area has its own attraction but being from the east and having lived in all Three maritime provinces for extended periods, a lighthouse sitting on large weather worn rocks near a small fishing village, a picture or ten for sure, but it has only been worth a 30 min stop on two occasions and in neither case were there hundreds of visitors to compete with. If however I was from a part of the world where this sight was very unique, maybe I would be willing to compete with the hords but it still would only be a short visit, maybe a hour;).

IMHO, Halifax is a special place, it is on my top 5 cities list for Canada. Victoria BC, Quebec City, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls are also on the list. If I had a day to explore Halifax, it would not be enough, but then I am into history, a great waterfront and great seafood ( The 5 Fishermen restaurant ) more than scenery. The Nova Scotia " South Shore ", with Lunenburg and Mahone Bay (Peggy's Cove as a throw in), is on my top 5 scenery list for Canada. PEI, Cape Breton, and Banff / Jasper, Alberta are also on that list.

IMHO... Halifax...Halifax....Halifax, but you have to decide, history etc, or Scenery. Doing both is of course possible but it would not be my first choice, maybe make a second trip later.........The Nova Scotia people would love to have you back. I'm going back, I love the place.

[EGG]

EGG thanks you had a lot of great insight! What is this $5 bus tour in Portland about?

 

Regarding Portland: It has been about 5 years since my last CAN/NE cruise. I guess I am due for another . I believe there was a shuttle bus when you got off the ship. We did not take it and instead walked around. We did several of the old house tours. These are houses where famous people once lived. I can't even remember who, but they were very interesting. To find out more information and see if this is still available I would go to the ports of call boards.

 

As you can see, we like to walk around for hours and enjoy the ambiance of new places. You have to do what you enjoy and/or what you are capable of doing. I hope this information helps.

 

The CC boards are not loading right now or I would try to find a link for you.

[cet84]

Thanks again everyone!

 

LiftLockCouple I am going to skip the tours and just explore Halifax.

 

What do you recommend I must see? thanks!

[momofmeg]

Thank you all for responding. I am still unsure if I will be going to Peggy's Cove, but here is my plan.

 

There is an excursion on the ship to Peggy's Cove and Titanic for $38each, so I am going to take sometime and really think about it. The thing is that I will be seeing several light house in Portland (our first stop). I figure if I loved seeing the light houses and want to see more, i will book the excursion. However, if I think I have seen enough, I will spend the day in Halifax.

 

If I spent the day in Halifax, would you recommend taking a trolley tour?

 

thanks!

 

I would do it- I think we paid $14 for tickets to the Titanic museum on our own -(it is right by the ship dock-easy to walk to) and $25 or $30 each for the bus to Peggy Cove. So, if you book the 2 together you will save a little.

 

But, there is also a hop on hop off bus there that is reasonable, if you decide no Peggy's cove and just want to go around Halifax, and you can do the museum on your own easily.

[LiftLockCouple]

Go to the ports of call thread and you will find a lot to do in Halifax. Walk on the promenade along the water until you get to town. Probably a mile walk. Some of the things we did were

• Citadel ( The East coast garrison for British forces ) Halifax and the Citadel replaced the French fortress of Louisburg in Cape Breton as the main base of Naval power in the region.
  
• Church ( The Little Dutch Church and the Round Church are both near each other and tell the history of some of the Immigrants to Halifax and the rest of the area )
  
• Maritime museum
  
• Watch a free glass blowing exhibition in one of the shops ( This is right at the waterfront near the Ferries to Dartmouth and near Murphy's on the Water )
  
• Shopping in real stores, not gift shops
  
• City Hall (although the free tour was gone on our last visit)
  
• There is also Canada's version of an Ellis Island immigration museum right next to the terminal (fee). This is where thousands of troops passed for both world wars and where thousands of Immigrants passed including many " war brides". http://www.pier21.ca/
  
• Tons of gift shopping in the terminal building (and I mean tons).
  
• Free hop-on-hop off bus, although it was not easy to find the first time and it does not come that often.
  

There is also a brewery tour in one of the indoor malls although there is a fee. The Alexander Keith's Brewery ? I have never done this tour so am unfamilier where it starts.

 

Enjoy. As you can tell, we love the NE/Canada tour and have done it many times.

 

I heartily agree with EGG's comments above, To the comments I added above I would also add

 

the Museum for the HMCS Sackville at the foot of Sackville St, the last remaining convoy " Corvette class " escort naval vessel from WW2. Some might consider this to be part of the Maritime Museum but as far as I know is a seperate museum.

 

A Harbour tour on one of the tour boats, some are sail powered. We did a sailing tour several years ago and found it to be very enjoyable and informative. The company that we went with, as far as I know is no longer in business.

 

One other poster mentioned a tour of historic homes, that would be very interesting.

 

Our favorite seafood restaurant is the 5 Fishermen but it may not open until late in the afternoon.

 

Personally, I would not bother with Whale watching. Others may disagree but my impression is that it is spotty at best.

 

I don't really don't want to down play the benefits of visiting Lunenburg etc. They are also very worthy desinations but It would be tough to do both without feeling like it was all a blur at the end of the day. Obviously there are others on this thread that have and would do it, personal choice I guess. The whole area is special and worth visiting.

[smeyer418]

Wow! Thanks for all the great insight everyone!

 

 

smeyer418 why do you not like trolley tours? Just trying to understand what they are like so I can decide if would be something I would like or not like.

 

thanks!

 

why do I hate Trolley tours....

let me count the ways.

 

waiting for the Trolley that never shows up

waiting with tons of people who all won't fit in the next trolley

worrying about getting back in time

wasting time just waiting around.

Its not the crowds that I am used to its waiting/wasting time.

 

Some people love them, I just don't. I don't in general like hop on hop off buses either. I generally do my research and pretty much know where I want to go. In NY its still much faster and a lot cheaper to get an all day subway pass and use the regular bus and subway to go see what you want to see. Yes sometimes the tour guide gives you insights that you wouldn't get otherwise but today you can down load to your music player a tour of your own and take it and get insights that most tour guides don't give.

Even though I live in NY I do occasionally take a guided tour but not on an HOHO bus or trolley....

[Alliea]

I will be docked in Halifax on August 17th. I am debating on whether or not I should stick around in Halifax (visit Maritime Museum and downtown) or rent a car and go to Peggy's Cove? I will be docked between 10am and 6pm.

 

Thanks for any input!

Peggy's Cove is beautiful. Some very famous photos have been taken there. Don't miss it!

[trainfan]

If you want to get a flavour of Nova Scotia go to

 

Peggy's Cove, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg. The downside is that you probably won't have much time, if any at all, to spend in Halifax.

The drive from Halifax to Peggy's Cove is approx 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on how slow you take it to enjoy the drive).

From Peggy's Cove to Mahone Bay is approx 1 hour (maybe a bit more) and Mahone Bay to Lunenburg (a UNESCO Heritage site) is about 10-15 mintues.

From Lunenburg back to Halifax on the main highway is approx 1.5 hours.

So you are looking at approx 3.5-4 hours of driving alone. Then you need to factor in how much time you will spend in each of the places you visit. Just an alternate suggestion.

 

 

I have spent a lot of time in NS (my wife is from there) and Peggy's Cove is nice - but it is, after all is said and done, just a lighthouse on a rock. Halifax is a great city with lots to see and do.

[momofmeg]

If you want to get a flavour of Nova Scotia go to

 

Peggy's Cove, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg. The downside is that you probably won't have much time, if any at all, to spend in Halifax.

The drive from Halifax to Peggy's Cove is approx 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on how slow you take it to enjoy the drive).

From Peggy's Cove to Mahone Bay is approx 1 hour (maybe a bit more) and Mahone Bay to Lunenburg (a UNESCO Heritage site) is about 10-15 mintues.

From Lunenburg back to Halifax on the main highway is approx 1.5 hours.

So you are looking at approx 3.5-4 hours of driving alone. Then you need to factor in how much time you will spend in each of the places you visit. Just an alternate suggestion.

 

 

I have spent a lot of time in NS (my wife is from there) and Peggy's Cove is nice - but it is, after all is said and done, just a lighthouse on a rock. Halifax is a great city with lots to see and do.

 

Sounds like I need to make a land trip to Nova Scotia.

[smeyer418]

Sounds like I need to make a land trip to Nova Scotia.

over a couple of trips to Halifax I have been to all of these,,,and enjoyed them all. Halifax is actually one of my favorite ports.

[Yvie]

Several years ago we did a land based trip to Nova Scotia, partly to do geneaology research. My best memories of what we enjoyed were the double decker bus tour of Halifax, the Halifax Public Gardens (I thought they were lovely), Lunenberg and Mahone Bay shrouded in fog, Peggy's Cove - very picturesque fishing village with a lighthouse atop huge boulders. It started raining when we were in Peggy's Cove and we went into the restaurant and had warm gingerbread with whipped cream - for some reason one of my fondest memories. We were there during September.

[LiftLockCouple]

Sounds like I need to make a land trip to Nova Scotia.

 

Take a look at this article. this might interest some as an excursion. The location is about an hour from Halifax. I have not looked so it might be offered by the ships.

 

http://www.thestar.com/article/844295--riding-high-in-nova-scotia

[poffles]

Being from this area I have been to Peggy's Cove many times over the years. My reasons for going there is never really about the destination but the drive to get there. As someone else said, it is just a rocky shorline with a lighthouse. Very scenic but perhaps a little bit over hyped for such a long trip when you are only here for a few hours one day. On the other hand, downtown Halifax is nice but depending on what you like to do you could find yourself bored after the first couple hours just walking around.

 

I say just make the choice for or against and don't look back at the decision.

[maryann ns]

Wow this sure is a hot topic. You will have decide what your interests are.

 

I am from Nova Scotia and love Peggys. But I do not go in cruise ship season. If you decide to go, get off the ship first thing and hop into your prearranged rental car. You can probably be there and gone before the busses arrive.

 

On the other hand, I love Halifax and always enjoy a stroll along the waterfront. Many people have noted that it is one of their favourite ports.

 

Of course the best answer is that you will have to come back here for longer.

[Wormy53]

If you want to get a flavour of Nova Scotia go to

 

Peggy's Cove, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg. The downside is that you probably won't have much time, if any at all, to spend in Halifax.

The drive from Halifax to Peggy's Cove is approx 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on how slow you take it to enjoy the drive).

From Peggy's Cove to Mahone Bay is approx 1 hour (maybe a bit more) and Mahone Bay to Lunenburg (a UNESCO Heritage site) is about 10-15 mintues.

From Lunenburg back to Halifax on the main highway is approx 1.5 hours.

So you are looking at approx 3.5-4 hours of driving alone. Then you need to factor in how much time you will spend in each of the places you visit. Just an alternate suggestion.

I have spent a lot of time in NS (my wife is from there) and Peggy's Cove is nice - but it is, after all is said and done, just a lighthouse on a rock. Halifax is a great city with lots to see and do.

 

Good answer!! Good answer!! My take on this: if you are prepared to drive yourself to PC and back - then you may still have time to experience Halifax. If not - enjoy the city and all it has to offer. This is a wonderful stop!

[smeyer418]

Wow this sure is a hot topic. You will have decide what your interests are.

 

I am from Nova Scotia and love Peggys. But I do not go in cruise ship season. If you decide to go, get off the ship first thing and hop into your prearranged rental car. You can probably be there and gone before the busses arrive.

 

On the other hand, I love Halifax and always enjoy a stroll along the waterfront. Many people have noted that it is one of their favourite ports.

 

Of course the best answer is that you will have to come back here for longer.

LOL thanks that is what I said two pages ago...