Liverpool is a small and historic town about 1.5 hours south of Halifax. If you going on a road trip around Nova Scotia, or looking for a day-trip from Halifax, then Liverpool is an underrated town with so many beautiful hidden gems that are worth checking out.
1. Walk around Pine Grove Park
This park is a calm oasis in the town of Liverpool. Walk amongst tall pine trees, flowering rhododendron bushes, around a duck pond and along the Mersey River.
There are multiple pathways in the park, so you can pick your own route and adventure every time you visit. Make it as long or as short as you desire! A few paths connect to the rails-to-trails hiking routes, and other paths will lead you across a foot bridge directly into the town of Liverpool. Every trail is well-groomed and clearly marked.
2. Admire Concrete Creations at Cosby’s Garden Centre
This isn’t just any garden centre! This is also an outdoor sculpture garden, and a very unique and magical experience to have while in Nova Scotia. This is one of the top things to do in Liverpool, Nova Scotia.
Behind the garden centre are pathways that wind throughout a pine forest, with beautiful gardens that have rare flowers, and huge concrete sculptures that are made by the owner of the garden centre. He is always expanding by adding more paths and sculptures, so it is always a new experience.
It is getting more and more popular each year, so parking can overflow onto the side streets. It is entirely free to enter, but there is a donation box if you wish to leave a donation.
3. Visit Fort Point Lighthouse
A really cute lighthouse surrounded by rose brushes, and views of the bay. You can go up a steep staircase to the top of the lighthouse, and also read about the history. Admission is also free!
4. Visit a Museum
There are plenty of museums to choose from, and are great things to do in Liverpool, Nova Scotia on a rainy OR sunny day! Check their websites before you go to see their opening hours, since a few close down for the winter season.
Sherman Hines Museum of Photography Museum: Lots of photography and photography artifacts. I have many fond memories visiting this museum as a kid.
Queens County Museum: A small museum with a lot to see and do. Learn about the Privateers, see a replica of a Privateer ship, and learn about the history of Liverpool.
Perkins House Museum: Step inside the historic home of Simeon Perkins. He kept a diary about his life in Liverpool, and the house has holographic ghosts throughout that describe what life was like.
Hank Snow Museum. This museum is located in an old train station, and dedicated primarily to country musician Hank Snow. There are two of his cars displayed, and outfits that he wore, and lots of other interesting pieces of information.
5. Kayak or stand-up paddle board along the Mersey River
Go for a sunset kayak along the Mersey River with East Coast Adventures or spend the day (or half day!) kayaking all the way to Port Mouton Islands. Stand up paddleboarding is also available. Available during the months of July and August.
6. Watch a play at the Astor Theatre
Located in downtown Liverpool, the Astor Theatre hold many events. Live music, art shows, plays, there is always something happening!
Check out their website to see what is happening there during your visit.
7. See a drive-in movie
During the summer and fall months, watch a movie under the stars in the comfort of your car. Organized by South Shore Drive-in, and located across the street from the Hank Snow museum.
To see what movies are playing each week, check out their Facebook group.
8. Have a pint at the Hell Bay Brewing Company
9. Relax at the Beach
While visiting Nova Scotia, you are never TOO far away from a beach. While visiting Liverpool, you are within a 15 minute drive to 3 of the most beautiful beaches in all of Nova Scotia.
Beach Meadows
8 minutes away from Liverpool. This beach is great if you have mobility issues, and is usually not as busy as the other 2 beaches. There are 5 different parking lots and entrances to the beach, so it’s easy to find a quiet spot. The water is usually pretty cold though, so if you want to go swimming you will have better luck at Summerville.
Summerville Beach
10 minutes away from Liverpool. This is a provincial park, and is located right next to the Quarterdeck Restaurant. There are also beach-front accommodations if you want to splurge and spend the night here too. If you want to go swimming, this is the beach where you will have the most luck.
Carter’s Beach
15 minutes away from Liverpool. This beach is the “creme de la creme” so to speak of beaches. People come far and wide to see this beach. For good reason, it looks like you have been transported to the tropics (however, the water is Artic-cold).
This has its downsides, since it has become overrun with tourists. There are no garbage bins located at this beach, so a lot of people forget to “pack in and pack out”. Parking is also extremely limited, so be prepared to walk.
My biggest tip for visiting this beach? Come either early in the morning (before 10AM), or at sunset after everyone has gone home, in the winter, or on a rainy or cold day. The water is way too cold for swimming, so come visit on a day that is typically not a “beach day”.
10. Go to White Point Beach Resort
There are so many activities at White Point Resort, you could spend a whole day here! There is an indoor pool and a hot tub – which is great to use during the colder months. During the summer months there is an outdoor pool, and also a beach which is fantastic for surfing, and a golf course. There are a few trails around the property (look out for the rabbits that hop around!), and a restaurant that overlooks ocean. At night there is usually musical entertainment in their cozy lodge, and an outdoor fire pit. There are also cabins you can spend the night in while listening to the ocean as you fall asleep.
Where to Eat in Liverpool
Memories Cafe: A bright and cheerful cafe located in downtown Liverpool. Lots of vegan and gluten-free options.
Quarterdeck Restaurant. Located about 10 minutes away from Liverpool, and directly on Summerville beach. A very classy restaurant perfect for watching the sunset over the ocean.
Have you been to Liverpool Nova Scotia? If so, let me know if I missed anything, and what you did in the comments below!
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I love that Dragon statue (and so would my son!) What a unique thing to come across walking through a garden
Looking at this as a destination in the next few years. Would love to visit this area.
Oh wow, there is so much to do. Will have to visit someday.
I had no idea there was a Liverpool in Canada, I’ve only been to the one in England! That dragon sculpture looks so fun to go and look at. Such a pretty town!
I lived in Nova Scotia for a few years but never even heard of Liverpool! So sad I missed it. I’ll have to go back to see it
The Pine Grove park looks lovely. With a pint at the pub after, I’m set!