Shelburne Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, and more in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. This travel guide provides detailed information for a memorable trip.


Introduction to Shelburne

Shelburne is a charming town located in South Shore, Nova Scotia, one of the most picturesque regions in Atlantic Canada. It was established in the 18th century as a trading and fishing community and has a rich history that is reflected in its well-preserved architecture, museums, and historical sites.

Shelburne is also known for its natural beauty, with miles of coastline, beaches, forests, and lakes. It offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and sailing. Visitors can also enjoy the town’s vibrant arts and culture scene, delicious food and drink, and warm hospitality.

List of Places to Visit in Shelburne

If you’re planning a trip to Shelburne, here’s a list of must-see places to include in your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ross-Thomson House and Store Museum - a restored 18th-century wooden building that showcases the town’s maritime heritage
  • Shelburne County Museum - exhibits on the town’s history and culture, with a focus on shipbuilding, fishing, and immigration
  • Dory Shop Museum - workshops and displays of traditional fishing boats and boat-building techniques
  • Shelburne Historical Society - archives and artifacts related to the town’s past and present

Natural Attractions of Shelburne: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kejimkujik National Park - hiking trails, campgrounds, and paddling routes through lakes and rivers, with rare wildlife such as bald eagles, loons, and moose
  • Islands Provincial Park - a chain of small islands that offer beaches, picnic areas, and bird-watching spots, accessible by boat or kayak
  • Shelburne Harbour - a deep-water port that is ideal for sailing, fishing, and lobstering, with breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape
  • Sandy Point Beach Park - a sandy beach with facilities for swimming, sunbathing, and playgrounds for children

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shelburne

Shelburne has a vast network of trails and routes for hikers and bikers of different levels. Some of the most popular ones are:

  • The Shelburne Rail Trail - a 7.5 km gravel trail that follows a historic railway line, with scenic views of the forest and river
  • The Osprey Trail - a 4 km trail that leads to a lookout point for bird-watching, with benches and interpretive panels
  • The Jordan Falls Trail - a 6 km trail that follows the path of a former logging road, with views of waterfalls and rock formations
  • The Islands Trail - a 10 km trail that connects the Islands Provincial Park with other islands, with opportunities for beach-combing and exploration

Best Things to Do in Shelburne: Activities and Tours

Shelburne offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the best ones:

  • Harbour Tour - a guided tour of Shelburne Harbour that includes lobster traps, fish farms, and lighthouses, with a chance to see seals, whales, and dolphins
  • Brewery Tour - a visit to the Boxing Rock Brewery in Shelburne that showcases local craft beer, with samples and souvenirs for purchase
  • Art Studio Tour - a self-guided tour of the studios of local artists and artisans, with pottery, paintings, jewelry, and textiles
  • Ghost Walk - a spooky tour of Shelburne’s haunted houses and cemeteries, with tales of ghosts and legends

Week-Long Itinerary for Shelburne

Here’s a week-long itinerary that covers the highlights of Shelburne:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrive in Shelburne. Check in to hotel. Explore the town center.
Day 2 Visit Ross-Thomson House and Store Museum. Walk around Dock Street.
Day 3 Take a harbor tour. Visit the Dory Shop Museum.
Day 4 Hike the Osprey Trail. Have lunch at Charlotte Lane Cafe.
Day 5 Go on a brewery tour. Visit the Shelburne County Museum.
Day 6 Explore Kejimkujik National Park. Picnic by the lake.
Day 7 Take an art studio tour. Have dinner at The Sea Dog Saloon.

Food and Drink Scene of Shelburne

Shelburne is a foodie’s paradise, with a range of options that cater to different tastes and budgets. Seafood, of course, is the star of the local cuisine, but there are also plenty of vegetarian and international options. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster Roll - a classic sandwich with fresh lobster meat, mayonnaise, celery, and spices, served on a toasted bun
  • Fish and Chips - battered and deep-fried haddock or halibut, served with fries and tartar sauce
  • Seafood Chowder - a creamy soup with clams, scallops, shrimp, and fish, seasoned with herbs and spices
  • Blueberry Grunt - a dessert made with fresh blueberries, biscuits, and cream, baked in a skillet

Local Beverages

  • Tidal Bay Wine - a crisp and fruity white wine made with grapes grown only in Nova Scotia
  • Boxing Rock Craft Beer - a range of beers that draw inspiration from local ingredients and flavors, such as The Vicar’s Cross, The Temptation Red Ale, and The U-889 Russian Imperial Stout
  • Ironworks Gin - a complex and aromatic gin made with botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander, and angelica root, distilled in a traditional copper pot still
  • Nova Scotia Cider - a refreshing and fruity cider made with locally grown apples, with variations such as Elderflower, Blueberry, and Honeycrisp

Where to Stay in Shelburne: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Shelburne has a variety of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best ones:

  • Cooper’s Inn - a historic bed and breakfast located in the heart of the town, with elegant rooms and gourmet breakfasts
  • Mackenzie’s Motel and Cottages - a family-owned motel that offers spacious rooms and cabins, with a heated indoor pool and playground
  • Wildwood Motel - a budget-friendly motel that features clean and comfortable rooms, with free Wi-Fi and on-site parking
  • Allendale by the Sea - a waterfront guesthouse that offers stunning views of Shelburne Harbour, with private decks and in-room fireplaces

What to Buy in Shelburne: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Shelburne is a great place to shop for unique and authentic souvenirs that capture the essence of the town. Here are some things to consider:

  • Lobster Traps - mini-replicas of the wooden traps used by local fishermen, great for display or as a conversation piece
  • Hand-knitted Sweaters - cozy and charming sweaters made by local artisans, using traditional patterns and techniques
  • Lunenburg County Wineries Wines - a selection of locally made wines from wineries on the South Shore including Petite Riviere Vineyards, L’Acadie Vineyards, and Luckett Vineyards
  • Seashell Jewelry - delicate and beautiful jewelry made from seashells found on the beaches of Shelburne

Local Culture and Customs of Shelburne

Shelburne has a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated and preserved through its festivals, traditions, and customs. Some things to keep in mind when visiting:

  • Respect for the Environment - Shelburne is known for its pristine natural beauty, so visitors are encouraged to practice leave-no-trace principles and avoid littering or damaging the ecosystem
  • Maritime Traditions - the town’s history and culture are closely tied to the sea, and visitors can learn about local traditions such as fishing, boat-building, and lobstering
  • Community Spirit - Shelburne is a friendly and welcoming town, with a strong sense of community and a tradition of volunteerism and civic engagement
  • Respect for Diversity - Shelburne is home to a diverse population with different backgrounds and cultures, so visitors are advised to be respectful and open-minded

Best Time to Visit Shelburne

The best time to visit Shelburne is between May and October when the weather is mild, and the town is bustling with festivals and events. The summer months (June-August) are the busiest and most popular, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. The fall (September-November) is also a great time to visit, with colorful foliage and harvest festivals. The winter months (December-February) are quiet and snowy, with fewer attractions and activities open.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shelburne

Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Shelburne:

Do:

  • Explore the town’s historic architecture, museums, and cultural landmarks
  • Try the local seafood and craft beer
  • Hike or bike the trails in Kejimkujik National Park and other natural areas
  • Attend a festival or event, such as the Founders Days, Lobster Festival, or Shelburne Farmers’ Market

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment
  • Ignore local customs or traditions
  • Disrespect local residents or visitors from different backgrounds
  • Undertake outdoor activities without proper gear and preparation

Safety and Health

Shelburne is a safe and healthy destination, with efficient emergency services and well-equipped medical facilities. However, visitors should take the usual precautions when traveling, such as keeping valuables safe, staying hydrated, and wearing proper clothing for the weather. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers accidents, sickness, and other unexpected events.

Safety in Shelburne

  • The town’s crime rate is low, but visitors should be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and public transportation
  • The natural environment can be unpredictable, so visitors should follow safety guidelines for hiking, biking, and water activities, and avoid unstable cliffs or rocks

Health in Shelburne

  • Tap water is safe to drink in Shelburne, but visitors who prefer bottled water can find it in supermarkets and convenience stores.
  • The nearest hospital is South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, about 70 km north of Shelburne. There are also several clinics and pharmacies in town that offer basic medical services and supplies.

Getting to Shelburne: Transportation Options and Logistics

Shelburne is situated along the scenic Lighthouse Route (Highway 103) and is easily accessible from other major cities in Nova Scotia. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Shelburne

  • Yarmouth International Airport - the closest airport, about 85 km southwest of Shelburne, with daily flights to Halifax and other Canadian cities
  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport - the main airport in Nova Scotia, about 220 km northeast of Shelburne, with international and domestic flights

Bus Stations Near Shelburne

  • Shelburne Bus Shelter - a small station that serves buses from Halifax and other towns on the South Shore
  • Yarmouth Bus Terminal - a larger station that serves buses to and from other provinces, such as Ontario and Quebec

Other Options

  • Car Rental - visitors can rent a car in Halifax or Yarmouth and drive to Shelburne along the Lighthouse Route, which takes about 2-3 hours.
  • Taxi/Uber - visitors can also hire a taxi or use Uber to get around Shelburne and other nearby towns.

How to Get Around in Shelburne

Shelburne is a small town that is easy to explore on foot or by bike. Taxis and rental cars are also available for those who prefer them. Some specific transportation options include:

  • Bicycle Rental - visitors can rent a bike from local rental shops such as Shelburne Kayak Shack or The Bike Shak, for a fun and healthy way to explore the town and nearby trails.
  • Harbour Ferry - the ferry service connects the Shelburne Waterfront to Sandy Point, making it convenient for people who want to go to the beach, the Provincial Park or for walking the trails from the Provincial Park to Dory Shop Museum in downtown
  • Taxis - several taxi companies operate in Shelburne, making it easy to get around when inclement weather or when wanting to cover longer distances.

Where to Go Next from Shelburne: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Shelburne is a great base for exploring other towns, attractions, and natural wonders in the South Shore region. Here are some nearby destinations to consider:

  • Lunenburg UNESCO Heritage Site - a charming town that features colorful houses, museums, galleries, and restaurants, about 60 km away from Shelburne
  • Peggy’s Cove - a famous fishing village that is known for its unique rock formations and lighthouse, about 120 km away from Shelburne
  • Annapolis Royal - a historic town that showcases the rich culture and heritage of the Annapolis Valley, about 100 km away from Shelburne
  • Mahone Bay - a picturesque town that features a scenic waterfront, artisan shops, and festivals, about 70 km away from Shelburne

Conclusion

Shelburne is a beautiful and fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. Visitors can explore the town’s museums and historical sites, hike or bike its scenic trails, taste its delicious food and drink, and experience its warm and welcoming hospitality. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a food lover, Shelburne has something for everyone.

The Cox Warehouse on Dock Street The Cox Warehouse on Dock Street Present day barrel factory Present day barrel factory Tall Ship Larinda Tall Ship Larinda