Oh, Nova Scotia. You have my heart forever. I moved to the East Coast when I was 11 years old, and my love and appreciation for the beauty of this little corner of the world has grown exponentially with each passing year. These chilly January mornings in Germany have found me daydreaming about a good long summer walk with our family dog somewhere on the other side of the Atlantic ocean, and in anticipation of my two trips back to Halifax this year, I’m feeling inspired to turn my daydreams into a collection of text and images. So welcome!

The intentions behind this blog post are twofold: first and foremost, I’m hoping to create a simple, informative guide for those needing a little bit of inspiration in their search for NS photo locations. Secondly, I can’t help but weave in self-indulgent notes of a love-letter to my home! I am leaning into my sentimental tendencies and wholeheartedly embracing this opportunity to visually revisit some of my favourite locations for photo sessions in this province. I cannot even begin to count the number of places that have left me awe-inspired and there are always new discoveries to make; so, in an effort to be concise, what you’ll find on this page is a list of my top twenty favourite locations within a two-hour drive of Halifax! I’m always ready for a little road trip! Alright- let’s see how many times I can use variations of the word “dreamy” in one post. Let’s go!

1. Crystal Crescent Beach

Crystal Crescent is an easy favourite! There’s so much beauty and variety to be found here: turquoise water, white sand, tall luscious beach grass, and winding trails that take you all the way to Pennant Point. Although it can be a busy spot in the summer, there are three separate crescent beaches and plenty of grassy sand dunes that can provide a little bit of privacy. If you’re coming from Halifax, the drive up to the beach is pretty lovely too; put on your favourite tunes and roll your windows down as you follow the long, twisty roads that lead you to the ocean. Guaranteed good feelings!

Distance from Halifax: 35 minutes

2. Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park

The first words that come to mind when I think of Lawrencetown Beach are “majestic” and “blustery”! Located on the Eastern Shore, you’ll find sweeping views of the ocean, a perfect moonrise right above Lawrencetown hill, strong currents and rolling waves as far as the eye can see.

Distance from Halifax: 35 minutes

3. Polly’s Cove

Polly’s Cove will take your breath away! After a short hike through coastal pines and a quick scamper up a boulder or two, you’ll look up and stop in your tracks. You’re standing with a full panoramic view of the vast, rugged coastal wilderness. It just goes on forever and ever: these gigantic rock formations and bright blue water and blue sky (on a sunny day of course- but fog can also add such a magical quality to the whole experience!). This spot will give you a similar feeling to its nearby neighbour, Peggy’s Cove- but with fewer tourists and even more space to run around.

Distance from Halifax: 45 minutes

4. Blomidon Provincial Park

Blomidon Provincial Park is a place for adventurous souls. The Bay of Fundy has the highest recorded tides in the world, with a tidal range of 53 feet! It’s a slow process, but it can still sneak up on ya. One minute you’re enjoying a nice peaceful walk along the ocean floor, and the next thing you know, the water is swirling around your ankles and you shuffle through the mud and sand to make it back to dry land!

And the light. The LIGHT. The evening sunshine bounces off the bright orange-red cliffs and the whole place glows.

Distance from Halifax: 1 hour 30 minutes

5. Herring Cove

Herring Cove has held a special place in my heart over the years: given its close proximity to Halifax, it has provided the perfect refuge for heart-to-hearts with friends while listening to the sound of the waves. And it’s so pretty!

Distance from Halifax: 20 minutes

6. Duncan’s Cove

Duncan’s Cove is magic. I’ve spent early mornings, mid-days, and late evenings here and it will never get old. In summer, you can breathe in the warm sea breeze and follow the rocky trails that meander along the coast; in autumn, the ground is carpeted in vibrant red vegetation unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.

Distance from Halifax: 30 minutes

7. Victoria Park

If you’re chasing waterfalls, Victoria Park is the spot for you. Tucked away right in the heart of Truro NS, this park has winding trails, cascading waterfalls and magical woods that could keep you wandering around in awe for hours!

Distance from Halifax: 1 hour 10 minutes

8. Downtown Halifax

So many great options to work with here! There’s the Halifax Waterfront that will lead you down the boardwalk right along the harbour; there’s the Dalhousie University Campus with its beautiful architecture; there’s the far South End corner where you’ll find Pier 21 and the Via Rail Train Station; and we can’t forget the sweet European vibes found in Granville Square, as well as the Historic Properties right around the corner.

9. Conrad’s Beach

I feel like it’s hard to put the beauty of Conrad’s Beach into words. Even the walk up to the beach makes me stop every two minutes to admire the wide open sky and the wildflowers and the tall grass swaying in the breeze and the list goes on and on! Check out that final image for one of the most spectacular sunsets I’ve ever seen in my entire life.

Distance from Halifax: 30 minutes

10. High Head

Oh my goodness High Head brings me so much joy. You can sit comfortably along the edge of the rocky cliffs and watch the sun set right over the ocean. I’ve spent a lot of time here over the years and I’ll never tire of the peace and rugged beauty that exists in this place.

Distance from Halifax: 35 minutes

11. Cole Harbour Heritage Park

Cole Harbour Heritage Park has so many gorgeous views, but my all-time favourite is this tree that you see below! I would photograph people under/in front of/next to this beaut for time and all eternity. Aside from my slightly weird obsession with a specific tree, you’ll also find soft green fields and woodsy trails that take you right down to the shores of Bissett Lake on one side, and the shores of Cole Harbour on the other side.

Distance from Halifax: 20 minutes

12. Wolfville

Wolfville is a cute little town nestled in the Annapolis Valley; you’ll find cozy cafes, amazing views of Cape Blomidon and the Bay of Fundy, and a charming town centre with picturesque shops and an AMAZING crêperie that I dream about on a regular basis. We can take in the stunning landscapes and run around in the open fields, and follow it up with a hot drink at Just Us or The Rolled Oat Café!

Distance from Halifax: 1 hour

13. Peggy’s Cove

Peggy’s Cove speaks for itself. Beyond the iconic lighthouse overlooking the wide open sea, the rocky windblown landscape is absolutely fascinating. It’s impossible to not feel inspired as you look out over the ocean while perched atop the massive rocks.

Distance from Halifax: 45 minutes

14. Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens

Irving Botanical Gardens (in the heart of Wolfville!) is straight out of my Plant Mom dreams. There is so much room to play and you get some gorgeous diffused window light, making for the softest yummiest photos ever. Yes, yummy.

Distance from Halifax: 1 hour

15. Laurie Park

Laurie Provincial Park is the sweetest little wonderland. There’s a quiet calm you’ll find throughout the woods that extend along the edge of Shubenacadie Grand Lake; if you’re looking for greenery in your photos, this is it! Laurie is the perfect setting for facilitating a serene, intimate session full of natural beauty.

Distance from Halifax: 30 minutes

16. Fisherman’s Cove

If you’re looking for a quaint, colourful fishing village with the best ice cream shop ever, Fisherman’s Cove is the place for you! You’ll also find a boardwalk that extends out from between the colourful shops and into the peninsula of MacCormacks Beach Provincial Park, directly next to Fisherman’s Cove. The peninsula is criss-crossed with sandy paths and covered in tall beach grass, making for a classic Nova Scotian backdrop.

Distance from Halifax: 20 minutes

17. A-Frame on Fletcher

Kate and Jerry’s A-Frame on Fletcher is a literal dream come true. I couldn’t stop myself from including it in this list. I want to live here forever. Kate (one of the most incredible artists ever!) and Jerry (an absolutely phenomenal carpenter!) are the sweetest, warmest souls with the CUTEST cats. They’ve completely transformed this super cool A-frame house out in Fall River, and have recently started renting it out for photo sessions. Check out their instagram for all the dreamy updates!

Distance from Halifax: 30 minutes

18. Halifax Public Gardens

Halifax Public Gardens offers a stunning 16 acres of floral goodness. I’m all for making a full date out of your session, so after creating some incredible photos together in the gardens, we can hop across the street for an ice cream at the Dairy Bar or grab tacos from Stillwell Beergarden right around the corner.

19. Black Rock Beach (Point Pleasant Park)

It’s pretty wonderful that you don’t even have to leave Halifax to find a beach! Located in Point Pleasant Park right along the edge of the Halifax Harbour, Black Rock Beach is perfect for running around with your pup (see evidence below!!) and taking in the harbour views. The park itself is also amazing for photos!

20. Oakfield Park

Oakfield brings you soft breezes, tall grass and tranquil lake views. Perfect for packing a picnic, laying back and watching the clouds float by and daydreaming the day away- and perfect for facilitating relaxed, personal moments for photo documentation. :)

Distance from Halifax: 40 minutes

So there ya go!

Can you even believe how lucky we are to have so much beauty jam-packed into such a little province? And this is only the beginning! Maybe someday I’ll write a whole book. In the meantime, I’ll keep dreaming about warm evenings with my feet in the water at Crystal Crescent, or chasing my pup through the soft grassy fields out in Oakfield Park. And I’ll keep dreaming about photographing beautiful people (maybe you?? yes you?? let me photograph you please and thank you xoxo) in beautiful Nova Scotian settings.

Feeling inspired? Let’s talk about your dreams and plan a session!!