This article was independently produced by our editorial team with financial support from Develop Nova Scotia, connecting our city to the water. Visit Halifax waterfront this summer for food, art, shopping and adventure. Find a list of things to do and see here.
If you’ve read the how to get out on the water part of the Hot Summer Guide, you’ll know that surfing is kind of a big deal in Halifax. Not only do we get some of the best waves on North America's east coast, but local hospitality extends to helping groms—as in grommets, inexperienced surfers—learn to ride them. So why not give it a try? Whether you've always wanted to surf, or are looking for a handy adventure after a couple of years of COVID, going for lessons at popular Lawrencetown Beach is one of the most underrated overnight trips in the HRM.
Getting out to the beach
When the traffic's cooperating, Lawrencetown is just 20 minutes away from downtown Halifax. But there is no public transit out to the beach, so if you don’t have a car you’ll need to get access to one.
Carsharing is an option from Communauto, and its day rates vary from $28 to $50.
Getting a taxi or an Uber ranges from $35 to $80.
The best option is to invite your friend with the car, and offer to cover their surfboard rental and chip in for gas.
Let’s go surfing now
After transport is arranged, book your surf lessons. There are lots of choices.
East Coast Surf School
The most popular beach for surfing in Nova Scotia is surely Lawrencetown, and many nearby shops like this one offer $20 board rental, $20 wetsuits, and are just a walk away from the beach.
Kannon Beach
Surfboard rentals at the Lawrencetown shop start at $20, with paddleboards for $30, and all the equipment you'll need is available. Or get a full lesson, with board and suit rental included, for $75.
Lawrencetown Surf Co.
This spot near the beach has board rentals as well as lessons every Wednesday and Saturday for those who need to get better acquainted with the water or want to perfect their skills.
Happy Dudes Surf Emporium
With both a shop nearby and a rental van that's often parked overlooking Lawrencetown, Happy Dudes has boards starting at $20 for four hours, as well as wetsuit rentals and everything else you need to take a day at the beach to the next level.
Where to sleep
Once you’ve spent the day on and in the surf, you’ll want a quiet place to unwind and relax.
Moonlight Beach Inn
Boasting rooms with views of the ocean and right next door to Lawrencetown Beach, the Moonlight Beach Inn is a great place to spend a night. Suites range from $250 to $355 per night.
Lawrencetown Lodge
Lawrencetown Lodge is a quaint tiny cottage getaway just up the road from Lawrencetown beach. There are two cabins for rent that go for $219 a night.
Porters Lake Provincial park
What better way to cap off a day in the ocean than by sleeping in the woods? A campsite goes for $26.70 or $35.60 a night.
Breakfast on the shore
It's not just the waves that make Lawrencetown a destination.
Rose and Rooster
Hands down one of the best places to eat breakfast in the HRM. Not many people make the trip out to the cafe from the city, but with fresh bread and home-cooked meals, it’s worth a visit on its own.
La Cusine de Brigette
Another hidden-to-the-city gem on the Eastern Shore. Excellent fish cakes, chowder and desserts; it’s also worth the trip from the city just to eat here.
