Six beaches worth the drive

Carters Beach 105-minute drive This is a long way to go for a day on the beach, but one look at its three snow-white crescents and that mileage will drift out to sea, forever forgotten. Bask in beauty, search for sand dollars, take a quick dip (the water can be a bit chilly here, because Nova Scotia) and remember how lucky you are that pristine scenes like this one are only two hours away. 89 Carters Beach Road, Port Mouton

Conrad’s Beach 35-minute drive Just a stone’s throw from its neighbour Lawrencetown Beach, blink and you might miss Conrad’s. Though parking is a pain here, this beach is a sandy beauty and a nice alternative to the nearby surf haven. Still close enough that you can rent some gear from Happy Dudes (4891 Highway 207), appreciate the wavy surf and explore the boardwalks, though. Conrad Road, off Highway 207

Cleveland Beach 45-minute drive All along the winding strip of St. Margaret’s Bay Road towards Hubbards you’ll find crescent beaches of all sizes and levels of packed-ness, all lovely and rugged in their own way, all easy to pull off the road for a quick dip. But before you hit the most popular of the bunch, Queensland, is Cleveland, a provincial park that might give you a little more elbow room than it’s sister beach.
8878 Highway 3, Hubbards

Crystal Crescent 40 minute drive Caribbean-esque white sand and water that’s, while sometimes pretty chilly, crystal clear, this rugged beauty is a popular spot for sunny beach days, and Sunday walks. A provincial park, Crystal Crescent (a chain of three beaches, one being nude) has ample parking, outhouses and boardwalks. 223 Sambro Creek Road, Sambro

Martinique Beach 50-minute drive You will never be too close to your neighbours at this beach because there’s just so much of it. A longer drive from the city—but worth it—Martinique sprawls over five kilometres, making it not just a perfect spot for long walks on the beach, but swimming, SUPing, surfing and throwing around a frisbee. Check out the nearby Happy Dudes (2137 East Petpeswick Road) for gear rentals. 2389 East Petpeswick Road East Petpeswick

Rissers Beach 85-minute drive A provincial park and camping site, Rissers boasts over a kilometre of sand and is a family-friendly spot thanks to its canteen and lifeguards, a good pre- or post-Keji destination. If you’re looking for something a little less busy, try nearby Green Bay beach. And maybe mentally prepare for a “refreshing” swim?
5366 Highway 331, Petite Riviere

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This article appears in Jun 15-21, 2017.