Top
  >  Short   >  Chebucto Head
The white octagonal Chebucto Head Lighthouse standing on a high rocky cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the entrance to Halifax Harbour in Nova Scotia.
  • Difficulty: Moderate (rugged terrain)
  • Setting: Coastal barrens, lighthouse, nature reserve.
  • Facilities: None.
  • Signage: None.
  • Features:  Iconic Nova Scotia coastal beauty with lighthouse and foghorn navigation aids for ships entering Halifax Harbour.  Access road now closed (must park before, but not block, the gate).  Part of the larger, Duncan’s Cove Nature Reserve (tread lightly, & leave no trace).
  • Biodiversity: Pitcher Plant | Head Land | Harbour Seal | More…


Chebucto Head

     A half-hour drive from Halifax lies a lesser-known lighthouse and coastal view.  Chebucto Head offers many of the same features as Peggy’s Cove, but with much less tourist traffic, and far less friendly access (the access road was left in disrepair and you now must park at the gate).  It is also part of the larger 370-hectare Duncan’s Cove nature reserve.

    Just beyond the mouth of Halifax Harbor, Chebucto Head has a broad view of the open ocean and city of Halifax alike.  The lighthouse is perched high atop a steep cliff popular with the local climbing community.  The coastal barren landscape combined with the lighthouse makes the area easy to navigate.

My Chebucto Head Photos

Lighthouse

Rugged granite cliffs and rocky shoreline at Chebucto Head near Duncan’s Cove, Nova Scotia, overlooking the deep blue Atlantic Ocean with a communications tower and lighthouse visible on the grassy hillside.

  The lighthouse was first lit in 1872 and continues to this day to guide ships on their journey across the Atlantic Ocean.  Next to the lighthouse are the remains of a WW2-era concrete fortification which was equipped with searchlights and naval guns.  It functioned as a defence of Halifax Harbor from German U-boats and surface raiders. A huge fog horn in the parking lot area still functions (beware the loudest sound you will ever hear).

Halifax Harbour Views

    Chebucto Head is an ideal trip for those looking for a pleasant coastal drive and a destination that is off the beaten track.  During the day you’ll have a great vantage point to see the busy shipping traffic coming in and out of Halifax Harbour.  At night it has a reputation as a lovers lane, but it’s a great spot to see the city lights under the dark, star-gazing sky.

See Also:  Taylor Head Provincial Park

     Chebucto Head, as well as the adjacent Duncan’s Cove hiking trail, is part of a large nature reserve, so tread lightly and follow the Leave No Trace principles.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted

Shop Outdoor Gear, Guidebooks & Gifts Gear | Books | Sale


Supporters

Get access to exclusive content!

Nancy Ohsberg.

Channagiri Jagadish.

John Spears.

Anne Henderson.

Wendy Drake.

Jo & Brenda.

“Reckless Abandon”.

Steve Morley

Barbara Rae.

Nick Nayme.

Sam I Am.

Oliver Doepner

Sandra.

Laura McDonald.

Gretchen Amirault.

John van Gurp.

Gail Stacey.

Patrick Taylor.

Mark Young.

Stef Hartlin.

IndiCrow Energetics.

George Cernan.

Harry.

(Susan) WildInNature.ca.

Lois Larson.

Michael McFadden.

Lesley Brechin.

“Toasty”.

John Spears.

Stephen Maly

George Clark.

 Frederick Rivard.

Jared Kay.

Yonju Rhee.

Brenda Beagan.

Jonathan Woelber.

Tamera Murdock.

Ruby.

Pat Sims-Eastwood

Mark in TO.

Laura McDonald.

Jay Hackney.

Travis D. Crowell.

Gretchen Amirault.

Steven.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted