Chebucto Head Info:
- 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…
- Tags: #Coastal #Lighthouse #Lookoff #Nature-Reserve.
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.
Lighthouse
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.
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.
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You know you're entering Halifax Harbour when the unmistakable Chebucto Head is passing down your port beam.
(It wouldn't be a classic #NovaScotiaWelcome without fog and mist... 😉)
