Follow along as we head to Port Mouton and Port Joli

This Summer, we're exploring the beautiful towns and attractions of the South Shore of Nova Scotia. From local eateries to lighthouses, from beaches to B&B's, follow along and discover why we're so proud to call this place home!

This week, our road-trip adventure takes us to PORT JOLI and PORT MOUTON!

Located just a short drive from one another, these adjacent communities offer serene beaches, rugged nature, and authentic South Shore culture for the perfect day trip or weekend getaway. 

PORT JOLI: Formerly a prosperous fishing harbour, PORT JOLI now is home to three unique nature parks, Kejimkujik National Park Seaside, Port Joli Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary and Thomas H. Raddall Provincial Park. Thomas Raddall Park was recently the focus of archaeological digs which unearthed exciting evidence of the Mi’kmaq settlements.

PORT MOUTON: in 1604, French explorers Samuel de Champlain and Sieur de Monts made landfall here while mapping the rugged coastline of what is now Atlantic Canada. As legend goes, an eager sheep aboard their ship leapt into the ocean and swam to shore, leading the explorers to name the spot Port Mouton, which means “Sheep Port” in French. Long before European arrival, however, this land was known to the Mi’kmaq people as Wologumk, meaning “deep gully or hole in the river.” For generations, the Mi’kmaq lived, travelled, and thrived on this coastline, and their legacy continues to shape the identity of this area today.

• Explore the tropical-looking white sands of Carter's Beach

• Hike the coastal trails of Kejimkujik Seaside

• Discover local arts at Coastal Queens Place

No trip to the area would be complete without a visit to Carter’s Beach. Located in Port Mouton, Carter’s Beach is a stunning, three-crescent white-sand beach known for its turquoise waters and resemblance to the Caribbean. The park features a 500-meter accessible pathway from the main parking lot to the shoreline. The water is beautifully clear, but, be warned, it’s also very cold. What a great way to cool off on a hot Summer’s day!

 

Grab your comfortable shoes, because this area is home to some amazing trails! Located only 9 minutes from Port Joli, Kejimkujik National Park Seaside is a hiker's paradise. Experience the ocean all around you - the salt spray of crashing waves pounding on granite rocks, seals basking just offshore, shorebirds dancing in the surf, white sand gleaming beneath clear turquoise waters, and trees gnarled by salty winds. Kejimkujik Seaside offers two hiking trails - Harbour Rocks Trail - 2.6 km one way and Port Joli Head Trail - 4.75 km one way. Both lead to Harbour Rocks Beach. Please take note - this is not a swimming beach due to the dangerous currents and undertow.

We’re heading to the SEASCAPE Restaurant. This coastal hot-spot is located in Port Mouton, in the Campbell family homestead, founded in 1783. It offers seasonal dining and is beloved by local residents and visitors alike. The Seascape is famous for having some of the best fresh haddock and chips, seafood chowder, and simple home-cooked meals on the South Shore. Bonus - this location is also the local NSLC and Convenience Store. So, after lunch, pick up some supplies, along with a bottle of your favourite libation, to enjoy later that day when you reach your next stop...

With so much to see and explore in the area, you will definitely want to stay a while. For a classic coastal stay in Port Mouton, visit The Quarterdeck Resort in nearby Summerville. Just a stone’s throw from the white sands of Carters Beach and Summerville Beach Provincial Park, The Quarterdeck Resort is located right on the beach in adjacent Summerville Centre, about a 5-minute drive from Port Mouton and 10 minutes from Port Joli. This spot offers modern beachside villas, an indoor pool, and a highly-rated oceanfront restaurant. The Quarterdeck Resort combines beautiful coastal views with only the finest amenities. 

For those looking to extend their stay, without over-extending their budget, why not try The Coastal Queens Place Hostel (also known as the Port Mouton International Hostel). Once the local elementary school, the Coastal Queens Place is a volunteer-run, non-profit lodging located in Port Mouton. It features 32 beds across 6 rooms and offers a shared kitchen. This quaint back-packers hostel is located downstairs, while upstairs features a gallery space, hosting the works of local artists and a thrifters' paradise, selling books, knick knacks, homewares and other treasures.

Have you been to Port Joli and Port Mouton? We'd love to hear what you thought of the area. Or maybe our series has enticed you to want to visit? What would you do first? Drop a comment down below and let us know.

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What are we wearing to Ports Joli and Mouton? Click the image below to shop the look!