Advocate Harbour in Nova Scotia is a charming destination known for its rugged coastline, stunning views, and outdoor activities. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a memorable trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Advocate and Exploration

• Arrive in Advocate Harbour, Nova Scotia, on the Bay of Fundy and check into your accommodation (options range from cozy cottages to charming bed and breakfasts). A list of the area’s accommodations can be found here.
• Visit Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. Enjoy a hike along one of the many trails offering spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy. Stop by the Visitor Centre to learn about the park’s trails and tide times. Opening hours 8:30 am to 8 pm mid-May through mid-October.
• Have dinner at the spectacular Wild Caraway Restaurant and enjoy a gourmet set 5-course menu.

Hiking in Cape Chignecto Park.

Day 2: Advocate Outdoor Adventure

• Join a guided sea kayaking tour with NovaShores Adventures. Paddle through the towering Three Sisters sea stacks and sea caves that line the coastline of Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. This trip includes a picnic lunch!
• Alternatively, if you prefer land-based activities, take a guided hike or bike tour with Local Guy Adventures, or travel to nearby Parrsboro and take a horseback riding tour along the shore with Spirit Reins Ranch or explore hidden coves and stunning coastal cliffs with Tide rollers & Mudlarkers.
• Enjoy a leisurely dinner in Advocate Harbour, such as Indian food takeout from the Advocate Country Store Rite Stop as a picnic with views of the sunset at Cape d’Or.

The Three Sisters Day Tour with NovaShores Adventures.

Day 3: Cultural & Relaxation in & near Advocate

• Visit the Age of Sail Heritage Centre in nearby Port Greville. Explore exhibits showcasing the maritime history of the region and its shipbuilding heritage.
• Spend the afternoon relaxing at Driftwood Beach or Red Rocks in West Advocate, or at Horseshoe Cove on Cape d’Or.
• Explore some of the small shops along the shore from Port Greville to Advocate Harbour, such as the Sun, Moon & Stars gift shop in Spencers Island.
• On Saturday mornings, 9 am to 12 noon, don’t miss the cute market at the log building (located above the library) in Advocate. You can have tea & coffee, mingle with locals, shop for crafts and try the lovely fresh treats from Backstreet Bakery.
• Alternatively, if you’re interested in geology, consider a guided tour at the Fundy Geological Museum in nearby Parrsboro, or travelling the other direction to explore the famous Joggins Fossil Cliffs and learn about the area’s unique geological formations.
• Take in another sunset at one of the scenic viewpoints overlooking the Bay of Fundy such as Red Rocks, Driftwood Beach or Cape d’Or.
• Try and secure a seat at the Lightkeeper’s Kitchen on Cape d’Or or consider take-out from The Hook & Anchor to savour fresh catches from the Bay of Fundy.

Dino Dig with the Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro.

Day 4: Advocate farewell

• If time permits before your departure, take a final stroll along the beach or explore any local shops or galleries you haven’t visited yet.
• Check out of your accommodation and prepare for your journey home or to your next destination.

Red Rocks marks the southern entrance to Cape Chignecto Park and is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.

This Advocate itinerary offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation, allowing you to experience the natural beauty and unique charm of Advocate Harbour and its surroundings in Nova Scotia. Safe travels!

When preparing for a Bay of Fundy sea kayaking adventure, dressing appropriately is key to staying comfortable and safe. Even in summer, Bay of Fundy waters remain cold, and weather conditions can change quickly. The right clothing will help you enjoy your time on the water to the fullest.

                                                                                       Kayakers at Owl Rock, Cape Chignecto Park, on a sunny but cool day.

👕 Clothing for Bay of Fundy Kayaking

1. Quick-drying layers
Choose synthetic materials like polyester or nylon that dry quickly. Avoid cotton, as it holds moisture and can leave you feeling cold, especially in the cool conditions typical of the Bay of Fundy.

2. Insulating layer (weather dependent)
On cooler days, bring a lightweight fleece or wool layer. Even in summer, the Bay of Fundy coastline can feel fresh, particularly when wind and fog roll in.

3. Outer layer (wind & splash protection)
A waterproof or water-resistant jacket or windbreaker is essential. It will protect you from paddle splashes and coastal winds.

4. Swimwear
On warm days, wear swimwear underneath your layers for comfort and flexibility.

👣 Footwear

5. Water shoes or sturdy sandals
Choose footwear that can get wet and provides good traction. The rocky, uneven shores of the Bay of Fundy require proper grip. Avoid flip-flops or going barefoot.

🧢 Accessories

6. Hat
A brimmed hat protects your face from the sun and improves visibility on bright days.

7. Sunglasses
Bring sunglasses with UV protection to reduce glare reflecting off the water—something you’ll notice quickly on the Bay of Fundy.

🌤️ Additional Tips for the Bay of Fundy

• Layer up: Conditions can shift throughout the day, so dress in layers you can easily adjust

• Sun protection: Use sunscreen, even on overcast days, and consider a long-sleeved shirt or rash guard

• Keep it simple: Avoid bulky or unnecessary items as space is limited in a kayak

• We will give you a dry bag for your trip with us, so you can store extra layers away.

🌊 Final Thoughts

Dressing properly for Bay of Fundy sea kayaking makes all the difference. With the right layers and gear, you’ll stay warm, dry, and comfortable, so you can focus on the experience: paddling beneath dramatic cliffs, exploring remote beaches, and taking in one of the most unique coastal environments in the world.

1. Cape Chignecto, Bay of Fundy, Canada
2. 100 Wild Islands, Nova Scotia, Canada
3. Broken Group Islands, BC, Canada
4. Blackstone Bay, Alaska, USA
5. Loreto Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Kayaking along the Cliffs of Fundy

Sea kayaking is a lovely activity to discover new places, get away from it all and immerse yourself in nature. Personally, I cannot think of anything that I would rather do (when the weather cooperates, that is). Sea kayaking is so soothing to the soul, and it gets me out into pure wilderness. There is something to be said for living out of your kayak – the simplicity, self-reliance and minimalism of it is a treasure.

In North America, we are spoilt with many great paddling destinations. From the dramatic desert-meets-the-ocean setting of the Sea of Cortez to paddling up to glaciers in Alaska and the world’s biggest tides on the Bay of Fundy, there are some awe-inspiring places to explore by kayak. Over the years, I have been drawn back over and over again to a handful of places in Canada, Mexico and the US that are still wild, off the beaten track and that offer spectacular scenery.

There are some mindful, experienced and passionate sea kayaking outfitters in those places, who love what they do and who do an outstanding job. I have included those recommendations of people and businesses that I can vouch for.

1. Cape Chignecto, Bay of Fundy, Canada

To experience the largest tides on earth, head to the Bay of Fundy on Canada’s East Coast. It is a real bucket list item, and you will not be disappointed. 40 ft tides change the scenery completely within a little over 6 hrs. Add the majestic Cliffs of Fundy into the mix, which have been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, and you get an unparalleled sea kayaking destination. Rugged colourful cliffs, sea stacks, arches to paddle through and ancient lava flows provide a breathtaking backdrop to unique paddling adventures.

You can head out for the day and explore the Three Sisters sea stacks, or paddle around Cape Chignecto in three days. Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, Nova Scotia, is one of the Bay of Fundy’s wildest places and truly a hidden gem.

Recommended sea kayaking outfitter: NovaShores Adventures

Kayakers at the Three Sisters, Bay of Fundy

2. 100 Wild Islands, Nova Scotia, Canada

Another little known East Coast gem are the 100 Wild Islands off of Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. Vast white sandy beaches, sheltered coves and dramatic headlands delight the intrepid paddler. This pristine wilderness is one of the last remaining intact ecosystems when it comes to island groups of its size in North America. The rich coastal rainforests, bogs and barrens, and over 250 kilometres of shoreline really make you feel like you’re getting away from it all. Yet this paradise of Turquoise waters, gorgeous sunrises and seal encounters is just off the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia – a perfect place to discover by kayak.

Recommended sea kayaking outfitter: Coastal Adventures

Landing on Wolfes Island in the 100 Wild Islands group in Nova Scotia

3. Broken Group Islands, BC, Canada

The rugged coast of western Vancouver Island is another sea kayaker’s dream. Rainforest-fringed islands lie sheltered from the open Pacific. Tall mountains form the backdrop of your paddling adventures while white sandy beaches invite you for a stop-over. The wildlife encounters here can be breathtaking. Kayak with humpbacks and grey whales, watch black bears dig for clams on the shore, and observe sea stars in all shades of the rainbow in the crystal clear waters of Barclay Sound.

Recommended sea kayaking outfitter: Hello Nature Adventure Tours

The Broken Group Islands area a sea kayaking paradise

4. Blackstone Bay, Alaska, USA

Blackstone Bay is a breathtaking fjord located in the western reaches of magnificent Prince William Sound. In Alaska, striking natural beauty exists on a larger scale, and untamed Blackstone Bay is no exception. A total of seven majestic glaciers surround the Bay. Two of these glaciers still flow into the Bay and drop impressive chunks of ice into the water, so that you can paddle among magical blue icebergs. Waterfalls drop over big cliffs, bald eagles tend to their young in their nests, and meadows of wild flowers are just a short hike away from shore.

Recommended sea kayaking outfitter: Alaska Sea Kayakers

Sea kayaking Blackstone Bay with glaciers in the backdrop

5. Loreto Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Where the rugged peaks of the Sierra la Giganta descent into the crystalline waters of the Sea of Cortez lies another extraordinarily scenic sea kayaking destination. The rugged islands of Loreto Bay National Marine Park offer the perfect blend of sea kayaking, hiking and snorkelling. Desert meets the ocean: Red-hued desert colours, large cacti, azure blue water and magical land formations give this area great aesthetic and photographic appeal. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and supports a spectacularly rich marine life. It offers exceptional opportunities for viewing dolphins, sea lions and whales. High-flying frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and squadrons of pelicans are your companions as you sea kayak past mobular rays and snorkel with brightly coloured fish. Each winter, endangered blue whales migrate to these waters. Fin, Humpback and Sei whales also frequent the area. The abundant wildlife, massive whales, sunny weather and crystalline waters make the Sea of Cortez one of the best winter sea kayaking destinations in North America.

Recommended sea kayaking outfitter: Sea Kayak Baja Mexico

Paddling on the Sea of Cortez with the Sierra la Giganta as a backdrop