This quaint harbour town with coastal charm is one of Canada's best summer vacation spots

If salty air, colourful fishing shacks, and views straight off a postcard sound like your ideal vacation, you'll want to plan a trip to this charming village that's iconically Canadian.

In a post on Narcity Canada's Facebook page, we asked readers to share their top summer vacation spots in Canada, and this cozy harbour town was one of the destinations mentioned.

Located just under an hour from Halifax, Peggy’s Cove is the kind of place where time slows down. The village is an iconic Canadian destination that's famous for the Peggy's Point Lighthouse, one of Nova Scotia's most well-known lighthouses (out of 160!), which may also be the most photographed in all of Canada.

Built in 1915, the lighthouse still keeps watch over surging ocean waves and working lobster boats. But while it continues to draw visitors, it's not the only reason to visit Peggy's Cove.

Peggy’s Cove is famed for its picturesque and classically East Coast profile. Here, you'll see colourful houses perched along a narrow inlet and on wave-washed boulders facing the Atlantic.

As Peggy's Cove is still an active fishing village, it practically goes without saying that you can expect to find some seriously fresh seafood here.

Be sure to try a lobster roll, a classic dish of the Maritimes, but don't miss a "feed of mussels" or a meal featuring tasty St. Margaret's Bay haddock.

You can also find many small, locally owned gift stores, galleries and craft shops in the village, featuring primarily Canadian and Nova Scotian artists.

Aside from the stunning natural beauty of this area, there are many exciting activities and experiences to be found in the Peggy's Cove Coastal Region, which encompasses the shores of St. Margaret's Bay.

The region offers scenic hiking trails, kayaking adventures, whale watching, and a number of pristine beaches, like Queensland Beach, which is one of the most popular on Nova Scotia's South Shore, and Bayswater Beach, a white-sand beach and picnic area.

Of course, the lighthouse itself cannot be missed. Visit the iconic lighthouse (don't forget your camera) and spend the day watching the waves and exploring around the rocks.

Consider visiting early in the morning or just before sunset for golden hour vibes. Just remember to stick to dry, white rocks when you visit, and avoid any wet, dark rocks.

Whether you’re road-tripping through the Maritimes or flying into Halifax for a long weekend, Peggy’s Cove is a perfect summer vacation spot that offers tons of coastal charm.

If you want to continue the ocean adventures, just over an hour away from Peggy's Cove, you can visit the Ovens Natural Park in Lunenburg, home to the famous Ovens Sea Caves, which can be reached by a hiking trail.

A little further away (just under 2 hours from the village), you can visit Carter's Beach, a white-sand beach with tropical-looking water that feels more like the Caribbean than Canada, and has been called one of the most beautiful beaches in the province.

Visit Peggy's Cove website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.