This Canadian destination is like a mini Caribbean with 3 white-sand beaches and clear waters
There's no need to leave Canada to enjoy a beach vacation with white sand, crystal-clear water and tropical vibes — you can get all this in a staycation, right here in the True North.
In Nova Scotia, you can find white-sand beaches with waters that will make you forget you're in Canada. Case in point: Carter's Beach, an astoundingly tropical-like area where you'll find clear turquoise water and white sand that will instantly transport you to the Caribbean.
The beach is located in Port Mouton, a village on Nova Scotia's South Shore about an hour and 45 minutes from Halifax, in Carter's Beach Provincial Park, a natural environment featuring white-sand beaches backed by dunes, a salt marsh and a forest.
Here, you'll find water that often has a turquoise hue, making it seem like a beach you might find in Cuba or Mexico.
The beach is made up of three separate crescents of sand, each facing a different direction. This allows beachgoers to catch the sun's warmth and stay sheltered from any wind.
According to Nova Scotia's South Shore Tourism, one of the beaches is cut into two parts by a river.
A variety of marine life can be found here, including jellyfish, squid, sand dollars (ranging from the size of a dime to the size of a Tim Hortons Smile cookie) and sea stars, adding to the tropical vibe of the area.
Visitors can picnic here, lie out on the white sand or take a dip. Be aware, though, that while the beach certainly has a Caribbean look, the waters definitely don't feel tropical here — the beach is located on the Atlantic Ocean, making for very chilly water temperatures.
According to the World Beach Guide, the water at Carter's Beach reaches a high of just 16 C, on average, in the month of August, making for a very refreshing swim.
The beach is perfect for a day trip from Halifax, but there are also a number of vacation cottages located nearby for those who want to extend their stay.
Carter's Beach is open to visitors year-round. Parking is available on Carter's Beach Road, with additional parking available at a new lot on Central Port Mouton Road. There's also a new 500-metre path that will take you right from the parking lot to the beach. Washrooms are available near the beach and at the new parking lot.
Facilities in the area are limited, so you may want to pack a lunch. Just be sure to take your garbage with you to keep the beach clean for all to enjoy.
Carter's Beach
Price: Free entry
When: Open year-round
Address: 661 Central Port Mouton Rd., Port Mouton, NS
Why You Need To Go: With its white sand and turquoise waters, this beach will make you forget you're still in Canada.
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.
