A Sunrise Trail Road Trip: Antigonish to Arisaig and the Northumberland Shore
Follow Highway 245 through coastal communities, beaches, historic sites, and scenic stops along Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore.
By Denise Davies
Looking for a scenic road trip from Antigonish? Highway 245 follows Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore through Arisaig, Knoydart, Lismore, Merigomish, and other small coastal communities before reconnecting with the main highway near Sutherlands River.
This section of the Sunrise Trail combines coastal scenery, beaches, provincial parks, local history, and places worth stopping along the way. Local writer Denise Davies takes us along the route from Antigonish and shares some of the highlights to look for.
There are five main routes out of Antigonish each with wonderful destinations. Take HWY 245 from the end of Main Street along Hawthorne Street and head to explore a section of the Sunrise Trail along the Northumberland Shore.
ISSUE
Fall/Winter 2022
Arisaig Harbour
Drive through rolling rural countryside and at Malignant Cover keep to the left where you start seeing views of the blue waters of the Northumberland Shore. Our first stop is Arisaig. Turn right at the St. Margaret of Scotland Church and head down to the wharf.
From the lighthouse where you can get an ice cream in season fresh sea breezes and sea birds on the colorful rocks. Learn about this historic fishing community on the interpretive panels. Walk along the wharf and admire the fishing boats. During the lobster fishing season (May 1 – June 30) there is lots of activity early morning and when the boats return.
A small crescent sandy pebble beach is fun for the whole family. At low tide you can walk over towards the cliffs of the Provincial Park but be careful to head back before the tide comes in!
Arisaig Provincial Park
Continue your drive to the right and visit the Arisaig Provincial Park with trails through the trees and a stairway down to the fossil beach and waterfall. Investigate the geology and history with the interpretive panels and enjoy the view across to Arisaig Harbour. Great place for a picnic.
Steinhart Distillery
Perched above the Northumberland Strait near Arisaig, Steinhart Distillery has become a destination along this stretch of the Sunrise Trail. Visitors can stop to learn more about the locally produced spirits, take in the coastal setting, and enjoy one of the area’s distinctive local experiences. Check with the distillery directly for current hours and visitor information.
Knoydart & the Battle of Culloden Memorial
Continuing along Highway 245, the next stop is Knoydart, a rural community overlooking the Northumberland Strait. The area is home to farms and local producers and makes a scenic stop along this stretch of the Sunrise Trail.
Just a bit beyond and on the ocean side, is the Battle of Culloden Memorial. A grassy shaded track leads to a cairn memorializing this important Scottish event from 1746. Enjoy the beautiful lookout over the Northumberland Strait. A memorial celebration is held here yearly in April. www.culloden.ca
Lismore, Merigomish, & Barneys River
Look for historical kiosks and interpretive panels as you drive through Lismore, Merigomish and Barneys River Station. Learn interesting facts and see historical photos and maps from back in the day when these were thriving communities.
Big Island
Just past Ponds, turn right for a 2km causeway connecting Big Island to the mainland. Sandy dunes and a pebble beach are perfect for beach combing and paddling.
Returning to Antigonish or Continuing Your Nova Scotia Road Trip
At Sutherlands River, you can follow Highway 4 for a scenic drive back toward Antigonish or connect with Highway 104 to continue your Nova Scotia road trip.
Keep Exploring the Sunrise Trail
This drive offers just one way to experience the communities and coastline east of Antigonish. Take your time, leave room for an unexpected stop, and explore the beaches, trails, history, and coastal scenery you find along the way.
For another scenic drive in the Antigonish area, explore The Mini Cabot Trail: A Scenic Drive from Antigonish to Cape George.
Planning a longer trip? Read Planning a Trip to Nova Scotia? Why the Northumberland Shore Belongs on Your Itinerary for more ideas on exploring the communities, beaches, food, accommodations, and outdoor adventures along Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore.
