The scenic Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region, located with the UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve, offers a bevy of photo opportunities for the curious traveler. From scenic coastal drives, colorful downtown murals and picturesque lighthouses, planning a photo tour of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, should be tops on your to do list. From lighthouses to giant peonies, here’s our guide on where to find some of the best picture-perfect places.
An unconventional photo tour of Yarmouth
Yarmouth is a pedestrian-friendly town located on the south shore of Nova Scotia. You can easily spend 48 hours in Yarmouth visiting lighthouses, farmer’s markets (on summer weekends), funky shops and public art murals. It’s a low-key, easy-going city, so take your time rambling along the streets and enjoying the friendly vibe.
Downtown Yarmouth is home to some beautiful public art murals, including this one done by local schoolchildren. A great backdrop for some yoga poses? We think so!
Lighthouse love in Yarmouth
A mini-version of Nova Scotia’s prolific lighthouses graces the waterfront of Yarmouth. There are 150 lighthouses in Nova Scotia, more than any other province in Canada.
Just 20 minutes drive from Yarmouth is the captivating Cape Forchu Lighthouse. Take a half-day trip to view the ‘apple core’ lighthouse on the coast, and walk the easy trails to get a great photo perspective of the site.
The Leif Erikson trail and park at Cape Forchu consists of 19 acres of walking paths, picnic sites, and benches located at the southern tip of the site. It’s surrounded by water and is a great photo spot, especially at sunset. The Leif Erikson Park and trail is free to access and welcomes visitors year-round.
Colorful murals and buildings in Yarmouth
Another wonderful example of public art in Yarmouth. I do love peonies so jumping for joy at the sight of these gorgeous larger-than-life blooms seemed appropriate.
Yarmouth is and was a marine-focused town. The Lost to the Sea Memorial pays tribute to those who’ve lost their lives to the deep. Names of the lost are displayed on panels behind the bronze ship’s wheel. Some of the names date as far back as the 1800s.
Downtown Yarmouth is home to several colorful buildings, making a great backdrop for anyone taking a Yarmouth walking tour. Fishing was once the major industry here and many homes and buildings are colorfully painted. This made it easier for fisherman returning to shore to spot their homes and loved ones.
Will stop for colorful fishing buoys and cabins! We found this gorgeous scene on our way out to Cape Forchu Lighthouse, and it made for a beautiful photo opportunity, don’t you think?
Yarmouth at golden hour. The summer sun makes everything, including the boat marina, glow in a golden light.
Yarmouth has a lovely downtown green space called Frost Park. Complete with a water fountain feature, gazebo, wooden benches and grassy area, this park is a perfect spot for an al fresco lunch picnic or summer concert.
Fun fact: It’s a popular belief in Yarmouth, that the song “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” includes a reference to Yarmouth’s Grand Hotel. The song makes reference to a “tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well…”; the park being Frost Park, directly across the road from the Grand Hotel, which still operates in a newer building on the same site as the old hotel.
Photo credit: Claudia Laroye; Feature Image courtesy of Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Davey and Sky
