Lockeport

Lockeport is renowned for its stunning white sandy beaches, lively festivals and small town friendly feel.

Originally chosen for its proximity to rich fishing grounds, Lockeport was settled in 1761 by the enterprising Dr. Jonathan Locke and Josiah Churchill. During the heyday of the fishing industry, it was one of the most prosperous towns along the South Shore. Today the town is known for its stunning location. An island adjoined to the mainland by a scimitar of white sand, Lockeport boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Over a mile long, Crescent Beach has a distinctive charm. Shielding the inner harbour from the force of the Atlantic, the beach stretches like a protective arm keeping the town safe from the advances of the surf.

With a population of under seven hundred people, Lockeport is a small town in a spectacular setting.  Settled in the 1700’s, the town relies on the fishing industry for its livelihood.  Numerous wharves provide plenty of photographic opportunities of working boats as well as a chance to talk to some of the hardy folk that fish on them.

The long stretch of white sand that forms the outer edge of Lockeport’s causeway is better known as Crescent Beach.  At one end of the beach is the Crescent Beach Centre.  With a tourist information center, snack bar, washrooms and gift shop, the Centre is a welcome pit stop during a full day on this lively kid-friendly beach.

Crescent Beach Centre organizes a number of different activities: Beach parties, Sand Scultpure contests, and an annual Sea Derby.

For the history buff – Nova Scotia’s only Registered Historic Streetscape is worth investigating.  Made up of five houses built by descendants of Jonathan Locke between 1836 and 1876, the houses offer an interesting cross section of historical architecture with excellent examples of Colonial, Georgian and Victorian styles. A walking-tour guidebook is available at the Little School Museum.  The museum has in its collection a variety of artifacts relating to early life in the community, a replica of an early school room and a marine room.

If you are coming with children and don’t want to spend the whole day on the beach, there is a great playground in the center of town.

Lockeport hosts a number of festivals and events during the summer months: Canada Day Celebrations, Harmony Bazaar Festival of Women in Song and the Lockeport Sea Derby. The Canada Day celebration is always on the first of July, Harmony Bazaar typically take place on the last weekend in July while the Sea Derby is usually on the second weekend in August.