Here’s another spotlight on one of our favorite stops on our Nova Scotia Coastline Road Trip. Yarmouth is located on the western coast of Nova Scotia and is home to grand sea captain’s homes, fresh seafood, harbour views. Located outside the downtown, Cape Forchu, offers beautiful seaside views and the unique “apple core” Cape Forchu Lighthouse.
It was a very foggy morning and misting off and on when we departed our hotel to head to Cape Forchu. On a clear day, we would have been able to see more on the drive out, but I do love a moody morning by the sea, so it did not disappoint for me. Weaving on a little two lane road past fishing shacks, lobster traps, and beaches, the drive out to the light was really colorful. The fishing shacks were painted in bright colors, and there is a fun little stop with a colorful buoy wall, that I show in the pictures below.
Once we arrived to the Cape Forchu Light, we parked and stretched our legs before our “Climb the Light” experience. If you visit, be sure to purchase tickets for a guided tour up this light for stunning 360 degree views from the top. The climb is 77 steps to the top, and our tour guide was really knowledgeable and shared some interesting history points as we climbed the steps.
Once to the top, you are in the small lantern room that sits 123 feet above sea level. On a clear day, this would have been amazing for photos, but the fog was so thick we were sitting in a cloud and could not see out. Our tour guide was hoping the fog would lift by the time we got to the top. The one thing you can’t control when you travel is the weather, right?
(Please note: If you are claustrophobic or do not like heights, pass on the climb, and just enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There is an observation deck that provides gorgeous views on the ground. It’s worth the visit just for the landscape alone.)
Our tickets were purchased in advance, so unfortunately when we got to the top, the fog was so thick we could not see anything. I’d definitely try to do this on clear day, but since we had another hotel to make it to by nightfall, we couldn’t adjust our tour time or day.
After our “Climb the Light” tour, we stop off at the restaurant at the lightkeeper’s house, Nicole’s Kitchen, and enjoyed a little lunch on the deck. Also, there is a museum and nice gift shop on the property. We picked up a few coastal treasures before we left that day.
Right next to the lighthouse is Leif Erikson Park, which makes for a lovely seaside stroll and has an impressive whale skeleton on display. The winding walking trails and rocky coasts are just stunning to stroll. The fog lifted a bit for our hike around the park, and the emerald grasses and pink blooms set against the rock formations along the sea were so picturesque.
Here’s a closer look at our time visiting Cape Forchu…
Cape Forchu was definitely a top stop on our Nova Scotia Road Trip. I have a couple of more stops to spotlight, but if you want to see more check out my Nova Scotia posts below.
More posts from Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia Travel Guide & Itinerary
- A Visit to the Charming Peggy’s Cove Fishing Village & Lighthouse
- A Visit to Hall’s Harbour Fishing Village & Lobster Pound
- A Visit to Digby & Annapolis Royal