I’ll never forget the day my daughter and I took a little road trip to Peggy’s Cove back in 2015. It was a bittersweet trip, one of the last few before she headed off to Mount Allison University to begin the next chapter of her life. I wanted to make it special, so we decided to explore one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic spots, a place I’d always dreamed of visiting: Peggy’s Cove.
We set out on a cloudy morning, driving along the coast with the salty air coming through the window. The drive was peaceful, and I could tell my daughter, though excited for the university adventure ahead, was feeling a mix of emotions—there’s something about being on the cusp of a big change that makes you nostalgic for the simpler, quieter moments.
When we arrived, the first thing that hit us was the lighthouse—impossibly beautiful against the grey sky, standing tall and proud on the rocks. I couldn’t resist pulling over to snap a few photos of her in front of it. As a mom, seeing her in this moment—on the verge of something new, but still so connected to home—was one of those tender, quiet moments that I wanted to hold onto forever. The lighthouse itself, having been a guiding light for sailors since 1915, felt like the perfect metaphor for the journey she was about to take.
We wandered around the cove, taking in the jagged coastline and the beautiful, wild Atlantic crashing against the rocks. Peggy’s Cove has this otherworldly feel to it—so raw and dramatic, with the wind whipping around and the ocean stretching endlessly out before us. I could see why so many artists have been drawn to this place; the scenery feels like it’s straight out of a painting.
As we explored, we learned a bit about the village’s history. Peggy’s Cove was settled in 1811 by fishermen who saw the natural harbor as a perfect spot to dock their boats. Today, the village is still home to a handful of residents, though it’s mostly known for its lighthouse and incredible beauty. It felt like we’d stepped into another time, a place where life is shaped by the sea and the people who live alongside it.
But of course, what makes Peggy’s Cove even more intriguing is the legend that surrounds it. According to local lore, a ship was caught in a terrible storm off the coast, and a young girl, named either Peggy or Margaret, was the only survivor. She washed up on the rocks, exhausted and cold, and was rescued by a local fisherman. Over time, the story says she married him, and the cove became known as Peggy’s Cove. It’s a beautiful and tragic tale, one that adds a layer of mystery to the already dramatic landscape.
As much as we both loved the story, we also learned that the true history behind the name of the cove is much simpler. It’s believed that the cove was actually named after a local woman named Margaret, the wife of one of the early fishermen. Over time, her name was shortened to “Peggy,” and the village became known by that name. Still, the legend endures, adding to the charm and allure of this unforgettable place.
We spent a few hours walking around the village, taking in the peacefulness and beauty of the cove. It was one of those moments where everything seemed to slow down, and we could just enjoy the quiet time together before the whirlwind of university life took over. I know she was thinking about the big changes ahead, but there was something calming about being there together—almost like we were grounding ourselves before the next adventure.
As I looked at her standing on the rocks, watching the waves, I couldn’t help but feel a little emotional. She was about to leave home and start a new chapter, but Peggy’s Cove reminded me of the importance of roots, of having a place to return to no matter where life takes you. The lighthouse standing steadfast against the wild ocean felt like a perfect symbol for the journey ahead.
In the end, visiting Peggy’s Cove was more than just checking off a bucket list item. It became one of those special memories I’ll always hold dear—an experience shared with my daughter just before she embarked on her university adventure. It was the perfect mix of beauty, history, and a bit of legend, and it left us both with a feeling of peace and connection to this incredible part of the world. If you’re ever in Nova Scotia, Peggy’s Cove is a must-see—and who knows, maybe you’ll feel the same sense of calm and wonder we did that day.
