You’ve probably seen the postcards. Or maybe you've caught a glimpse of those fog-drenched piers in a TV show like Haven or Moonshine. But honestly, most people just zoom past Hubbards on the 103 highway while racing toward Chester or Mahone Bay.
That’s a mistake.
Hubbards Nova Scotia is essentially the soul of the South Shore, packed into one tiny, salty cove. It sits right on the edge of Halifax and Lunenburg counties, about 45 minutes from the city. It’s not a polished, manufactured tourist trap. It’s a place where the air smells like spruce needles and lobster bait, and where the locals actually know the history of the families who’ve been here since the 1700s.
The Shore Club: Where Time Just Sort of Stopped
If you want to understand Hubbards, you have to go to the Shore Club. It opened in 1946. Not much has changed since then, and that is exactly why everyone loves it. It’s basically Nova Scotia’s last great dance hall. On Saturday nights, the floorboards literally bounce under the weight of people dancing to live bands.
But the real draw? The lobster suppers.
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You sit at long communal tables. You get a bucket of mussels, a salad bar that feels like a 1970s time capsule, and a fresh Atlantic lobster that was likely swimming in the bay that morning. It’s loud, it’s messy, and it’s the most authentic dinner you’ll ever have in this province. No fancy white tablecloths here—just plastic bibs and a lot of butter.
Beaches That Aren't Just for Pictures
Most visitors crowd onto Queensland Beach. It’s beautiful, sure. The water is surprisingly warm for the Atlantic, thanks to the way the sand flats soak up the sun. But on a hot July Saturday, finding a parking spot is like winning the lottery.
If you want to breathe, head over to Bayswater Provincial Park. It’s further down the Aspotogan Peninsula. It’s rugged, often windier, and looks out toward the Swissair Flight 111 Memorial. There’s a certain gravity to the beauty there that Queensland lacks.
- Hubbards Beach: Private, but worth the small fee for the white sand and the view of the Cove.
- Cleveland Beach: A quieter provincial spot just before you hit the main village.
- Fox Point: Not a "beach" in the swimming sense, but the best place to watch the fishing boats come in.
The Mystery of the Shatford Trust
You’ll notice the name "Shatford" everywhere. The library, the elementary school, the local park. Most people assume it’s just a wealthy local family, but the story is actually kinda wild. J.D. Shatford left Hubbards as a teenager with basically nothing in his pockets. He went to the U.S., made a fortune in oil, and when he died in 1955, he left a massive trust fund for the people of Hubbards.
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To this day, if you grow up in the "Shatford territory," the trust helps pay for your university education. It’s the reason this tiny village has amenities that towns triple its size can’t afford. It’s a rare example of a local boy making it big and actually remembering where he came from.
Where to Actually Eat and Sleep
Don’t expect a Hilton. Hubbards is about character.
The Tuna Blue Inn is the spot. It used to be the Dauphinee Inn, but the new owners gave it a "tropical maritime" vibe. They have a marina and a beer garden right on the water. Sipping a local craft beer on their deck while the sun sets over the cove is basically mandatory.
For coffee and carbs, Rosa Rugosa is the local heartbeat. Their pastries are legit. If you’re around on a Saturday morning, you have to go to the Hubbards Barn Farmers' Market. It’s held in a massive wooden barn surrounded by woods. You’ll find everything from artisanal sourdough to hand-hooked rugs (there’s actually a Hooked Rug Museum of North America right nearby if you’re into folk art).
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Getting Active on the Rum Runners Trail
The old railway line is now the Rum Runners Trail. It’s flat, crushed gravel, and perfect for cycling. You can bike all the way from Halifax to Hubbards, or keep going toward Chester.
If you prefer the water, Hubbards Cove Rentals has kayaks and paddleboards. The cove is protected, so the water is usually like glass in the mornings. You can paddle past the moored sailboats and get a view of the "Millionaire’s Row" cottages that you can’t see from the road.
Survival Tips for Your Visit
- Book early: The few inns and cottages here sell out months in advance for July and August.
- Check the schedule: The Shore Club is seasonal. Don’t show up in November expecting a lobster.
- The 103 vs. The 3: Take the 103 highway if you’re in a rush. Take the Lighthouse Route (Highway 3) if you actually want to see the ocean.
Your Hubbards Checklist
If you're planning a trip, start by booking a Saturday night lobster supper at the Shore Club at least three weeks out. Pack a light jacket, even in August, because the "sea breeze" is real and it will chill you to the bone once the sun goes down. Download an offline map of the Aspotogan Peninsula; cell service gets spotty once you start winding around the coastal roads toward Blandford. Finally, make sure to hit the Hubbards Barn before noon on Saturday—the best sourdough and local spirits sell out fast.