Eric Stendal

Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

City / Region: Halifax & Peggy’s Cove

Weather: 17 today most of the day with clouds and warm sun.

Morning Summary

We woke up this morning from a good night’s sleep. Shelley got dressed and walked up to the Dollarama and Shopper’s Drug Mart. Dollarama to collect some items we needed to do laundry and Shoppers to obtain some change for the downstairs washer and dryer.

With laundry being done, we had some of it in the dryer and the rest had to hang on a line to dry. I rigged a clothesline in the kitchen and we set some items on the line before we left for the morning.

It is only an hour’s drive southwest to Peggy’s Cove, “home to one of Nova Scotia’s most famous shining lights: Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. Built in 1915, the classic red-and-white beacon stands watch on a small, weathered-rock peninsula jutting out into the ocean. The pounding surf dramatically crashes over the weathered rocks at the base of the lighthouse, creating jaw-dropping images for your Instagram feed.” [National Geographic]

 The drive up to Peggy’s Cove reminded us of Sechelt and Gibsons, BC at times. A hint of Norway as well – Lofoten especially – was all around us. We found a parking spot right away (an Aunty Brenda spot) and it turned out to be a good one!

We went for some photos on the rocks near the famous lighthouse. After seeing this, we ventured in to the boutique shop there but found they had a full on restaurant there. We decided to have our lunch.

It was about 11:45 am and because we had Maggie with us, we asked if we could sit outside. They weren’t opening the patio until noon, but took an exception for us and we sat outside. We had the patio to ourselves and our waitress was delightful and friendly.

I ordered the fish ‘n chips and Shelley enjoyed a club sandwich. the fries were superb. I also had a local beer on the side. Two pieces of haddock and boy was it ever good. Very well made.

During our lunch on the deck we saw bus after bus after bus arriving to drop off their people. Double decker buses and Prevosts galore coming in waves. The boutique shop, restaurant, and especially the few washrooms here were inundated with people. It was crazy!

Afternoon Summary

With lunch being finished, we walked some more on the rocks. We also snooped around some of the galleries, shops, and used the washroom again (beer). We visited the red-coloured schoolhouse and a quaint gallery behind it where we bought a vintage post card and pen. We also bought a little fisherman holding a lobster to add to our little collection at home.

It was then time to leave to head back home to quickly rest before our supper at CUT Steakhouse.

Evening Summary

After a little bit of a rest we got ourselves ready for supper. The CUT Steakhouse was not too far away, but we drove and parked nearby.

We discovered that it was located inside one of the hotels here. We showed up and presented ourselves to the hostess. She checked her reservations and couldn’t find our names. She then asked if we made the reservation at Shuck or CUT. I replied, “CUT”. She said, “Oh, that’s upstairs from us.”

We climbed the stairs and the difference in restaurants was enormous. CUT was waaaaay more dim lighting and muted, soft tones compared to the compressed, busy, and loud Shuck downstairs.

Our dinner was very nice. They show you the various cuts of meat at your table and explain the different origins and cuts of steak – some dry aged for 28 days – before you decide on what you’d like. I opted for an 8 oz PEI stripe loin and Shelley went with a 6 oz tenderloin. Mushrooms and grilled asparagus on the side for us. Amerone red wine to wash it down with. Delicious. The Caesar salad was made table side fresh for us too. That was a real treat. It was very flavourful.

We took a very gentle stroll after supper on the way back to our car. Maggie was at home waiting for us. She had had a big day yesterday and today.

We settled in for the night and will get a good sleep before tomorrow’s adventures.

Photos

Daily Highlights

• Our best moment today was arriving at Peggy’s Cove – the drive there and arriving to see how beautiful it is.
• Funniest moment? We didn’t have one that stands out for us today, but we did have some good chuckles.
• Our biggest surprise was seeing how different the topography at Peggy’s Cove is compared to where we are here in Halifax. The trees, the rocks, the coast. Beautiful.
• We learned that commercial fishing isn’t as profitable as it has been in times past; lobster is barely hanging on. In the 1930’s and 1940’s whole villages were sustained and upheld through fishing and catching lobster. That is not the case any longer.

Logistics

• Well, I walked 6,620 steps today! Shelley and Maggie got their steps in too. Most of this was around Peggy’s Cove and area.
• Gas was $192.60/L and we bought our little fisherman figure. Supper out tonight with parking.
• Tomorrow we pack up our stuff and get ready for our drive to Sydney, NS. Check out of the AirBnB is 11 am.

Closing Thoughts

We had a really great morning driving to Peggy’s Cove and walking around there. The lunch was terrific and the weather cooperated for us. Cool, but warm with the sun.

We were able to relax a bit today amongst the activities. Supper was delightful and delicious and our waiters were top notch.

Looking forward to more scenic views tomorrow on our way north east.