The Northumberland Strait, the shallow body of water separating Nova Scotia from Prince Edward Island, has a secret. Its relatively small depth — averaging about 20 metres — allows the sun to warm the water to temperatures that surprise visitors expecting the frigid Atlantic. By July and August, surface water along the Northumberland Shore reaches 19 to 22 degrees Celsius, making it some of the warmest ocean swimming north of the Carolinas.
Pictou County's stretch of shoreline along the Sunrise Trail has several excellent beaches worth knowing about.
Caribou-Munroes Island Provincial Park Located 11 kilometres north of Pictou, near the Northumberland Ferries terminal, this park wraps around a mile-long sandy beach with full facilities: washrooms, showers, fire grills, and WiFi for campers. A short trail connects to Munroes Island through coastal forest. The campground is open from early June to mid-October. This is the closest beach to Pictou and a natural base for day trips.
Waterside Beach Provincial Park Just north of Route 6 east of Caribou River, Waterside Beach is a long, wide stretch that rarely gets crowded even on the hottest summer weekends. The adjacent salt marsh makes it a worthwhile stop for birdwatchers, and the beach is free. A boardwalk, change house, and picnic tables complete the amenities.
Powells Point Provincial Park On Pictou Landing Road, this smaller park offers warm saltwater swimming with a sandy and rocky beach combination. It's a popular launch point for kayaking.
Rushton's Beach Provincial Park Along Highway 6 in Marshville, Rushton's is better known for its salt marsh and the variety of shorebirds it attracts at low tide than for its swimming, but the sheltered picnic grounds make it a pleasant stop regardless.
Tips for Visiting Water temperatures peak in late July and early August. The beaches are provincially managed and free to visit, with the exception of Caribou-Munroes Island (which charges a small camping fee). If you're travelling with young children, Caribou-Munroes Island's shallow, calm water is especially well-suited to wading and sandcastle building.