A short drive east of Halifax, Lawrencetown Beach is a wide band of mixed sand and cobble, stretching for two kilometers. It’s also a provincial park- a designation that provides changing facilities and a boardwalk along with your contemplative stares towards Ireland.

But don’t linger too long because Nova Scotia is “Canada’s Ocean Playground” for a reason. Take the plunge into the Gulf Stream-warmed waters or grab a board and see why the beach is one of the pre-eminent surfing locations on the East Coast. Fall and winter serve up the largest swells.