Summary
Lawrencetown is one of Canada’s most iconic surf destinations, located just 25 minutes from Halifax on the rugged Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia. This small surf community has earned a strong reputation among cold-water surfers thanks to its consistent waves, natural beauty, and welcoming vibe.
Whether you’re chasing your first wave or looking for long left-hand point breaks, Lawrencetown Beach and the surrounding surf spots offer something for every level. The powerful Atlantic swells and varied coastline create excellent conditions year-round if you’re brave enough to bundle up in the winter.
Nova Scotia’s coastline has a unique exposure to a variety of swell and wind directions. This makes Lawrencetown one of the most reliable and versatile surfing locations in Eastern Canada. From mellow beach breaks to hollow reef setups and peeling point breaks, there’s almost always a surfable wave if you know where to look.
When to surf Lawrencetown
The very best time to surf Lawrencetown, Canada is from September to November while Nova Scotia receives some hurricane swells traveling up the Atlantic Ocean. The summer months, from June to August will be less consistent, but still offer great waves and milder temperatures.
In winter, the surf in Nova Scotia can be absolutely epic for those who don’t mind wearing thick wet suits as temperatures often drop below freezing level.
| January-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | Intermediate Advanced |
| Air temperature | -5°C 23°F | 5°C 41°F | 14°C 57°F | 16°C 61°F | 16°C 61°F | 6°C 43°F |
| Water temperature | 2°C 35°F | 2°C 35°F | 7°C 45°F | 22°C 72°F | 15°C 59°F | 7°C 45°F |
| Crowd | Empty | Empty | Few people | Few people | Few people | Empty |
| Swell consistency | 60% | 60% | 40% | 40% | 55% | 55% |
| Swell height | 8ft | 7ft | 5ft | 4ft | 6ft | 7ft |
Where to stay in Lawrencetown
Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Lawrencetown!
Getting there
Lawrencetown is about 25 minutes away from Halifax. To get around and look for the best surf spot on any given day, you will need to have a vehicle as most surf spots can be a few miles from each other.
Surf Spots in Lawrencetown
Lawrencetown Beach Park
This is the most consistent and popular surf spot in Nova Scotia. It can hold decent size, especially during hurricane season. There are amenities and parking nearby, and it’s patrolled during summer months.
- Wave direction : Left and right
- Bottom : Sand
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : SE
- Optimal wind direction : NW
Lawrencetown Point
Doesn’t work all that often but when it does, it is a magical, long left-hand point break. Needs a decent southeasterly swell, usually happening a few days between September and April.
- Wave direction : Left
- Bottom : Rocks
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : SE
- Optimal wind direction : NW
Cow Bay
Located closer to Dartmouth, Cow Bay offers another reliable option that’s slightly more exposed to easterly swells. It’s less crowded than Lawrencetown but can get heavy.
- Wave direction : Right and left
- Bottom : Reef/rocks
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : E
- Optimal wind direction : NW
Martinique Beach
One of the longest sandy beaches in Nova Scotia, this spot is ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers. It offers playful peaks and a scenic backdrop. Located about 45 minutes from Halifax.
- Wave direction : Left and right
- Bottom : Sand
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : SE
- Optimal wind direction : NW