Lawrencetown Beach

Lawrencetown faces open Atlantic and picks up swell from storms far out, which makes it the centre of surfing in Nova Scotia and one of the better cold-water breaks in eastern North America. The paradox is the season: the best waves come in autumn and winter, generated by North Atlantic storms and hurricane remnants, when the water is between about two and eight degrees and full wetsuits with hoods and gloves are mandatory. Summer is often flat. Surf schools operate from the beach and a lifeguard service runs in July and August. Rip currents are strong and the beach has a poor safety record for casual swimmers.

What you actually see

• The autumn swell - the best waves arriving from September storms.
• The cold-water surfers - full hooded wetsuits in near-freezing water.
• The headland viewpoint - a lookout over the beach and break.
• The surf schools - lessons and rentals from the beach in season.

When to go

September to November for waves; July and August for lifeguarded swimming, though the surf is usually poor then. Winter surfing happens but demands proper equipment and experience.

Honest expectations

Water temperature ranges from cold to dangerous without a proper suit. Rip currents are strong and drownings have occurred. Summer is frequently flat for surfing.

Nearby

Halifax lies west; the Eastern Shore runs northeast.