Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse Photography
Best Places to do Photography
How to Shoot Milky Way Section
Everything Milky Way
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PEGGY’S COVE LIGHTHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY – CANADA
This location is a dynamic landscape that offers the perfect backdrop for sunrise, sunset, and Milky Way photography. This area provides the best views of the Milky Way from the wee hours of the morning in March to October. Check out our Dark Sky Photography Info page for tips and tricks on getting the perfect shot.
Peggy’s Cove is located in a quiet, rural community on the eastern shore of St. Margaret’s Bay. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and shimmering waters, this enchanting spot is also home to Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, built in 1868. With its charming lighthouse and sweeping views of the sea, it’s no wonder that photographers flock to this picturesque location for their next shoot.
BEST TIME TO GO
Peggy’s Cove welcomes visitors throughout the year, but the best time to explore is during the warmer months. Most people choose to go during the summer when everything nearby is open. Plan your visit between May and October for the ultimate Peggy’s Cove experience. On a clear night, the lack of light pollution makes impeccable Milky Way Photography. This scenic spot in Nova Scotia is trendy for watching the sunrise and sunset, offering breathtaking views with the iconic lighthouse in sight.
We went in September, and it was relatively quiet.
HOW LONG TO PHOTOGRAPH
Our recommendation is to spend two idyllic days in this picturesque location. Embrace the beauty of the sunrise and sunset as you capture stunning photographs and photograph the mesmerizing sight of the Milky Way above. Be sure to see our Milky Way Information below and make sure you know HOW TO FIND THE MILKY WAY. If you go at the wrong time, you will not see her!
For your stay, we suggest our favorite sanctuary in the area – The Oceanstone Resort. Immerse yourself in its tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by the ocean’s rhythmic lullaby and the lush greenery of the surroundings. This hidden gem is truly a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike.
WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR TO BRING
- A DSLR camera that allows you to control your shutter, aperture and ISO.
- Fast, wide-angle lenses (14mm to 24mm with f/2.8 or better) are recommended.
- A sturdy tripod is necessary for long exposures.
- A star tracker can improve results by matching the motion of the stars.
- A remote shutter release reduces camera shake.
- Light pollution filters.
WHAT ELSE TO BRING
- Hiking Boots
- Bug Spray
HOW TO GET THERE
As photographers, we, of course, took the scenic route. It follows Prospect Road or NS 333 W, also known as the Lighthouse Route, and winds through various sites along the coast.
If coming from Lunenburg or the South Shore, you will also take Highway 103 until exit 5. Alternatively, from the South Shore, you can opt for a slower drive along St. Margaret’s Bay Road until it again intersects with Peggy’s Cove Road in Tantallon. The drive from Lunenburg to Peggy’s Cove will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
THINGS TO DO NEARBY
Peggy’s Cove features multiple souvenir shops filled with lighthouse-themed memorabilia, ranging from postcards and ornaments to shirts and books. They also have an extensive collection of Nova Scotia souvenirs in general and a plethora of lobster-related items.
We stayed here and brought you all the incredible details.
The Oceanstone Seaside Resort is one of my all-time favorite places that I have stayed in the years I have been traveling. – Pamela Goodyer
THE BEST RESORT IN TOWN!
8650 Peggy’s Cove Road, Indian Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada
Where the Atlantic Ocean greets you at your doorstep. They’re the perfect choice for your coastal getaway. Nestled into a seaside community just outside Halifax and minutes from Peggy’s Cove, you will find a premier resort destination for rest and relaxation.
From their fantastic cottages and inn rooms to their onsite restaurant, Oceanstone Seaside Resort is a place you must experience at least once (and then again and again)!
This is the perfect place for Milky Way and landscape photographers to stay. Peggy’s Cove is just down the road. They’re sure to please you if you need a winter getaway by the fire or a summertime beach vacation. The intimate setting is perfect for gatherings of various sizes or relaxing family vacations. They also host many events, such as “Up Close & Coastal,” whiskey tastings, learning seminars, and more.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY OPTIONS
This is a perfect destination for Destination Wedding Photographers to offer to their clients as an option! There’s always something to do or a new way to relax. Go and see what the seaside has to provide you with, and photograph the Milky Way right from the porch of your room. It’s time to dip your toes in the water.
OCEAN STONE RESORT
Hotel rooms and suites are available ♦ All rooms are non-smoking ♦ Cable TV ♦ Daily maid service ♦ Spacious sundecks ♦ Barbecue area ♦ Ice cubes for your convenience ♦ WiFi We absolutely loved our stay here, so much we almost added another day to our trip. This elegant, exquisite resort is among Photography Magazine Extra’s top ten resorts for the year 2018! Top Ten.
The intensely dark skies at The Oceanstone Beach Resort are the absolute perfect spot for Milky Way photographers to finish their night off photographing the Milky Way along the shores of the deep blue seas. Rent one of these locations and have a Milky Way Paradise at your doorstep.
GEAR LIST FOR SHOOTING MILK WAY
Light pollution map:
Camera:
Use a camera that allows you to manually set ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.
Lens:
A fast, wide-angle lens (f/1.4–2.8) is best. If you have a slower lens (f/3.5 or above), you’ll need to boost ISO, which can add digital noise to your photos.
Tripod:
A sturdy tripod is a must for night shots—one that can handle wind but still fits in your luggage.
Sky Map:
Sky Guide, available for $1.99 on the iTunes Store, has excellent reviews, with a 5-star rating and over 1,200 ratings for the current version and more than 8,600 for previous versions.
Flashlight:
We recommend Coast flashlights like the HP7, PX45, or G50. The HP7 is ideal for high lumens and adjustable zoom.
Moon Phase Map:
Shoot during a new moon for the darkest skies. The week before a new moon is perfect if the moon hasn’t risen—check the moonrise chart.
Remote Shutter Release:
For exposures longer than 30 seconds (especially in bulb mode), a remote shutter release or your camera’s two-second timer is necessary.
CAMERA SETTINGS FOR MILKY WAY
ISO:
Start at ISO 1600–3200 and adjust as needed.
Shutter Speed:
Avoid star trails caused by the Earth’s rotation by following the 500 rule: divide 500 by your lens’s focal length. For example, with a 24mm lens on a full-frame camera, set the shutter speed to about 20 seconds. For crop sensor cameras, multiply the lens focal length by the crop factor (Canon: 1.6, Nikon: 1.5) before applying the formula.
Aperture:
Shoot wide open to maximize light. If depth of field is important, don’t stop down too much—you may need to raise the ISO, which can add grain.
White Balance:
In live view, adjust the white balance (try shade or cloud mode) and fine-tune it later during editing.
Live View:
Focus in the dark using live view with zoom to select a bright star. Alternatively, set your lens to infinity and take test shots, or use a flashlight to lock the focus each time you manually reposition the camera.
When to View the Milky Way:
The best shots capture the dense, southern part of the Milky Way. In March–May, it rises pre-dawn; in June, around 10 p.m.; from July to October, it appears as soon as it’s dark after sunset. In November, it stays below the horizon until March.
See our Milky Way Hot Spot Locator and Night Photography Information for more tips.
AREA INFORMATION
There are no fees to visit Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. More detailed information on Peggy’s Cove.
WHERE TO CAMP
WAYSIDE CAMPGROUND
10295 Peggy’s Cove Road
Glen Margaret, Nova Scotia B3H 3H1 – Phone: 902-823-2547
RV SITES
Many varied RV sites are available. Back-ins, Pull-throughs, secluded or open.
With fresh water & sewer hookups
TENT SITES UNSERVICED
Rustic unserviced sites (with water taps nearby)
RESTAURANTS AT PEGGY’S COVE:
Rhubarb is directly opposite the Oceanstone Resort. 8650 Peggy’s Cove Road, Indian Harbour, NS B3Z 3P4902-821-3013
Rhubarb is the place to go if you want fresh, locally sourced food served in a casual atmosphere among friends. We loved the portabella burger. The atmosphere is oh-so-comfortable. We all enjoyed our meal, and the service was amiable, fast, plain, old, and excellent. When the weather is just right, sit on the porch and enjoy the beauty of the ocean and the surrounding area.
Oceanstone Seaside Resort
8650 Peggy’s Cove Road, Indian Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada.
We highly recommend you stay here! Pick a room and do Milky Way Photography from your porch.
- Bedroom 1 – two queen beds
- Bedroom 2 – two twin beds
- Bedroom 3 – king (located on the main level)
- Living/Dining Room – couch, wood stove, TV/DVD
- Kitchen – soapstone countertops, dishwasher, fridge, 4 burner stove (with oven), microwave, kettle, toaster, pots, pans, glasses, cutlery, plates, coffee machine and filters
- Bathroom 1 – main floor, 3-piece
with stand-up shower
- Bathroom 2 – second floor, 1/2 bath
- Outside – large private decks, deck chairs, BBQ, firewood and kindling, gardens
- Basic Occupancy – 8
OFF SEASON- NOVEMBER 1ST TO MAY 31ST
AREA WEATHER:
