Located in the town of Mavillette, Nova Scotia, Mavillette Beach is one of the more popular beaches on the Acadian Shores tourist area.  When I lost a loved one who had a special connection to this beach, I wanted to make a trip there to help with my healing and connect with nature.

This beach immediately intrigued me.  When I went there for the first time I got out of my car, walked down the long boardwalk and thought, “Where is the beach?”

I could faintly hear the ocean and seen miles of wet sand in front of me.  I walked for a bit to look for ocean and then turned around due to being fascinated by all of the fog surrounding me.  As my eyes adjusted I could see the boardwalk and several rocks on marram- grass covered dunes along the side of the beach.

It’s Common to See Fog

Due to it being located in the southwestern part of the province, Mavillette Beach experiences frequent fog. When warm, moist air from the south or southwest moves over the colder waters of the Nova Scotia Current, condensation occurs and sea fog forms.  Although it is common to experience fog here, it is possible to come when there is no fog!

A Home Away From Home

Once I looked around I found a spot by the boardwalk and sat down to look for heart-shaped rocks.  I couldn’t help but notice how carefree and relaxed I was.  I noticed there was very few people there - a common experience for those that go.  This made me feel like I was really connecting with myself and nature - not something I can say about many beaches.  Mavillette Beach also has a bit of charm to it due to being located in a dominantly Acadian French part of the province.

The atypical beach experience distracted me and all of my worries faded away, while also feeling soothed by the sound of the ocean.

It felt easy to lose track of time - I didn’t want this experience to end.  I was surrounded by a variety of rocks - some were red and orange, some had distinct lines going through them, I also noticed several heart-shaped rocks.  On my way in, I read Mavillette Beach is one of the best places in Nova Scotia for finding sea shells.  These reasons make Mavillette Beach a great place for rock and sea shell collectors like myself.

A Perfect Place for Walking at Low Tide

Mavillette Beach is approximately 1.5 kilometres (0.93 miles) in length.  One can walk for hundreds of miles at low tide on the wet sand making it a perfect place for walking.  It’s relaxing atmosphere creates more beauty for walking - what’s more relaxing than the sounds of the ocean?

When I decided to go for a walk I took my time looking through the rocks and sea shells - I was overwhelmed at the amount there was to look at.  As I continued to do this further down, I noticed that the dunes started to look a bit different - they looked like caves.

A Different Beach at High Tide

Although low tide makes Mavillette Beach a great place to walk, high tide creates an intimate beach experience.  You can go for a swim in the Bay of Fundy and even dive for your own scallops!  Depending on what you prefer, it’s a good idea to check the tide chart online ahead of time.

A Great Way to End Your Stay

As my first trip to Mavillette Beach came to an end, I wasn’t ready to go home yet.  I remembered there was a lighthouse located just minutes away from the beach.  If you leave the parking lot and drive approximately three minutes northwest on John Doucette Road, you will see Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park.  

It was neat driving by some colourful houses and seeing the lighthouse lit up in the fog.  You’re still getting the relaxing atmosphere and get to see some of Mavillette.  

A Place to Reconnect

I remember tearing up as I started my journey back because of the peace and joy that overtook me.  After a hard loss during a pandemic where I felt so disconnected, Mavillette Beach gave me something that seemed so far out of reach - connection.  It allowed me to reconnect with myself and the world around me.

My Next Visit

My first visit to Mavillette Beach will be unforgettable and I cannot wait to go again.  In hindsight, I wish I would have checked the tide charts and weather forecast ahead of time.  Luckily, it was low tide when I went - there was plenty of space to walk and look for rocks.  The tide chart is beneficial to see what time is best for you and what to expect.  

Checking the weather will be beneficial for any beach trip, however with Mavillette Beach there is often fog.  When I went for my first visit it was sunny and warm outside, but when I got to Mavillette Beach it was foggy and windy.  The beauty of Mavillette Beach is the variety of experiences it can offer you, you just have to decide what beach experience you are looking for!