Enhancements for Peggy's Cove

A new visitor information centre at Peggy's Cove is one of several enhancements that have given the Nova Scotia tourism icon a fresh new look.

The centre, a series of new interpretive panels and signs, and an expanded parking lot were officially opened today, June 26.

"Peggy's Cove is one of our greatest tourism assets, drawing more than 600,000 visitors a year to enjoy the stunning scenery and crashing waves," said Len Goucher, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "These upgrades enhance the quality of our visitors' experience, making their Nova Scotia vacation special and memorable."

The provincial government invested more than $1 million in the upgrades. The expanded visitor information centre has more space and a better layout for travel counsellors to help tourists learn about Peggy's Cove, pick up brochures about other tourist opportunities, and plan excursions to destinations around the province. The parking lot was expanded to provide additional spaces, and redesigned to provide a turn-around area for larger vehicles, such as recreational vehicles and motorcoaches.

The St. Margaret's Bay Regional Tourism Development Association oversaw the development of interpretive panels, signs and brochures that explain the natural and cultural history of Peggy's Cove. The association is also responsible for enhancements to visitor services, including signs for the preservation area and community, benches, information services and kiosks.

"The interpretive component of this project was a very special collaboration between the department, our tourism organization and resource specialists from the broader community," said Shelley Webb, chair of the tourism development association. "More than 30 people contributed to the overall success of this project. It was a wonderful learning experience and we were privileged to be a part of it."

The upgrades were recommended in the 2004 Peggy's Cove Assessment Study, which addressed capacity issues and potential tourism opportunities in the area. It was supported by the Peggy's Cove Commission, the Peggy's Cove Preservation Society and local residents.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works managed the infrastructure improvements and the Department of Natural Resources provided geological information for the interpretive panels and brochures.