Nova Scotia: Three Sisters Sea Kayaking & Picnic Lunch

Summary

Kayak Cape Chignecto’s wild cliffs and echoing sea stacks with local stories

You’ll paddle past Cape Chignecto’s dramatic red cliffs with a local guide, circle the towering Three Sisters sea stacks (and maybe shout into their natural amphitheater), explore ancient lava tubes, then relax with a homemade picnic lunch in a hidden cove before returning as the tides shift around you.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous just looking at the water, but there it was—this weird flutter in my chest as we stood on the red sand at Spicer’s Cove. Our guide, Jamie, had this way of making everyone laugh (even while explaining how not to tip over), so by the time we slid our kayaks into the Bay of Fundy, I’d mostly forgotten about my nerves. The first few minutes were all splashes and awkward paddling—my arms definitely noticed—but then you start to find a rhythm. The cliffs here are a deep rust color, almost glowing in the morning light, and you can smell salt and wet earth every time your paddle dips in.

Jamie pointed out these weird lava tubes along the shoreline and told us about ancient continents drifting apart right under our noses. I tried to repeat one of the Mi'kmaq place names he shared—no chance I got it right, but he grinned anyway. Paddling up close to the Three Sisters sea stacks is kind of surreal; they’re much taller than I expected, with gulls circling overhead and this echo that bounces off if you shout (which we did—couldn’t resist). At high tide, we slipped through an archway that felt like entering another world for a second. On low tide tours, Jamie said you can actually walk where we paddled—hard to imagine with all that water around us.

Lunch happened in a quiet cove I never would’ve found alone. Homemade sandwiches, fruit, something sweet—I don’t know if it was just being hungry from paddling or what, but it tasted better than most restaurant meals. We lounged on driftwood and watched the tide start to pull back; suddenly rocks appeared where there’d been nothing but water before. Heading back felt different—the cliffs looked changed somehow in the shifting light. I still think about that view from my kayak seat, salt drying on my skin and arms aching just enough to remind me I'd actually done it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sea kayaking around Three Sisters

• Meet staff at Advocate Harbour office
• Drive 30 minutes to launch beach
• Receive kayak instructions on beach
• Paddle along colourful cliffs
• Explore arch and Three Sisters spires
• Stop for home-made picnic in cove
• Relax and explore cove area
• Paddle back on ebbing tide

Top questions

How long is the Three Sisters kayaking tour?

The total paddling time is about 3 hours round-trip, with a break for lunch in between.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at Advocate Harbour office for outfitting; then you drive 30 minutes to Spicer’s Cove for launch.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, a homemade picnic lunch is included during your kayaking adventure.

Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide instructions on the beach before launching.

Are single kayaks available?

No, all tours use double kayaks only; solo guests are paired with guides or other guests.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for getting wet; all kayaking gear is provided by the operator.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No hotel pickup is offered; guests must drive themselves from Advocate Harbour office to Spicer’s Cove launch point.

Can dietary needs be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary options are available if requested at booking.

What’s included

Your day includes outfitting at Advocate Harbour office, certified local guide throughout your paddle along Cape Chignecto’s coast and around the Three Sisters sea stacks, use of double kayaks and all necessary gear (no rentals or single kayaks), plus a homemade picnic lunch served in a scenic cove before your return journey on changing tides.