Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we hear most before people visit.
Where is Silver Sands Beach and Park?
At the 1179 entrance in Cow Bay, Nova Scotia. See Getting Here for the full directions, parking, and the walk down.
Does it cost anything?
No. Silver Sands Beach and Park is privately owned and open to the public to access Silver Sands Beach. There is no admission fee and no booking.
Do I need to book?
No. There is no reservation or booking system – just show up.
Where do I park?
There is informal parking near the entrance. Full detail is on the Getting Here page.
How long is the walk down?
A few minutes from parking to the water at a normal pace. See Accessibility for terrain and grade.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Dogs are welcome. They must be kept on a leash – this is shared habitat, and there may be nesting birds and other wildlife on the ground where you can't see them.
Is there a fire pit?
Yes. Always check current provincial burn restrictions before lighting anything – see Rules & Leave No Trace.
What is the shore actually like?
Mostly stony. The shore is largely cobble and smaller pebbles, with sand as well, though less of it is exposed at high tide. See Plan Your Visit for the full picture before you go.
Can I surf here?
Yes – open Atlantic swell over a rocky bottom, with no lifeguard on duty. See Surf for what to know before you paddle out.
What birds will I see?
Shorebirds seasonally and eagles year-round. See Wildlife & Plants – we don't publish specific nesting locations, to protect the birds that use this shore.
Is it busy?
It varies with the weather and the season, and can fill the informal parking area on warm weekends.