For Labour Day weekend, we were back on the road, returning to the South Shore for a final jaunt at the end of my incredible five-week vacation. The main purpose of the trip was to visit family, but of course, we take any road trip as an opportunity to go exploring with Dal.

The weather was glorious, so naturally, we headed to the beach. 

Last time we were on the South Shore, we visited an old favourite: Crescent Beach in Lockeport. This time, we expanded our horizons (or at least, I did), visiting a beach I had never heard of. Until now. I’m talking about Port Joli Beach in (you guessed it) Port Joli, Nova Scotia.

This stunner is a little smaller than most South Shore beaches, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in quality. This is probably the best swimming beach I have ever been to. The water is calm and crystal clear. The sand is soft and white. And the beach slopes gently into the ocean, flattening out into a massive shallow area that is just perfect for playtime. Dogs and kids alike will go crazy for this beach.

I know Dal did.

Just look at that water.

And that sand…

… And that sky.

I’m glad we decided to spend our last beach visit of summer at “The Pretty Harbour”.