Things to do!

Trails & Outdoor Activities

Blueberry Run Trail (Grand Desert) — A quiet, local trail near the community and RV site, offering peaceful woodland walking and easy access for visitors staying in the area.
Grand Desert Beach Trail — Easy 2.1 km out‑and‑back coastal trail; great for walking, birdwatching, and views of Chezzetcook Inlet.
Gaetz Brook Greenway — Scenic 4.3‑mile section of the Trans Canada Trail with art installations, picnic shelters, and accessible paths.
Salt Marsh Trail — Part of the Trans Canada Trail; popular for walking and cycling with beautiful marsh views.
Atlantic View Trail — Coastal trail near Lawrencetown with sweeping ocean views.
Crowbar Lake Trail — Forested hiking area with multiple loops and rugged terrain.

These are all within a short drive along the Eastern Shore and Lawrencetown area—Nova Scotia’s surf hub.

East Coast Surf School – Beginner‑friendly lessons at Lawrencetown Beach; highly rated and open daily.
Halifax Surf School (Martinique Beach) – Surf lessons at Martinique Beach, one of NS’s longest sandy beaches.
Kannon Beach Surf Shop – Long‑established surf shop offering rentals, lessons, and gear.
Lawrencetown Surf Co. – Surf shop with rentals and equipment near Lawrencetown Beach.
Hurricane Surf Company – Surf school located toward Lake Charlotte.
BS Bodyboarding School – Bodyboarding instruction near Lawrencetown.
Halifax Paddle Surf – Paddle‑surf rentals and lessons, open 24 hours.
Whit Surf (Cow Bay) – Surf shop offering lessons and rentals.

Rose & Rooster Café (Grand Desert) – Local favourite for breakfast, lunch, baked goods, and coffee; highly rated and located right in Grand Desert.
La Cuisine de Brigitte (West Chezzetcook) – Well‑reviewed local restaurant serving homestyle meals.
The Hungry Beagle Restaurant - Porters Lake. Great for brunch, dinner and a couple of beverages.
Porters Lake Pub - Porters Lake, located in the strip mall. Seafood, burgers, chowder to name a few favorites.
Bentley's Burgers and Fries - one of my favorite places to eat. No Seafood but lots of other choices.
Gazoo's - Opened seasonally from May to Oct. One of the local favorites so expect it to be busy and call ahead if you know what you would like to order 902-827-3435
Harbour Fish N Fries - One of my favorite places to eat fish and chips by far! Short 20 minute drive on the Eastern Shore but worth it. Small inside dining area or dine on the patio and soak up the sun and sights.

Grand Desert is rural, but several shopping destinations are within a reasonable drive:

Porters Lake Shopping Centre - Groceries, Alcohol, Fuel, Restaurants, Tim Hortons Coffee Shop, Pharmacy, Vet, Pet Supply Store, Subway, Dollar Stores etc.
Dartmouth Crossing – Major open‑air shopping district with big‑box stores, restaurants, and a cinema.
Atlantic Dutch Shop (East Lawrencetown) – Specialty grocery store with European goods.