The Village of Peggy's Cove was founded in 1811 when the Province of Nova Scotia issued a grant entitling six families to over 800 acres of land. It was not long after this time that the village began to flourish with developments such as a church, a general store, several fish houses and a lobster factory. This fishing village is famed for its picturesque and typically east-coast profile, with houses perched along a narrow inlet and on wave-washed boulders facing the Atlantic Ocean. Although this unique environment has been designated one of the world's preservation areas, it is still an active fishing community. The village is open year-round.

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

The first Peggy's Cove Lighthouse was a wooden structure that acted as a navigational aid and provided as well living quarters for the lighthouse keeper and his family. During World War II, the Peggy's Cove Lighthouse was used by the Royal Canadian Navy as a radio station.

Because the people of Peggy's Cove were familiar with the damages resulting from severe weather, it was anticipated the the old wooden structure would eventually be taken by a storm. After withstanding many storms, the old lighthouse was damaged beyond repair during Hurricane Edna in 1954.  A second lighthouse, the world-renowned Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, was built to replace it. This lighthouse was manned until 1958. At this time it became completely automated. During the summer months, the lower level of the lighthouse is the Village Post Office. Here, visitors can send postcards and letters to friends and family. Each piece of mail receives a special frank or cancellation mark that is in the shape of the lighthouse. The lighthouse at Peggys Cove is perhaps the most frequently photographed site in Nova Scotia.  

St. John's Church

It is recorded in the Minutes book of St. John's Church, that a public meeting was held in 1847 for the purpose of collecting money to build the community's first church. Over one hundred people contributed pounds, shillings, and pence towards the cause, and between the years of 1847 and 1850, St. John's Church was erected.

The original church unfortunately burnt to the ground in 1881 and a second public meeting was held for the purpose of raising funds for the second church. The second church was built between the years of 1881 and 1883 and is still being used by the residents of Peggy's Cove. St. John's Church is open to the public on a limited basis throughout the summer months. With its Gothic windows and lathed walls, the building is an architectural delight.