Downtown | LaHave River | South Shore Nova Scotia
Nestled in vibrant downtown Bridgewater
Your base camp for South Shore adventures. Explore Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, and stunning beaches, with Nova Scotia’s top attractions minutes away. Empire Riverside Stay sits just steps from the LaHave River, the lifeline of Nova Scotia’s South Shore. This beautiful river meanders through forests, towns, and farmland, offering guests scenic drives that link Bridgewater to beloved local attractions—from the LaHave Ferry and Bakery, to Crescent and Rissers Beach, and onward to the rugged Atlantic coast.
Convenience | Local Attractions | Historic & Cultural Heritage
Your Gateway to Nova Scotia’s South Shore
Downtown Bridgewater convenience meets South Shore adventure.
Old Town Lunenburg (UNESCO World Heritage) – 20 min
One of Nova Scotia’s most picturesque seaside towns. Known for its brightly painted wooden buildings, rich shipbuilding heritage, and the famous Bluenose II schooner, Lunenburg offers the perfect mix of history and charm.
Stroll along the waterfront, explore artisan shops and galleries, or visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Fresh seafood restaurants, distilleries, and cozy cafés line the streets, making it an ideal day trip. Vibrant, walkable, and full of character, Lunenburg is a must-see on the South Shore.
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site - 45 min
Known as “Keji” by locals, this UNESCO-recognized park is celebrated for its untouched wilderness, dark-sky preserve, and Mi’kmaq cultural heritage. Guests can hike forested trails, paddle along winding rivers, discover centuries-old Mi’kmaq petroglyphs, and camp under some of the clearest night skies in North America.
In addition to the inland park, visitors can also explore Kejimkujik Seaside (about 1 hr 15 min from Bridgewater), where sweeping white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and seal-dotted islands showcase a completely different side of the park.
Rissers Beach Provincial Park & Crescent Beach – 25 min
Long stretch of soft white sand, perfect for sunbathing and beach games, or wander the picturesque boardwalk that winds through a protected salt marsh rich with birdlife. Families especially love Rissers for its on-site amenities—picnic areas, showers, campgrounds, and lifeguards in summer make it safe and convenient for all ages.
Just minutes away, you’ll find Crescent Beach, one of the only beaches in Nova Scotia you can actually drive across.
Mahone Bay – 15 min
Just a short drive, Mahone Bay is one of the South Shore’s most photographed towns. Famous for its Three Churches lined up along the water, the town also offers artisan studios, antique shops, and cozy cafés perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Seasonal events like the Scarecrow Festival and Father Christmas Festival add charm and magic year-round. With its postcard-worthy views and welcoming small-town feel, Mahone Bay is an unforgettable stop for any Nova Scotia adventure.
Discover Guest Stories & Insights
"We loved our stay at Empire Riverside Stay! Being right in downtown Bridgewater meant everything was within walking distance—restaurants, shops, and the riverfront. It was also the perfect base for our day trips to Lunenburg and Rissers Beach. You couldn’t ask for a better location to explore Nova Scotia’s South Shore."
- Laura Thompson
"Empire Riverside Stay in Bridgewater offers exceptional experiences! The serene surroundings, combined with top-notch amenities, made our stay unforgettable. Each property is well-maintained and beautifully designed. Perfect for families or solo travelers looking to explore Nova Scotia. We will definitely return!"
- Jessica Nguyen
We offer thoughtfully designed Bachelor and 1 BR Suites.
Choose Your Suite
All units include a 40" Smart TV, coffee maker, room darkening curtains, cooking essentials and free Wifi. We are pet-friendly and family-friendly. Our superintendent on site will help answer all your questions.
Chic & Sunny 1 BR Hideaway - Unit 1
Welcome to your peaceful retreat in the heart of historic downtown Bridgewater.
1 BR Cozy Retreat - Unit 3
Your home away from home in beautiful Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or working guests,
Pretty Bachelor with Balcony - Unit 4
Sip your coffee on the private balcony, and enjoy the ease of this open-concept bachelor apartment,
The Salt + Soul Suite - Unit 5
A stylish 1-bedroom apartment with coastal vibes and a private dining room in the heart of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.
1 BR Backyard Bliss - Unit 6
Thoughtfully designed 1-bedroom unit featuring a cozy private bedroom, a full kitchen, a sofa bed in the living area, and your own private backyard.
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How far in advance should I book, and is there a minimum stay?
Summer along the South Shore fills up quickly—especially July and August. At Empire Riverside Stay, we are open year-round and do not require minimum 2-night stay for booking. This means our guests can book one night any time of the year. We like to offer our guests maximum flexibility. For the best choice, we recommend booking at least 1 month in advance during peak summer season and a couple weeks in advance during winter and shoulder seasons.
Is Empire Riverside Stay a good base for day trips to Lunenburg, Chester, and local beaches?
Absolutely. We’re located right on the LaHave River, which winds through the South Shore and connects to all the key attractions. From our doorstep:
Mahone Bay – 15 min
Lunenburg – 25 min
Chester – 30 min
Crescent & Rissers Beaches – 25 min
LaHave Ferry & Bakery – 12 min
This makes us an ideal hub for exploring South Shore without the hassle of packing and moving between towns.
Is the property pet-friendly?
Yes—we welcome well-behaved pets! The South Shore is full of dog-friendly beaches, trails, and river walks, and we love when guests bring their furry family members along. To keep all our guests comfortable:
We allow up to 2 pets per stay (dogs or cats).
A small pet fee applies for additional cleaning.
Empire Riverside Stay makes it easy to enjoy your Nova Scotia adventure with the whole family—including four-legged friends. 🐾
Is the property family-friendly?
Yes! Many of our guests are families. We provide a travel crib, high chair, blackout blinds, so you can travel light. Board games and a collection of children's books keep little ones happy on quieter evenings.
Connect With Our Team
Reach out to Empire Reiverside Stay for any inquiries about our vacation rentals in Bridgewater.