Iconic Peggy’s Cove seeing an increase in tourism in 2017

Peggy’s Cove is home to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country and it is a popular destination for visitors to Nova Scotia.

So far this year, tourism across the province is up, including at the iconic Peggy’s Cove.

READ: Peggy’s Cove lighthouse to get new coat of paint

“Our B&B here, Breakwater Inn, is up: we’re at 100 per cent full the month of August. Last year we were about 75 per cent,” said Peter Richardson, captain of Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours.

“They’re parking out on the road here. Some locals say they haven’t seen that since the end of the 70’s.”

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Richardson says business has been booming this year.

“It means I got to get a bigger boat,” he said laughing. “We’re doing very well here this year. The bookings have come in, online bookings are up this year and just walk-ons. Most of our business is walk-ons here and it’s done really well.”

WATCH: Despite warnings people still venturing out on black rocks at Nova Scotia’s Peggy’s Cove

1:47 Despite warnings, people still venturing out on black rocks at Peggys Cove

Neil Depew has been selling artwork at the famous cove for two decades. For the first time in 10 years, Depew says his sales have gone up.

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“It is completely dependant on the U.S. dollar. As the U.S. dollar gets strong, more Americans come here, more cruise ships, my business goes up and when the U.S. dollar goes down, the same thing happens here, my business goes way down. So, the last couple years my business has been going up again,” said Depew.

WATCH: Artists take part in “Paint Peggy’s Cove” event

Business at the Sou’Wester Resturant and Gift Shop is up 10 per cent this year.

While the increase in visitors is good, owner John Campbell says the area doesn’t have the infrastructure they need for how many people are coming to Peggy’s Cove.

“We need some pedestrian walkways. We need, probably, more washrooms and we need the infrastructure for the amount of people that come here. The good news is that the government did announce, pre-election, they were going to spend some money on tourist locations so hopefully Peggy’s Cove will get in there too,” he said.

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