Standing on a cliffside at The Ovens, the Atlantic Ocean stretches for what seems like forever. It’s a peaceful and serene location, with the sounds of birds, trees, and the ocean in the foreground. The Ovens are on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, right at the entrance to Lunenburg Bay, away from most of the hustle and bustle.
We’d initially come for the sea caves and the coastal walk along the Bay that leads to them. However, while looking at the water and towards an island, our quick research confirmed that we were looking at something considerably more interesting.
That island was Cross Island. And Cross Island, for any Shark Week fans (cough cough Kayley), is synonymous with “The Great White Highway”.
Welcome to the Great White Highway 🦈
Every year, the Great White Sharks who call the Atlantic Ocean home embark on a lengthy migration. For the summer and fall, they make their way from the Gulf of Mexico and southern Atlantic Ocean, to cooler waters. The Northeast of the USA has always been known as the hotspot for these beautiful predators, but in recent years, research is beginning to show that these sharks are actually making their way further North, and into Canadian waters for the summer.
Researchers have tracked individual sharks and their migration journeys over thousands of kilometres, and noticed that they seem to be returning more and more frequently to the waters off Nova Scotia. And, not just in passing. They are staying and making these waters an important part of their population’s habitant.
Which means that while we initially were there for the sea caves, we quickly acquired a side quest to try and spot a shark on the Great White Highway.
So, why Nova Scotia?
Food.
During the summer months, Nova Scotia is teaming with fish, seals, and other prey that is like a buffet to a Great White Shark.
OCEARCH, one of the leading shark research organizations, has been studying shark behaviours and tracking them in Nova Scotia for years.
Some of the sharks are doing excellent work of showing researchers their migratory patterns.
Baker, an almost 13ft adult, was first tagged in July 2025, then made his way down to the Carolinas during the colder months, before popping back up in Nova Scotia in July 2026.
Percy, an almost 10ft sub-adult, followed a similar path, but made his way all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.
Cayo, an over 10ft juvenile female, made her way back one year later to almost exactly the same spot she was initially tagged in 2025.
Tracking sharks like this has allowed researchers to understand just how important Canadian waters are to Great White Sharks, and how connected Nova Scotia is to the more well-known shark hotspot of New England in the Northeast USA.
Shark Week Special
As a shark enthusiast, there really is no better week than Shark Week. In 2026, Shark Week premiered “Great White Highway”, a special exploring the movements of Great Whites around Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada waters.
It makes sense when you see the coastline.
Journeying through The Ovens, you’re exposed to dramatic cliffs, seemingly endless ocean, and powerful wind reminders that Mother Nature should not be messed with. Knowing that one of the world's most famous predators migrates through the waters around Nova Scotia makes an already spectacular landscape feel just a little wilder.
So, should we go for a swim?
We’re firmly in the “it’s their home” camp.
The mere fact that sharks are present in the Atlantic Ocean off Nova Scotia does not mean that they are patrolling every beach waiting to attack, or make you more likely to see one if you make your way to The Ovens.
In fact, despite knowing that Great Whites are present in most oceans worldwide, interactions with humans remain rare.
For us, knowing they are out there added something to the experience.
We spent considerably more time staring at the water afterwards.
No dorsal fins.
Unfortunately.
Visiting The Ovens Natural Park
Even without the possibility of Great Whites somewhere off shore, The Ovens are definitely worth a visit.
The coastal park, which is privately owned, sits on about 200 acres, near Riverport, on Nova Scotia's South Shore. The sea caves, or “ovens” which give the park its name, are situated along a dramatic cliffside walk.
The walk is amazing, but we’d recommend taking a minute to look away from the caves.
Out at the ocean.
Because, somewhere beyond those caves, one of the ocean's greatest travellers might be making its way through Nova Scotia.
And, we think that's pretty darn awesome.
📍 The Ovens Natural Park — Riverport, Nova Scotia
Planning your own day around Halifax? Discover more places, stops and itineraries at adayin.xyz.
Learn more about sharks on OCEARCH’s website.