Tips for sailing up Nova Scotias SW shore

[Steppin Out]

Can anyone provide me with some anchorage/mooring/docking suggestions for me as We prepare to sail our Hughes 38 up the SW shore of Nova Scotia through Port Hawkesbury into the Northumberland straight into the St Lawrence seaway ? I'll be leaving Halifax on or about the 15th of June.
Thank You

[Oceandeep]

Sounds like a great voyage. I have not sailed it myself but the Eastern shore is a long exposed coastline with a few fishing harbors that may provide shelter. Be sure to find a good weather window. When you get to Port Hawkesbury you might want to consider a little detor by going through the locks at St Peters into Bras d'Or Lake a beautiful cruising ground.

The Northumberland straight is also a great cruising ground but very different from Atlantic shore. The tides are much higher and it can be shallow. Charlottetown PEI is a great harbor to stop at along the way.

I'm sure that other more knowledgable sailors will have some detailed advice for you but a cruising guide for NS would be a great investment before you leave Halifax.

[Shoalcove]

I’d recommend Cheryl Barr’s “Complete Cruising Guide to the Down East Circle” as a start. Lots of good info there.
There are many good anchorages along the Eastern Shore of NS. Fog can be an issue in June. If you can find a copy of Mike Cox’s “Cruising the Eastern Shore” you should give it a read as well. If the wind is good, many folks make it a straight overnight run from Halifax to Canso so how many stops you make will depend on your situation and preferences.
The tides aren’t particularly big in the Northumberland Strait but it is shallow so there are not as many anchorages available as it seems. I draw 5’4” and watch carefully in a lot of anchorages. While the tides aren’t big, the current is strong and must be considered when travelling on the Strait. With the shallow water, strong winds against current can make things very unpleasant. Charlottetown is a great stopover on the island.
Shediac in New Brunswick has a couple marinas and limited anchorages depending on draft. It is a summer tourist hotspot with great beaches. There are some marine services available as well. I keep my boat in Bouctouche which is a few hours further north and a lovely place to stop. It is a bit of a run in the channel but very protected, clean, friendly and a quaint town.
Congratulations on your new boat. I think the Hugh’s 38 is a nice looking boat with those S&S lines.
Let me know if you have more questions.