Should you’re searching for an thrilling East Coast journey vacation spot, look no additional than Nova Scotia. From the gorgeous shoreline of Cape Breton Island with loads of out of doors adventures and mountaineering trails, to the colourful capital of Halifax with loads of eating places, bars, and cultural sights, and the charming cities of Wolfville and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia has one thing for everybody.
We spent 3 weeks exploring Nova Scotia on our latest East Coast Canada highway journey and located it to be one of the crucial numerous Maritime provinces with a spread of actions, experiences and locations for all tastes and journey preferences.
We beloved hanging out in Halifax, having fun with nice meals and native brews, sampling domestically made wine within the Annapolis Valley, studying extra about Canadian historical past in Annapolis Royal, mountaineering the Skyline Path in Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park and admiring the views on our highway journey alongside the Cabot Path.
We’ve rounded our greatest experiences and favorite locations into this complete information to assist others plan their very own Nova Scotia journey itinerary.
On the Franey Path in Cape Breton Nationwide Park
About Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is likely one of the three Maritimes provinces and is situated on the East Coast of Canada. The province has 7500 km (4660 mi) of shoreline and is dotted with fishing villages, gorgeous seashores, rugged coves and headlands and quite a lot of wildlife. This makes it an particularly memorable vacation spot for an epic highway journey with spectacular surroundings and intensely pleasant locals.
Cultural Affect
Initially the dwelling of the Mi’Kmaq folks who’ve referred to as Nova Scotia dwelling for over 10,000 years, the province is a multicultural a part of Canada. A singular mix of English, Scottish and French influences can nonetheless be seen in the present day, making it a culturally fascinating place to discover.
Enjoyable Info About Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is the second smallest province in Canada, after Prince Edward Island.
The capital of Halifax is the most important metropolis in Nova Scotia, with a inhabitants of over 400,000 folks. The waterfront in Halifax is probably the most visited vacation spot in all of Nova Scotia.
The Cabot Path on Cape Breton Island is continuously ranked as one of the crucial fashionable scenic drives in Canada. It was named one of many world’s high 10 motorbike rides by Nationwide Geographic.
The Annapolis Valley within the western a part of the province is understood for its wineries and orchards and is a well-liked vacation spot for cyclists. Tidal Bay wines produced within the area are distinctive to the realm and are mentioned to be formed by the ocean.
Lunenberg, situated on the south shore of Nova Scotia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and residential to a few of the most stunning structure in Canada.
Halifax waterfront
Easy methods to Get to Nova Scotia
There are a selection of transport choices when travelling to Nova Scotia, relying on how you like to journey.
By Automobile
Trans-Canada Freeway connects Nova Scotia to New Brunswick and the remainder of Canada. These coming from Quebec, Ontario and past will discover the drive to Nova Scotia to be an extended one.
The distance between Toronto to Halifax is sort of 1800 kms. It takes roughly 14-18 hours to drive to Halifax from Ontario.
From Quebec, the space is a little more manageable. Montreal is situated 12.5 hours rom Halifax and Quebec Metropolis is simply over 10 hours away.
By Bus/Rail
There are each practice and bus choices for reaching Nova Scotia. Lengthy-distance buses by Maritime Bus join Quebec via New Brunswick to Halifax and likewise run as much as North Sydney.
VIA Rail affords in a single day trains from Montreal to Halifax just a few instances per week. The journey takes as much as a full day of journey time.
By Airplane
Halifax Stanfield Worldwide Airport (YHZ) is Atlantic Canada’s largest airport. There are home flights to many different components of Canada, in addition to worldwide flights to main US cities like New York, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia and European capitals together with London.
The airport is situated round 40 minutes drive from town middle, with a neighborhood bus community or taxi service accessible for attending to and from the airport.
Greatest Time to Go to Nova Scotia
There are execs and cons to touring round Nova Scotia any time of the yr.
Summer season
Summer season is unquestionably the busiest season in Nova Scotia, with the finest climate occurring between June and August. Temperatures are usually fairly heat and might exceed 25 levels C (78 F). You’ll discover lodging costs throughout Nova Scotia to be a bit increased in the summertime, though summertime in Nova Scotia continues to be quieter than different components of Canada, so it’s not a giant concern. In any case, summer time in Nova Scotia is gorgeous!
In Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia
Fall
Fall could be the very best time to go to Nova Scotia sights, with fewer crowds, good and steady climate and fairly fall colors. If you wish to try peak foliage, plan your journey from September till October. Nonetheless, it may be tough to hop on excursions late within the season, as a lot of the vacationer business begins to die down towards the winter months.
Winter
The colder months are fairly cool and moist on the East Coast, with temperatures getting as little as -15 levels (5 F). It’s not the very best time for a Nova Scotia tour as many operators and companies shut down for the winter.
On the flip facet, Nova Scotia affords quite a lot of winter-specific adventures and sights so in case you can courageous the chilly climate, you possibly can get pleasure from wintertime in Nova Scotia and expertise one thing very completely different. Should you do go to, be ready for all circumstances and costume in heat layers.
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse throughout winter. Picture credit score: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Acorn Artwork & Pictures
Spring
The Nova Scotia tourism business begins to come back alive in Spring after an extended winter. Nonetheless, it could possibly stay cool till Could. Many operators won’t resume enterprise till late Could, so it’s one thing to concentrate on in case you are planning a visit to Nova Scotia in late Spring.
With that mentioned, late Spring could be the very best time to go to Nova Scotia for the outside and to discover a few of the gorgeous pure wonders of the province.
14 Greatest Issues to do in Nova Scotia
Should you’re planning a visit to the East Coast, then listed below are the very best issues to do in Nova Scotia for each sort of traveler.
1. Spend Time in Halifax
Residence to one of many world’s largest harbours, Halifax is a energetic and welcoming metropolis that’s price just a few days’ go to in your Nova Scotia highway journey. The province’s capital is understood for its wonderful eating and buying scene throughout the very walkable Downtown Halifax space.
There are many issues to do in Halifax, from historic and cultural sights to close by out of doors actions and coastal surroundings. Listed below are just some of our favourites!
Halifax, Nova Scotia
High Actions, Locations and Issues to Do in Halifax, NS
Halifax Waterfront: The bustling Halifax harbour space is the center of the motion within the metropolis, with quite a lot of eating places, cafes and outlets. It’s additionally price strolling alongside the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk which passes by many different sights within the metropolis.
Halifax Waterfront
Halifax Seaport Farmers Market: Working each weekend on the waterfront, this vibrant market is likely one of the high Nova Scotia vacationer spots. It’s conveniently situated proper by the docked fishing boats and cruise port in Halifax Harbour, so it affords a enjoyable solution to spend the morning.
Halifax Maritime Museum: That is the most important maritime museum in Canada, with over 30,000 artifacts on show. It has some attention-grabbing displays on the Halifax Explosion and the Titanic and is likely one of the true highlights of Nova Scotia for historical past buffs.
Halifax Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Picture credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Acorn Artwork & Pictures
Canadian Museum of Immigration: A captivating museum to go to, Pier 21 was the immigration level for a million newcomers to Canada between 1928 and 1971. You’ll study 400 years of immigration historical past via first-person tales, archival images, and artifacts.
Halifax Public Gardens: As one of many most interesting surviving examples of a proper Victorian backyard, it’s a beautiful place to go for a stroll in Downtown Halifax. The backyard is dwelling to quite a lot of crops and flowers, in addition to quite a lot of statues and fountains.
Halifax Public Gardens
Halifax Public Gardens
The Public Gardens at Halifax
Halifax Citadel Nationwide Historic Website: The star-shaped citadel instructions a hilltop place overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and cityscape. The landmark is price visiting to study a bit extra concerning the army historical past of the realm.
Halifax Citadel Nationwide Historic Website
Kayak Halifax: For a enjoyable exercise, Kayak Halifax affords a spread of paddle and kayak excursions alongside Northwest Arm and McNab’s Island. There are a selection of excursions starting from sundown excursions to Harbour Highlights to select from. An effective way to see Halifax from one other perspective – one among our favorite experiences in Halifax.
Kayaking on the Halifax Waterfront close to Georges Island Nationwide Historic Website. Picture credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Acorn Artwork & Pictures
Alexander Keith Brewery: Based in 1820, it’s one of many oldest working breweries in North America. They provide an hour-long guided tour of the brewery, which features a tasting.
Halifax Alexander Keith’s Brewery
2. Go to Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
Situated southwest of Halifax, Peggy’s Level Lighthouse is likely one of the most iconic landmarks in Nova Scotia. The lighthouse marks the japanese entrance of St. Margarets Bay and continues to be operated by the Canadian Coast Guard.
It’s turn into the postcard shot for Tourism Nova Scotia and is recognizable world wide, so it’s positively a must-see in Nova Scotia. You’ll be able to discover the granite outcrop across the lighthouse, which affords spectacular sea views in all instructions.
It’s lower than an hour’s drive from Halifax, however there may be additionally a small village there with just a few eating places, outlets and lodging choices.
Peggy’s Cove lighthouse. Picture credit score: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Acorn Artwork & Pictures
3. Discover Cape Breton Island
Because the northeasternmost island in Nova Scotia, the superbly rugged island is price taking a while to discover on any Nova Scotia journey. Cape Breton Island is most well-known for being dwelling to the favored Cabot Path highway journey, however it’s equally nice for many who get pleasure from getting out to discover the dramatic surroundings on one of many many mountaineering trails.
The Island is dwelling to loads of actions and sights to maintain you busy. Listed below are just some of the numerous issues you are able to do whereas on the island:
Go to Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park: With gorgeous landscapes and loads of trails to discover, this nationwide park is a must-see. You may also get pleasure from wildlife watching, tenting, and picnicking. Should you solely have time to hike one path make it the Skyline Path – and do it at sundown – belief us, the views are unbelievable!
Skyline path at Cape Breton Nationwide Park
On the Skyline path at Cape Breton Nationwide Park
Bike the Cabot Path: This world-famous scenic route takes you thru a few of the most stunning surroundings in Cape Breton. The Cabot Path is a well-liked highway journey, however it is usually a biking route with plenty of stops and lookouts alongside the way in which to soak up the sweeping views. Extra on that within the subsequent part.
Cabot Path highway
Go to Fortress of Louisbourg: This historic web site is a reconstruction of a French fort initially in-built 1720. It’s a partial reconstruction of an enormous 18th-century French fortress that was in-built 1713. It was a pivotal location for 2 sieges that have been turning factors within the Anglo-French battle for Canada. At the moment, the fortress is open to the general public and affords guided excursions, displays, and performances.
And naturally, it goes with out saying that Cape Breton Island is likely one of the finest locations to go in Nova Scotia for gorgeous views. The area has quite a lot of small cities price visiting in your highway journey, together with the historic capital, Sydney.
Should you’re searching for jaw-dropping views, a fast journey round this island positively must be excessive in your Nova Scotia sightseeing itinerary.
Fortress of Louisbourg Nationwide Historic Website. Picture credit: Tourism Nova Scotia/Photographer: @janikrobichaud
4. Drive the Cabot Path
The Cabot Path highway journey is so good it deserves its personal part on this information.
Extensively thought-about to be one of many most scenic drives in Canada, the Cabot Path winds its manner round Cape Breton Island, following the 300 km (185 mi) highway loaded with gorgeous surroundings and loads of alternatives to get out and benefit from the pure panorama.
If it’s stunning, uncooked views you’re after, a drive across the island on the Cabot Path is likely one of the should do issues in Nova Scotia.
When you might drive the complete factor in 4-5 hours, we advocate spending not less than 3 days to do it justice. There are many issues to do on the Cabot Path, that are price your effort and time.
Cabot Path with campervan Benji
Notable Stops alongside the Cabot Path
Baddeck: An attractive small city to start out or finish the scenic drive, Baddeck has a powerful Gaelic heritage and tradition that you would be able to expertise throughout your go to. Situated on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake, it’s an enthralling place to cease for a day or two to get a pattern of Gaelic tradition on the Cabot Path
Exercise Centre at Inverary Resort in Baddeck
Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park: Arguably the most important attraction of the Cabot Path, the park is situated on the northern finish of the island. The park is stuffed with forests, rugged mountains, and winding rivers and is dwelling to moose, black bears, bald eagles, and different wildlife. There are many mountaineering and tenting spots within the park, so it’s positively a spotlight for many who need to hit a mountaineering path.
On the Franey Path in Cape Breton Nationwide Park
Skyline Path: As among the finest hikes within the Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park, it’s a 7km (4.3 mi) stroll alongside a path and boardwalk with steps down the headland which opens as much as a birds-eye view of the coast. It’s the proper place to snap some images and watch the sundown.
On the Skyline path at Cape Breton Nationwide Park
Sea kayak within the north: An effective way to admire the Cape Breton highlands is by kayak. Cabot Path Adventures supply half-day guided excursions across the underexplored northern shoreline.
Ingonish: A well-liked city on the east coast of the island, recognized for excellent mountaineering, a shocking white sand seashore, and the well-known Keltic Lodge Resort, which homes the unbelievable Highlands Hyperlinks Golf Course.
Ingonish Seaside
5. Go Wine Tasting in Wolfville
Situated round 100 km (62 mi) northwest of Halifax, Wolfville lies within the stunning Annapolis Valley. This central metropolis on the japanese finish of the valley has each historic and horticultural significance. It’s dwelling to a number of wonderful wineries and Acadian historic websites, making it among the finest locations to see in Nova Scotia.
The primary avenue is lined with historic buildings and busy eating places and cafes serving scrumptious seafood.
The encompassing space makes up Canada’s smallest and coolest local weather wine area, producing crisp wines that pair nicely with seafood. The pleasure of Nova Scotia is the Tidal Bay wine selection, a white wine mix made strictly from Nova Scotia grapes.
There are a selection of nice wineries to go to in Wolfville, so in case you are a wine lover, plan to spend a few days wine-tasting.
Lightfoot Vineyard, Wolfville
Our Favorite Wineries in Wolfville
Domaine de Grand Pré: The oldest farm vineyard in Atlantic Canada. You’ll be able to pattern scrumptious reds and whites simply down the road from The Tangled Backyard.
Luckett Vineyards: Go to the attractive property for a wine tasting, cellar tour, or non-public barrel room dinner.
Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards: Licensed natural and biodynamic vineyards providing German-style whites.
Lightfoot Vineyard, Wolfville
Grand Pre Vineyard, Wolfville
Grand Pre Vineyard, Wolfville
6. Witness Rising Tides at Halls Harbour
Corridor’s Harbour is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Nova Scotia. The charming fishing village dates again to the 1770s and is situated on the east facet of the Bay of Fundy. Identified for having a few of the highest tides on the earth, with a 45-50 foot (13-15 metre) change each 12 hours, that is by far the very best place to look at this pure surprise proper from city.
Halls Harbour, Bay of Fundy
Halls Harbour Lobster Pound and Restaurant
One of the simplest ways to benefit from the magic of the Bay of Fundy tides is to pay a go to to Halls Harbour Lobster Pound and Restaurant, from the place you possibly can admire the tides and luxuriate in a scrumptious lobster meal in out of doors seating. They’ve their very own lobster pound from the place you can also make your choice earlier than sitting all the way down to benefit from the views over the bay.
Plan your go to for just a few hours after low or excessive tide and plan to remain for not less than 3-4 hours to see the tides change proper in entrance of your eyes.
Halls Harbour Lobster Pound, Annapolis Valley
7. Eat Scallops in Digby
On the western facet of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, Digby is a small city generally known as the scallop capital of Nova Scotia. For foodie vacationers, it’s positively thought-about one of many cool locations in Nova Scotia.
The lively fishing neighborhood is well-known for its wildlife recognizing and mouth-watering seafood.
The perfect scallops in Nova Scotia!
Different issues to do in Digby
Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa: An attractive resort the place you possibly can play golf on the on-site 18-hole golf course, go to the spa, or dine on well-known Digby scallops at their on-site restaurant.
Brier Island: In the summertime, Whale Watching Excursions depart from Brier Island, not too removed from Digby.You’ll have the possibility to identify endangered or uncommon species of whales just like the Humpback, Finback and Proper Whales, and seabirds.
Whale watching. Picture credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Wally Hayes
8. Discover Nationwide Historic Websites in Annapolis Royal
Annapolis Royal is a historic city stuffed with loads of unbelievable issues to see and do. There are a selection of Historic Websites in Annapolis Royal itself and some extra throughout the bay close to the city of Granville Ferry.
On the town, you’ll additionally discover waterfront buying, heritage lodging, arts scene, and out of doors actions to discover. Regardless of being small, it’s one of many high Nova Scotia locations for historical past buffs.
Annapolis Brewing Firm, Annapolis Royal
Should see Nova Scotia websites round Annapolis Royal
Fort Anne Nationwide Historic Website: That is the oldest Nationwide Historic Website in Canada, so it’s actually a should do in Nova Scotia. The historic grounds characteristic a Seventeenth-century fortress and museum. Guided excursions can be found
Port-Royal Nationwide Historic Website: Throughout the bay you’ll discover a reconstruction of the Port-Royal Nationwide Historic Website – one other fashionable attraction within the area. You’ll be able to admire costumed interpreters as they placed on demonstrations to recreate one among North America’s earliest settlements.
Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens: Simply east of Fort Anne, the gardens are recognized for the attractive rose backyard and historic houses.
9. Hike Cape Break up Trailhead
If you wish to get pleasure from some extra gorgeous Nova Scotia surroundings in Annapolis Valley, then a hike alongside Cape Break up Path is worth it. Overlooking the Bay of Fundy, the difficult 12 km (7.5 mi) hike traverses the headland close to Scots Bay.
The gorgeous stroll affords panoramic views of the Blomidon Provincial Park, Minas Basin and Burntcoat Head Park, the place the ocean flooring turns into seen when the tide is out, whereas alternatives for some wildlife watching are additionally considerable.
It’s particularly scenic within the Fall, when the foliage colors have come out in full, making it a photographer’s paradise.
Cape Break up path, Bay of Fundy
Cape Break up, Bay of Fundy
10. Go Tidal Bore Rafting
One of the enjoyable issues to do in Nova Scotia is to go rafting down the Shubenacadie River. The river’s rapids are powered by the excessive tides of the Bay of Fundy, which strikes greater than 100 billion tons of water twice a day.
Tidal Bore Rafting affords the last word journey for thrill seekers, because the river turns right into a raging mass of rapids when the tidal bore briefly reverses the move of the river.
The Tidal Bore Rafting Resort is the very best place to expertise this pure phenomenon, with guided excursions for all ages and lengths of time. It’s positively among the finest locations to go to in Nova Scotia in summer time in case you’re planning a household trip.
Tidal Bore rafting. Picture credit score: Tourism Nova Scotia
11. Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park
One of many many causes for visiting Nova Scotia is to see the unbelievable wildlife, and there’s no higher manner to do this than on the 40-hectare wildlife park in Shubenacadie. It’s among the finest issues to do in Nova Scotia with children, simply lower than an hour’s drive from Halifax.
It’s one of many solely wildlife park areas within the province being dwelling to an unbelievable number of animals, together with cougars, black bears, arctic wolves, purple deer, moose and bald eagles. There’s additionally a spread of instructional applications and even night time excursions accessible to study extra about wildlife.
12. Go to Lunenburg
Lunenburg is likely one of the finest locations in Nova Scotia, recognized for its appeal. It’s usually considered the most picturesque city in Nova Scotia and is simply over an hour’s drive south of Halifax. The UNESCO World Heritage Website is one among solely two city centres in all of North America to carry that standing, making it an unbelievable historic attraction.
It’s characterised by slim streets and colonial buildings in vibrant colors. A go to to Lunenburg is like strolling via a residing historical past museum with tall ships lining the harbour and an outdated marine blacksmith store on the waterfront.
Lunenburg Waterfront. Credit score:
Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Acorn Artwork & Pictures
Issues to do in Lunenburg
There are many issues to do within the city to probe for a few days.
Bluenose II Ship: A reproduction schooner of the unique boat that’s featured on the Canadian dime could be discovered docked in Lunenburg. It’s a traditionally vital ship, for being undefeated in her 18-year run as a fishing and racer boat.
Lunenburg Waterfront: A stroll across the waterfront space and UNESCO World Heritage Website is a should. It’s one of the crucial well-known Nova Scotia vacationer sights, with fishing boats sitting within the harbour and vibrant buildings lining the waterway.
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic: A maritime historical past museum that takes a take a look at the native fishing historical past, with an aquarium, historic boats and interactive shows.
Bluenose II ship. Credit score:
Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Cailin O’Neil
13. Go Whale Watching
Top-of-the-line Nova Scotia actions in summer time is whale watching. There are many locations the place you possibly can go to see whales. However, just a few of the very best spots are on Cape Breton Island and close to Digby in Annapolis Valley.
Catching a glimpse of whales breaching off the coast is unquestionably among the finest issues to see in Nova Scotia. So, it’s price planning your journey round it. The perfect months are from Could till October, so it’s positively a Summer season and Fall exercise.
Greatest Spots for Whale Watching in Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Island
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Nova Scotia in July is to go whale watching on Cape Breton Island. There are a few operators providing whale-watching excursions in Cheticamp and Nice Bay.
Round Chéticamp, you’ll find humpbacks, finbacks, minke, and pilot whales. Chéticamp Journey Co and Captain Zodiac Whale Cruise in Cheticamp are two respected native operators providing Whale Watching Excursions.
Cheticamp, Cabot Path, Cape Breton Island
Annapolis Valley
Close to Digby and round St Marys Bay is one other great place for whale watching in Nova Scotia. The waters of the Bay of Fundy are important feeding grounds for whales, in addition to a number of species of sea birds. Through the summer time, whale-watching excursions depart from Brier Island
14. Discover Kejimkujik Nationwide Park
For out of doors lovers, Kejimkujik Nationwide Park is likely one of the finest issues to do in Nova Scotia, Canada. It’s a phenomenal park simply over an hour’s drive inland from Lunenburg. Right here you’ll discover historical rock carvings, massive swathes of wilderness areas with canoe routes and sandy seashores, in addition to quite a lot of wildlife.
Kejimkujik Nationwide Park. Picture credit score:
Tourism Nova Scotia
Kejimkujik Nationwide Park. Credit score:
Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Acorn Artwork & Pictures
It’s a Nova Scotia should see for anybody eager to study extra concerning the Mi’kmaw individuals who historically referred to as the park space of Nova Scotia dwelling. There are storytelling and petroglyph excursions accessible for attending to know the historical past of Nova Scotia.