Nova Scotia, Canada

Sweeping from surging sea up steep bluffs to splendid overlooks, from the crisp lines of ships and city Halifax to peaceful orchards and photogenic villages, Nova Scotia offers a range of scenery and activity to appeal to visitors of all itineraries.

Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital, is a culturally rich and charming gateway to the rural parts of the province. Stop in at local museums and historic buildings for local and maritime lore, then take your dinner pick from a superb seafood selection. Spend a day or two cruising the city and admiring the sleek lines of ships at anchor before steering towards other Nova Scotia destinations.

Southwest of Halifax, the ‘Lighthouse Route’ winds leisurely along the coast, past villages on one side, the sea, the silhouette of a lighthouse and in season, whale’s spouting on the other. Stop in at historic town, Lunenburg, and make a detour for a few days of canoeing in Kejimkujik National Park before finishing your tour in Yarmouth.

Along the northwest coast, Annapolis Valley is a pleasant daytrip from Halifax or with time, makes for a longer rural escape. Orchards and vineyards blanket the interior, dotted with small towns and historic sites. Take a hike out along one of the bluffs overlooking the Bay of Fundy for an almost aerial view of Fundy’s famous tides.

A drive north and east leads to Cape Breton Island, now connected to mainland Nova Scotia by bridge but still awash with deep seas all around. Point the nose of your car towards Cape Breton Highlands National Park for a trip along renowned Cabot Trail, a scenic route that winds above the ocean, past charming villages for some of the best photo stops in this part of the world. Don’t leave Sydney, the island’s main city, for Newfoundland & Labrador without making a detour to Louisbourg National Historic Site to round out a Nova Scotia tour.

Even when winter snows slow the pace, Nova Scotia is one of those sea swirled places that remains steeped in natural beauty. Don’t forget your camera.

Nova Scotia Destinations

Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton Island
Halifax
South Shore

Other Provinces