Editor’s Note: This guide was originally published in 2021 and has been completely updated for 2025 to ensure all information is accurate and current.
After more than 20 years of travelling the world, you get pretty good at spotting the difference between tourism hype and an authentic experience. Nova Scotia is the real thing.
We’ve road-tripped across Canada from coast to coast, exploring some of the best and most beautiful cities in Canada, and there’s a reason we keep coming back here. It’s a place that doesn’t need a filter. From the rugged, windswept coastline of the Cabot Trail to the lively pubs in Halifax pouring local beer. It feels lived-in, welcoming, and endlessly interesting.
We created this guide because we know how frustrating it can be to show up somewhere and feel like you’re missing the best spots. We’ve been there. This guide is built from our own trips, highlighting the things we’d do again in a heartbeat.
Here’s our honest, no-fluff guide to the best things to do in Nova Scotia to help you plan your own adventure.
Quick List: Top 5 Things to Do in Nova Scotia
If you’re short on time or just want the absolute can’t-miss highlights, here are the top experiences we recommend prioritizing for your trip. We’ve done them all, and they represent the best of what the province has to offer.
- Drive the Cabot Trail: One of the most scenic drives in the world, this is a must-do for its coastal views and rugged highlands.
- Explore Halifax’s Waterfront: The heart of the city is its bustling waterfront, packed with history, great food, and harbour views.
- Visit Peggy’s Cove: Home to one of the most iconic lighthouses in Canada, this picturesque fishing village is worth the visit.
- Wander the Lunenburg Waterfront: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its colourful colonial buildings make it one of the prettiest towns in the country.
- Go Tidal Bore Rafting: For a real adventure, ride the incoming tide of the Bay of Fundy on a zodiac. It’s a unique thrill you won’t find anywhere else.
Best Things to Do in Halifax
Halifax is the vibrant heart of Nova Scotia, a city where maritime history meets a lively, modern energy. We always make it our first or last stop on any trip to the province because it sets the perfect tone. Here are a few of our favourite things to do in the city.
Walk the Halifax Waterfront
You can’t really say you’ve been to Halifax until you’ve spent time on its waterfront. It stretches for several kilometres and is the true pulse of the city.
We love grabbing a coffee and just watching the tall ships and harbour ferries go by. You’ll find everything from museums and playgrounds to breweries and food stalls serving up fresh seafood. It’s the perfect place to get a feel for the city.
Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
This is a really moving experience. Pier 21 was the gateway to Canada for over a million immigrants, and this museum tells their stories with incredible care and detail.
It gives you a profound sense of the hope and hardship that shaped so many Canadian families. We think it’s a must-visit to understand a vital piece of our national story.
Explore the Halifax Public Gardens
When the energy of the city gets to be a bit much, the Public Gardens are our go-to spot to unwind. These are some of the finest surviving Victorian gardens in North America.
It’s a beautiful and peaceful place for a quiet stroll among the fountains, flower beds, and old, shady trees. It’s a perfect, low-key afternoon activity.
Tour Alexander Keith’s Brewery
This is one of the most entertaining brewery tours we’ve ever taken. Forget a dry, technical explanation of brewing. Here, actors in 19th-century costumes guide you through the historic brewery with songs and stories. It’s a lively and fun way to spend an hour, and yes, you get to sample the famous beer.
Enjoy the View from Citadel Hill National Historic Site
For the best panoramic view of Halifax, you have to make the walk up to Citadel Hill. This massive, star-shaped fort has been watching over the harbour for centuries.
We recommend timing your visit to hear the firing of the noon gun, a tradition that happens every day. The view of the downtown core and the harbour from the ramparts is worth the climb alone.
Things to Do on the Cabot Trail & Cape Breton Island
Leaving the mainland for Cape Breton Island feels like entering a different part of the province. The landscape gets wilder, the cliffs get higher, and the Celtic music gets louder. This part of Nova Scotia is an adventure in itself, and it’s a bucket-list destination for a reason.
Drive the famous Cabot Trail
People call this one of the world’s best drives, and for once, the hype is completely justified. The Cabot Trail is a 298 km highway that loops around Nova Scotia’s North Shore, hugging mountainsides and offering incredible views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Our best advice is to give it time. The biggest mistake you can make is trying to rush it in a single day. Take two or three days, pull over at every lookout, and explore the small villages along the way.
Hike the Skyline Trail
If you only do one hike in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, make it this one. The Skyline Trail is famous for its boardwalk that descends a steep headland, giving you a commanding view over the rugged coastline.
It’s an iconic Canadian view for a reason, and it’s an especially popular spot for sunset. Keep your eyes peeled for moose; we’ve often spotted them grazing in the meadows near the start of the trail.
Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
We weren’t sure what to expect here, but this museum in the town of Baddeck is genuinely fascinating. Alexander Graham Bell was so much more than the guy who invented the telephone; he worked on everything from airplanes and hydrofoils to giant kites.
The site is full of his real artifacts, inventions, and personal effects. It’s a great look into the life of a true genius and a perfect rainy-day activity.
Explore the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
This is not your average historic site. Louisbourg is a massive, living reconstruction of an 18th-century French fortified town. The scale of it is hard to comprehend until you are walking its streets. It is actually North America’s largest historic reconstruction project.
You can easily spend a full day here interacting with costumed interpreters, watching blacksmiths at work, and even eating fresh-baked bread from the period bakery. It’s one of the most immersive historical experiences we’ve had in Canada.
Go Whale Watching
The waters off the coast of Cape Breton are a rich feeding ground for several species of whales. Taking a zodiac tour from a town like Chéticamp or Pleasant Bay gives you a fantastic chance of seeing them up close.
There’s nothing quite like the moment a pod of pilot whales surfaces near your boat. It’s a powerful reminder of just how wild this corner of the country really is.
Things to Do on the South Shore
Nova Scotia’s South Shore is picture-postcard territory. This is where you’ll find the quaint fishing villages, historic lighthouses, and colourful seaside homes the province is famous for. It’s a fantastic area for a scenic, relaxing drive.
Explore Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
Peggy’s Cove is one of the most photographed places in Canada, and it lives up to the hype. The classic lighthouse perched on a mountain of massive granite boulders is a scene you won’t forget.
Our best advice is to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak tour bus crowds. And please, respect the warning signs and stay off the wet, black rocks. The waves here are unpredictable and dangerous.
Wander the Streets of Lunenburg
Lunenburg is a personal favourite of ours. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the entire old town is a protected historic area, and its unique colonial architecture is incredibly well-preserved.
We love just wandering the hilly streets and admiring the colourful buildings. It’s also the home port of the famous Bluenose II schooner, so be sure to check if it’s in the harbour when you visit.
Visit Mahone Bay and the Three Churches
Just down the road from Lunenburg is the lovely town of Mahone Bay. It’s famous for one iconic view: the three historic churches that line up perfectly along the waterfront.
While it makes for a beautiful photo, the town itself is worth exploring. It’s full of great little artisan shops and cafes and has a more relaxed feel than some of its more famous neighbours.
Go Kayaking in Blue Rocks
If you want to see what a real, working fishing village looks like, head to Blue Rocks. Located just a few minutes outside Lunenburg, this tiny community of fishing shacks, fishing boats, and stacked lobster traps feels a world away from the tourist track.
The waters around the scattered islands are quite sheltered, making it one of our favourite spots for a guided sea kayaking tour.
Hike at Kejimkujik National Park Seaside
While the main part of Kejimkujik National Park is inland, the Seaside adjunct is a fantastic stop on the South Shore. The Harbour Rocks Trail is an easy 5.2 km hike that takes you to a beautiful coastline of turquoise water and white sand. We always see seals sunning themselves on the rocks here.
Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley Experiences
This part of Nova Scotia is all about dramatic natural forces. The Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides on Earth, creating a landscape that changes completely twice a day. Just inland, the fertile Annapolis Valley offers a much gentler, but equally interesting, experience.
Experience the World’s Highest Tides
It’s hard to wrap your head around the scale of the tides here until you see the evidence. Twice a day, 160 billion tonnes of water flow in and out of the bay, causing the water level to rise as much as 16 metres (52 feet).
The key is to visit a spot like Hall’s Harbour at low tide and then return six hours later for high tide. Seeing the fishing boats go from sitting on the muddy ocean floor to floating high above is the best way to appreciate this natural wonder.
Go Tidal Bore Rafting
This is one of the most unique adventures we’ve had in Canada. You head out on a zodiac on the Shubenacadie River while the water is low, and then you ride the incoming tidal bore, a wave created by the massive tide, as it rushes up the river.
You will be crashing through huge, muddy waves and getting completely soaked. It’s an absolute thrill and something you won’t forget.
Walk on the Ocean Floor at Burntcoat Head Park
This is the very spot where the world’s highest tides were officially recorded. At low tide, the water recedes, allowing you to walk on the ocean floor for kilometres. You can explore the tide pools and see the “flowerpot” sea stacks up close.
You absolutely must check the tide schedule before you go. The water comes in much faster than you’d think. You can even have a unique dining experience by eating on the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park. How fun is that?
Go Wine Tasting in the Annapolis Valley
After the wild adventures on the bay, the Annapolis Valley offers a perfect change of pace. This is Nova Scotia’s wine country, producing excellent cool-climate wines.
We recommend visiting a few vineyards like Lightfoot & Wolfville or Domaine de Grand Pré to sample Tidal Bay, the region’s signature crisp, white wine. It’s a great way to spend a relaxed afternoon.
Visit Grand-Pré National Historic Site
This powerful UNESCO World Heritage Site tells the story of the Acadian people and their deportation, known as the Grand Dérangement, in the 1750s. It’s a somber but incredibly important piece of Canadian history.
The site itself is beautiful and peaceful, with a memorial church and gardens overlooking the original dykelands that the Acadians created.
Unique Nova Scotia Food Experiences
You can’t talk about Nova Scotia without talking about the food. The seafood here is some of the freshest in the world, but there are a few other local specialties you need to try to get a real taste of the place. These are a few of our non-negotiable food experiences.
Eat a Lobster Roll
You will see lobster rolls on just about every menu, and for good reason. A proper Nova Scotia lobster roll isn’t complicated or fussy, it’s just a generous pile of fresh lobster meat, lightly dressed with mayo or melted butter, and served in a toasted, top-split bun.
The best ones we’ve had often come from small, unassuming seafood shacks by the side of the road. Don’t overthink it; just order one whenever you get the chance.
Try Digby Scallops
The town of Digby is home to one of the world’s largest scallop fishing fleets, and the scallops from these waters are famous for being incredibly fresh, sweet, and tender.
Whether you have them perfectly pan-seared or lightly fried, they are a true taste of the region. We always make a point to order them when we see them on a menu.
Indulge in a Donair
This one might surprise you, but the donair is the official food of Halifax. It’s a unique take on the Turkish doner kebab, made with spiced ground beef that’s sliced from a vertical spit and served on a warm pita with tomatoes and onions.
What makes it a Halifax original is the sauce: a sweet, garlicky concoction made from evaporated milk, vinegar, and sugar. It might sound a little strange, but it’s a local obsession and the ultimate late-night snack. You have to try it at least once.
Practical Information for Planning Your Trip to Nova Scotia
Okay, now that you have an idea of what you want to do, let’s cover the logistics. Here’s our straightforward advice on how to plan your visit to Nova Scotia.
Best Time to Visit Nova Scotia
The most popular time to visit is during the summer months of July and August. The weather is warm and sunny, and everything is open and in full swing. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time.
Our favourite time to visit is in September. The weather is still beautiful, the summer crowds have thinned out, and the fall colours begin to appear in the Cape Breton Highlands. Spring can be unpredictable and rainy, while winter is reserved for the truly hardy.
Getting to Nova Scotia
You have a few options for getting to the province, depending on where you’re coming from.
- By Air: The Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is the main gateway to the province, with connections across Canada and internationally.
- By Car: If you’re driving, the main entry point is via the Trans-Canada Highway from neighbouring New Brunswick.
- By Ferry: Vehicle ferries operate from Prince Edward Island, Saint John, New Brunswick, and even Bar Harbor, Maine (USA), offering a scenic alternative.
Getting Around
We can’t stress this enough: you will need to rent a car to properly explore Nova Scotia. Outside of Halifax, public transportation is very limited. This province is made for road-tripping, and having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore on your own schedule.
Where to Stay in Nova Scotia
Accommodation can book up months in advance, especially for the peak summer season, so we recommend booking ahead. We have a whole guide dedicated to Where to Stay in Nova Scotia that is based on all our trips out East.
In Halifax, you’ll find plenty of major hotels to choose from. In the smaller towns along the South Shore and the Cabot Trail, we love staying in the local inns, B&Bs, and rental cottages for a more personal experience.
Nova Scotia FAQ
We get a lot of questions about planning a trip to Nova Scotia. Here are the answers to a few of the most common ones.
What is the number one attraction in Nova Scotia?
It’s tough to pick just one, but the two most famous attractions are the Cabot Trail and Peggy’s Cove. The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton is considered one of the world’s most scenic drives, while the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove is the iconic image of a maritime fishing village.
How many days do you need in Nova Scotia?
We recommend at least 7 to 10 days to get a good feel for the province. This gives you enough time to explore Halifax, drive the Cabot Trail without rushing, and see some of the South Shore. If you have two weeks, that’s even better.
What is the best month to visit Nova Scotia?
July and August have the warmest, most reliable weather, but they are also the busiest months. We think September is the best time to visit. The weather is still pleasant, the large summer crowds are gone, and the fall colours start to appear in the highlands.
Can you drive around Nova Scotia in a day?
No, and we wouldn’t recommend trying to. While it might look manageable on a map, Nova Scotia is a large province packed with things to see. Driving the Cabot Trail loop alone can take a full day. To properly experience it, you need to plan for a multi-day road trip.
Nova Scotia is one of those destinations that truly delivers. It’s more than just a collection of pretty sights; it’s a province with a real sense of place and a warm, welcoming spirit. We’ve loved every trip we’ve taken there, from the rugged highlands of Cape Breton to the quiet shores of the Bay of Fundy.
Whether you’re looking for a wild coastal road trip or a relaxing getaway in a historic town, you can find it here. We hope this guide has given you the confidence and ideas you need to start planning your own adventure.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor