With so many locations to go to and issues to do in Nova Scotia, should you’re on time constraints, selecting the must-sees is usually a little bit of a problem. 

Scenic drives, climbing alternatives, recent seafood, and vibrant fishing cities are simply among the many issues you may anticipate to expertise in your journey to Canada’s second-smallest province.

15 Finest Locations to Go to in Nova Scotia

We spent 15 days on a Nova Scotia road trip exploring Halifax, Cape Breton Island, the South Shore, Yarmouth and Acadian Shores, Bay of Fundy, The Annapolis Valley, and Northumberland Shore.

But, there are such a lot of extra locations to see and issues to do in Nova Scotia that we missed! Nova Scotia could also be small, but it surely has loads to supply travellers.

Questioning the place to go in Nova Scotia? Take a look at our video: Finest Locations to Go to in Nova Scotia:

On this submit, I’ll checklist the highest sights, issues to do, factors of curiosity, and one of the best locations in Nova Scotia that can assist you plan your journey. 

1. Halifax

The capital metropolis of Halifax is among the greatest locations to see in Nova Scotia — it’s additionally doubtless the primary place you’ll see if you arrive. It’s a fast 30-minute drive from the Halifax Stanfield Airport to Downtown Halifax and the colourful Waterfront space. 

Halifax is sufficiently small that you just don’t really feel overwhelmed, but has sufficient on supply to maintain you busy for a couple of days.

There are many neighbourhoods right here as properly, so in case you have time, get out of the downtown space and discover a bit additional. Dartmouth, for instance, is only a 5-minute ferry experience ($2.50 CAD) throughout the bay. 

The town is house to inexperienced areas, historic websites, pedestrian-only walkways, occasions and festivals, galleries and museums, and naturally, tasty eating places! There are quite a few things to do in Halifax to maintain you busy.

The place to Keep in Halifax

Halifax has so many areas you could possibly keep in, however if you wish to be close to the waterfront, nice eating places, and lots of the vacationer websites, then you definitely’ll wish to be across the Downtown space.

This is a busy a part of the town, but it surely’s a superb location for some spending a couple of days in Halifax. 

We stayed on the historic Westin Nova Scotian (of their newly renovated rooms) and loved the view of the harbour. The employees are very pleasant, there are many onsite facilities, parking is on the market, and the breakfast omelette and waffle station was a pleasant bonus. Click here to see the most recent room charges and critiques. 

Throughout our second keep in Halifax, we selected an Airbnb in a historic house close to the Waterfront. Should you’re concerned about reserving an Airbnb, don’t neglect your coupon.

The place to Eat in Halifax

With a mixture of seafood, worldwide delicacies, and vegan-friendly choices, Halifax is among the greatest locations to go to in Nova Scotia for foodies. Listed here are a couple of nice choices:

• Piatto Pizzeria – Italian model, wood-fired pizzas
• The Bicycle Thief – Wonderful location, employees, and meals. Attempt the lobster roll and rigatoni pasta with ragu sauce.
• The Five Fishermen – Though not positioned on the water, the eating space is beautiful and the meals is superb. Attempt the tenderloin steak and the lobster.
• The Wooden Monkey – We didn’t eat right here, but it surely’s extremely rated as an ideal place for vegetarians and vegans.
• Johnny K’s Authentic Donairs – That is the late-night hangout spot. When the bars let loose, you’ll discover party-goers snacking right here!
• Smoke’s Poutinerie – Situated on the waterfront, within the cluster of vibrant meals buildings, it is a good store to pattern poutine. 

2. Peggy’s Cove (and close by coves)

Peggy’s Cove is among the hottest locations to go to in Nova Scotia, so I needed to put it on the checklist — it’s a must-see for good cause!

It’s a couple of 45-minute drive from Halifax alongside the Lighthouse Route to achieve Peggy’s Cove, making it a simple day-trip from the Capital, or an ideal cease should you’re on an extended Nova Scotia street journey. 

The neighborhood is ready proper on the ocean, with large boulders providing viewing factors of the Atlantic. The lone white and purple lighthouse is among the most photographed spots within the nation.

Spend a while exploring the slow-paced neighborhood, together with the inlets — search for jellyfish within the calm water.

There are such a lot of close by bays and coves that you could possibly go to, both earlier than or after Peggy’s Cove. Take a look on the Polly Cove hiking trail, Shad Bay and the opposite little spots alongside Prospect Highway. 

3. Mahone Bay

Persevering with alongside the beautiful Lighthouse Route, you’ll arrive at Mahone Bay (in case you have an opportunity, take a look at Chester on the way in which), which is understood for its iconic 3 church buildings, relaxed environment, and small-town hospitality.

Go to one of many many retailers making textiles, jewellery, and artwork, or take a look at the cellular library bus! 

The locally-sourced meals on the eating places is divine (we had espresso on the Barn Coffee and Social House), and should you’re not driving, take a look at the Saltbox Brewery for some beers.

Mahone Bay is a good place to spend a while and is certainly one of many Nova Scotia sights you don’t wish to miss.  

Should you’re feeling extra energetic, or have additional time, there’s truly a path that connects Mahone Bay with the city of Lunenburg (beneath). This 10-kilometer pathway is known as the Bay To Bay Path, and you may be part of it at varied factors, or simply hike a portion of it, slightly than the entire path. Click here for particulars.

4. Lunenburg 

The entire city of Lunenburg is a prime Nova Scotia attraction! This fishing village turned UNESCO listed town is a picturesque place you gained’t wish to miss.

Many individuals decide to do day trips right here from Halifax, however I like to recommend spending the night time to see the city when it’s not so busy. 

With its British colonial grid-style streets, Victorian and Colonial structure, and harbour-side eating places, wandering round by foot in Lunenburg is an pleasurable expertise.

I like to recommend becoming a member of the 1.5 hour lengthy strolling tour to get a lay of the land and to study concerning the attention-grabbing historical past of the town (and the distinctive properties that line the streets). 

Additionally, don’t miss the Ironworks Distillery tour ($15 together with tastings and a present). Even should you’re not a booze drinker, the constructing its set in is value a go to itself.

In-built 1893, it was a blacksmith’s store that made ironworks for the shipbuilding trade in Lunenburg.

The place to Keep in Lunenburg

There are many inns and motels right here in Lunenburg. One highly-rated possibility is the Sail Inn with harbour views from the rooms. The employees are pleasant and the breakfast is scrumptious. Click here to see the most recent costs and critiques.   

The place to Eat in Lunenburg

The Savvy Sailor Cafe has tasty breakfasts and big parts. The Grand Banker is very rated for meals and drinks, and so is the Salt Shaker.  

5. Blue Rocks (top-of-the-line locations to go to in Nova Scotia for kayaking)

The neighborhood of Blue Rocks is positioned only a 10-minute drive from Lunenburg. This aptly named place is one other photographer’s dream vacation spot.

Small fishing shacks and boats are set subsequent to blue shale rocks, with the thundering Atlantic Ocean on one aspect, and the calm inlets protected by small islands on the opposite. 

Many individuals come right here to wander round, take images and easily benefit from the quiet of all of it. Nonetheless, that is additionally top-of-the-line locations to go to in Nova Scotia if you wish to go kayaking!

Meet up with the fellows at Pleasant Paddling for a day on the water. You’ll kayak by calm channels and slender passageways between islands whereas studying concerning the flora, fauna, and historical past of the world. Should you’re fortunate, you’ll spot some seals.

Should you don’t wish to keep in Lunenburg and day-trip to Blue Rocks, you may keep in one of many guesthouses right here. We noticed some yurts that we’d love to remain in subsequent time. 

6. Shelburne

Shelburne, an oceanside city on the Lighthouse Route, is the place thousands of Loyalists fled the United States throughout the American Revolution. Nonetheless loyal to the British, they had been enticed to maneuver to Shelburne with a promise of land and provisions.

As of late, Shelburne nonetheless has British flags flying, and there’s even a UK flag painted on the road. Right here you’ll additionally discover a shipbuilding facility, farmer’s market, cafes and eating places, and the Bowers Meadows Wilderness Space — which is a good place for fishing, canoeing, climbing, and tenting. 

We didn’t truly eat right here as we simply visited on a day journey, however I do suggest persevering with to Barrington and Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack for a tasty lobster roll or fish n’ chips.

7. Kejimkujik Nationwide Park 

Earlier than I let you know about Kejimkujik National Park, you’re most likely questioning the best way to pronounce its identify! It’s “keji-ma-ku-jik”…simply say it quick and also you’ll be high-quality. 

This nationwide park is an exquisite place to do some hiking in Nova Scotia, geocaching, canoeing, mountain biking and tenting. Plus, you may keep in one of many cool forest cabins (one thing we wish to do subsequent time we go to Nova Scotia).

There are 15 climbing/biking trails, plus 2 backcountry trails which you could embark on. We selected to hike the “Hemlocks and Hardwoods” path which was an pleasurable 5 km loop by the forest.

A few of the hemlocks listed here are round 400 years previous! A portion of the hike is on a pure path, whereas a part of it’s on a boardwalk to guard the tree roots. 

The humorous factor about this NP is that it’s truly break up into two separate areas — inland Kejimkujik NP and the Kejimujik Nationwide Park Seaside, which is on the Atlantic.

The seaside park is simply 25 minutes from the favored White Point Beach Resort, which has been a Nova Scotia trip staple since 1928.  

We stayed at White Level for 2 nights and drove to the Acadian Coast and Liverpool as day journeys. We then crossed the province north and made our approach to Kejimkujik Nationwide Park (1 hour from White Level). Sadly, we didn’t have an opportunity to go to the seaside nationwide park. 

With pure websites and cities lower than an hour away, the White Point Beach Resort is a good place to base your self. Plus, the resort itself has quite a few actions and services on supply — strolling paths, ocean swimming, pool, bonfires, SUP, kayaking, eating, reside music…and extra. 

8. Digby City and Digby Neck

Recognized for being the scallop capital of the world, Digby is a spot seafood lovers gained’t wish to miss. Pan-fried, deep-fried, sauteed, uncooked, bacon-wrapped, grilled, ceviche…the checklist of scallop preparations is countless!

After strolling across the city of Digby (and searching for treasures at low tide), we sat down for a scallop-forward meal on the Shoreline Restaurant (now closed, sadly, however there are equally good eating places close by). Not solely was the meals tasty, however the setting was beautiful — we even noticed seals popping their heads up within the water.

A night stroll alongside the docks to see the fishing boats, and locals spin disposing of the wharf earlier than the solar goes down is an effective way to finish the day in Digby. 

About 45 minutes from the city, is the Digby Neck. This peninsula is definitely composed of the mainland, and two islands — Lengthy Island and Brier Island. One aspect of the “neck” is the calm St. Mary’s Bay, and on the opposite is the massive Bay of Fundy. That is the spot to do some whale watching.

We joined the morning tour with Petit Passage Whale Watching (there are 2 per day) and had been fortunate to identify a humpback whale and a couple of finback whales, that are the second largest on this planet!

The boat was giant sufficient that it was snug, not cramped, and the employees members had been knowledgable concerning the ocean and the marine life. 

There’s one thing magical about seeing wildlife in its pure atmosphere. 

We stayed at Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, a beautiful previous constructing with sweeping views throughout the Bay of Fundy.

Right here you may golf 18 holes, spend a day on the spa, swim within the outside heated pool, or just chill out on the patio with a beer in hand. The resort affords a complimentary shuttle to and from the city heart, which is a pleasant contact. 

9. The Annapolis Valley (one of the best place to go to for wine lovers)

Annapolis Valley is positioned between two mountain ranges on the shore of the Bay of Fundy. Residence to agriculture, farming, cities, and vineyards, this beautiful valley is among the most scenic locations to see in Nova Scotia.

From farmers markets and U-pick Fruit & Veg, to wineries and orchards, this valley has heaps to find. Plus, the Annapolis Valley is house to quite a few communities. I like to recommend visiting Wolfville and Annapolis Royal — the latter is the place you’ll discover Canada’s oldest Nationwide Historic Web site (Fort Anne), and one of many oldest streets in all of North America.

Wolfville is a wonderful place to base your self when touring the vineyards across the valley.

Within the city itself, you’ll discover an ideal strolling path, boutique retailers, a cidery (made with native apples), and many enjoyable pubs and eating places. Don’t miss Church Brewing — in-built a transformed church, it is a very distinctive place to seize a craft beer. 

Surrounding Wolfville is the place you’ll discover the 11 established vineyards — which make some crisp white wines and a few reds as properly. Taking a vineyard bus tour with a delegated driver is the easiest way to discover the vineyards.

We went with Grape Escapes, a tour that truly originated in Halifax however picked us up in Wolfville. We visited 3 vineyards – Benjamin Bridge, Luckett and Gaspereau – and loved a superb lunch with our wine at Luckett Vineyards.

*Insider tip, attempt the Marquette purple at Luckett, it was my favorite Nova Scotian wine.

Not solely is the Annapolis Valley picturesque, however there’s additionally a UNESCO Heritage Site right here (the Grand Pre Nationwide Historic Web site), fruit and herb gardens, and top-of-the-line vineyard eating places on this planet, Le Caveau.

For many who love recent and regionally grown produce, and supporting small companies, you’ll positively wish to add the Annapolis Valley to your checklist of locations to go to in Nova Scotia.

One beautiful resort with a superb location in Wolfville is the Locust & Starr Inn. The property is surrounded by fairly gardens, and it contains breakfast. 

10. Pictou

Nova Scotia interprets to “New Scotland” in Latin, and Pictou was the primary place the Scottish settlers landed once they arrived in Nova Scotia. As of late, you’ll nonetheless see Scottish tartans on the sunshine posts, and there’s a duplicate of the ship (Hector) that they arrive on in 1773. 

Vibrant properties and retailers line the water, and the general really feel of the city is fairly relaxed. The Scotsman Inn is correct on the Northumberland Strait, wanting throughout to Pictou Island and Prince Edward Island past.

It’s a brief stroll into city and there are many actions close by like kayaking, pedal boats, and SUP.

11. Inverness 

Inverness and the encircling space is among the greatest locations to go to in Nova Scotia for golfers, fishermen, and people who wish to do some tenting. 

Crossing the two kilometer Canso Causeway from the mainland of Nova Scotia, you’ll arrive on Cape Breton Island. Probably, should you’re taking the Ceilidh Path clockwise, your first foremost cease on the island might be Inverness.

The city itself is house to the oceanfront boardwalk, the Cabot Links golf course, Route 19 Brewing, some church buildings, and a campsite with good views over the water. Do because the locals do and scour the seaside for sea glass — which they name “mermaid tears”. 

A ten-minute drive from Inverness is the Glenora Inn and Distillery — the longest-running producer of single malt whiskey in North America.

In actual fact, there are solely two on the continent! Take a tour of the distillery, pattern the whiskey, eat a meal on the restaurant, take heed to reside music and spend the night time in one of many rooms there. The grounds listed here are beautiful and it’s an ideal place to remain. 

12. Margaree Forks

Simply outdoors of Inverness is Margaree Forks, which is one of the best place in Nova Scotia to do some fly fishing, the place 40-pound salmon run the Margaree River.

Get a fishing license for round $62 and a few flies and head out to the river. Take a look at the Tying Scotsman for a license and flies, and A Great Day Fishing for respected guides. 

There are many locations to remain proper alongside the river, resembling my favourite, Cajun Cedar Log Cottages. In you’d slightly keep in Inverness, then Cape Breton Villas is a wonderful selection.

13. The Cabot Path

The Cabot Path isn’t a lot a “place” as it’s a drive, however I had so as to add it to the checklist. At Margaree Forks, the 298 km (185 mile) Cabot Path begins. You possibly can select to drive clockwise or counterclockwise (we did the previous).

This route meanders alongside the shoreline of Cape Breton Island, and excessive up into the plateaus of the aptly named Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Get pleasure from views of the wild, rocky shoreline, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the attractive forest.

Take your time (and many images) throughout this drive. The Cabot Path is among the most superb locations to go to in Nova Scotia, and top-of-the-line drives in North America.

14. Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park 

Should you’re driving the Cabot Path, you’ll lower by Cape Breton Highlands National Park. After paying $7.80 (for adults), you’re free to benefit from the pure fantastic thing about this a part of Cape Breton Island. 

Lace-up your climbing boots and wander down one of many 26 trails within the park, discover a hidden cove all to your self and luxuriate in a snack, or do some tenting, fishing, and kayaking! There are countless issues to do right here.

We hiked the Skyline Path, which may be completed as a return journey, or a loop. We opted for the 9.2 km (5.6 mile) loop stroll by the forest.

On the finish, the path opens up and also you’re greeted by the huge Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Cabot Path winding by the mountainside, and Cheticamp Island. 

We loved this stroll, but it surely was fairly well-liked — for good cause. Your greatest guess could be to get there early and benefit from the quieter path — you could even spot a moose.

There are many pull-offs and factors of curiosity, however I like to recommend Lakie’s Head, which is an exquisite spot the place you could possibly doubtlessly see whales.

One other quirky place is Groovy Goat, which is a family-run goat farm and cleaning soap firm, and the Dancing Moose, which is a restaurant that serves up tasty Dutch-style pancakes.

15. Ingonish (top-of-the-line locations in Nova Scotia {for golfing}, climbing and tenting)

Of all of the locations to go to in Nova Scotia, Ingonish was certainly one of our favourites for positive. Ingonish is definitely an space of 6 totally different communities — Ingonish ferry, harbour, seaside, centre, and North Ingonish.

This space affords climbing, tenting, swimming, whale watching offshore, and extra.

Relying on the tides, Ingonish Seaside is both rocky or sandy and although the water was chilly after we visited, Nick nonetheless went for a dip within the ocean!

There’s a freshwater lake at Ingonish Seaside and you may camp right here as properly. Should you’re not into tenting, take a look at the Keltic Lodge at the Highlands, which has essentially the most picturesque environment of any lodging we’ve had.

With sweeping views of the ocean and the craggy cliffs, even should you’re not staying right here, positively come by for the view. 

The Center Head Path begins right here on the Keltic Lodge. It’s a simple, 1.5-hour loop that takes you out to the tip of the purpose for a improbable view. This hike is brief however candy.

One other more difficult possibility is the close by Franey Mountain Path, which takes round 3 hours and has a 300 m ascent, however affords unimaginable views from the highest. 

16. Bonus! Baddeck 

Final however not least on my checklist of greatest locations to go to in Nova Scotia is Baddeck. Set on the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake (Alexander Graham Bell had a household property house right here), this city is a good place to sit back out for some time.

Get pleasure from water sports activities (kayaking SUP, jet skis, and so forth.), go on a ship tour to see puffins, go to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, get pleasure from a leisurely espresso on the town, or take a look at the close by Usige Ban Waterfall.

The path to achieve the falls is round 3 kilometers lengthy and will take about an hour to finish. 

We stayed on the Inverary Resort, which had the proper setting proper on the lake. Get pleasure from late afternoon paddleboarding, kayaking, jet-skiing, or boat driving right here — or simply chill out with a beer in hand!

10 Finest Issues to Do in Nova Scotia

You now know one of the best cities and locations to go to in Nova Scotia, and listed here are the highest 10 actions and issues to do within the province that you just gained’t wish to miss!

Right here’s our video of the ten greatest issues to do in Nova Scotia:

1. Expertise Tidal Bore Rafting

Should you’re an adventurous individual, tidal bore rafting must be firmly positioned in your checklist of issues to do in Nova Scotia. 

Two occasions a day, the tides within the Bay of Fundy rise and fall (between 3.5 meters (11 ft) and 16 meters (53 ft)). When this large inflow of water meets the Shubenacadie River, the 2 collide to create rapids, waves, and an entire lot of swells. 

In fact, slightly than simply watch this pure phenomenon, it’s way more thrilling to hop on a zodiac and launch over the waves! Tidal bore rafting tops my checklist of Nova Scotia actions for positive. Hold on tight and benefit from the experience.

However, it’s not all concerning the loopy journey on the river, you’ll additionally get pleasure from a quiet boat experience earlier than the tide is available in, whereas recognizing bald eagles excessive within the timber. After a couple of rounds of flying over rapids, launch your inside little one, and do some mud sliding on the banks of the river.

There are quite a few corporations to select from, however we went with Tidal Bore Rafting Resort out of Urbania who’ve been in enterprise since 1985.

Ideas: Be sure to put on clothes that you just don’t thoughts throwing out afterward, or put on black (the titanium within the mud will stain your garments). Go away your sun shades and hat behind, and put on water sneakers. Convey a change of clothes and towel — there are fundamental, scorching showers obtainable. 

2. Drive the Cabot Path (some of the well-liked issues to do in Nova Scotia)

The Cabot Path is taken into account some of the scenic drives in North America, and this 297 km (185 mile) route affords a surprising journey.

Situated on Cape Breton Island which is an island related to the mainland by a 2 km causeway, the Cabot Path is among the most stunning locations to go to in Nova Scotia.

It’s an ideal place to drive, cycle, or expertise the curvy street by motorcycle. 

I like to recommend taking Route 19 (Ceilidh Path) as you cross the causeway to Cape Breton Island. This can be a picturesque route with good locations to cease alongside the way in which — Mabou, Glenora Distillery, Celtic Music Interpretive Center, Inverness, and Margaree Forks.

At Margaree Forks, the route splits and also you begin the Cabot Path.

Relying in your journey plans, you may select to drive clockwise, or counterclockwise. The entire path might be completed in a day, however a extra pleasurable approach to expertise it’s to drive for slightly bit, hop out of your automobile and go for a hike, a swim, and a meal earlier than spending the night time someplace alongside the path. 

3. Go Mountain climbing in Nationwide Parks

There are some nice trails within the province and after driving, it’s all the time good to get out and stretch your legs. Nova Scotia is house to 2 nationwide parks, one nationwide park reserve, and quite a few provincial and historic parks. 

While you’re travelling alongside the Cabot Path, it cuts by the Cape Breton Highlands National Park ($7.80 CAD park payment), which is house to 26 climbing trails.

The preferred is the Skyline Path, however should you get pleasure from climbing by your self, this path isn’t for you — at the least not in the summertime months when it’s fairly busy.

Nonetheless, it’s well-liked for good cause!

On the finish of the loop, you’re rewarded with huge views out to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and many individuals encounter moose on this path (sadly, we didn’t). 

Tip: Whereas the hike to the tip of the Skyline Path was busy with different hikers, it appeared as if many individuals didn’t full the 8.2 km (5.1 mile) loop, however as a substitute, backtracked on the identical path making the hike shorter (6.5 km / 4 miles). If you wish to get pleasure from some quiet on this stunning path, I like to recommend doing the loop — we just about had the way in which again to ourselves.  

One other nice climbing alternative is the Center Head Path which begins on the beautiful Keltic Lodge at Ingonish. This 1.5-hour peninsula hike is extra rugged than the Skyline Path and affords unimaginable views on each side of the peninsula. Search for woodpeckers, squirrels, and seabirds. 

Close by, you’ll discover the Franey Mountain Path, which is more difficult than Center Head. It’s about 3 hours lengthy, with a 300m ascent. Convey sufficient meals, water, and clothes for the hike. 

Nova Scotia’s different nationwide park is Kejimkujik, which is house to some nice hikes as properly. If in case you have the time and the power to take action, you may embark on one of many backcountry trails (4 days lengthy), or should you’re searching for a day hike, there are many these as properly starting from 0.2 km to five km in size.

We selected the longest of the day hikes, Hemlocks and Hardwoods, and principally had the path to ourselves.

Exterior of the nationwide parks, you’ll additionally discover some nice climbing. Take a look at the Celtic Shores Mountain climbing Path, the Bay to Bay Path, and Polly Cove path — to call a couple of. 

Tip: Be sure to put on bug spray and completely test your self for ticks if you depart the park, as they carry Lyme illness. 

4. Soak up a Competition

Should you’re searching for issues to do in Nova Scotia year-round, soak up one of many many festivals! Whether or not you’re into music, meals, crafts, artwork, historical past, or sports activities, there might be a enjoyable pageant that pursuits you. 

When you’ll positively discover occasions occurring year-round, the overwhelming majority occur throughout the summer time months when the climate is hotter and you may benefit from the outside venues. 

Don’t miss the TD Halifax Jazz Festival, Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Pride Parade, Lobster Crawl, Ribfest, Wild Blueberry Festival, BuskerFest…and extra!

5. Eat Seafood

The world is understood for its abundance of seafood, so consuming freshly caught shellfish is among the issues to do in Nova Scotia you don’t wish to miss.

Every a part of the province has a unique lobster season, however you will discover lobster virtually any time of yr.

Don’t miss a lobster boil, eating on 1.5 kilos of lobster at a pleasant restaurant (Five Fishermen in Halifax), sampling a lobster roll (Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack, or The Bicycle Thief), or just having fun with bits of lobster in a chowder or a pasta dish.  

When you’ve had your fill of lobster, head to Digby, which is understood for its world-class scallops! Select your preparation (grilled, pan-fried, deep-fried, bacon-wrapped, ceviche, uncooked, and so forth.) and dig in.

If lobster and scallops aren’t your factor, you may all the time discover mussels, Atlantic salmon, halibut, haddock, and oysters available on most menus. Should you’re questioning what to do in Nova Scotia on a wet day, consuming glorious seafood is my advice!

6. Observe One of many “Trails”

A extremely cool factor to do in Nova Scotia that I haven’t seen wherever else is to comply with one of many foods and drinks trails across the province. 

Principally, you decide up a “passport” from a collaborating vendor, or you may register on-line for a digital passport. On this passport, you’ll discover a checklist of tasty eating places, bars and distilleries to pattern one of the best meals and drinks in Nova Scotia.

When you’ve visited one of many stops, you get a stamp in your passport and after getting 3 stamps, you may enter to win prizes.

There are 3 trails:

1. Lobster Trail
2. Chowder Trail
3. Good Cheer Trail

With so many superb eating places and bars to get pleasure from, attempting to determine the place to eat and drink is the exhausting half!

7. Go Tenting 

Since this submit is a couple of Canadian province, it’s no shock that tenting makes it on this checklist of issues to do in Nova Scotia. Blessed with nature, and virtually utterly surrounded by water, it is a excellent spot to do some tenting.

Both pitch a tent in one of many many campsites or spend the night time in a singular oTENTik. Should you’re pulling a trailer or driving an RV, there are many spots you may cease which have sufficient facilities. 

Cape Breton Island has quite a few campsites obtainable round Ingonish, Meat Cove, Broad Cove, Inverness, and extra. 

For different tenting alternatives, take a look at Ovens Natural Park campground, Thomas Raddall Provincial Park, Kejimkujik National Park, Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean…to call a couple of. For a full checklist of campgrounds in Nova Scotia, click here. 

8. Tour Vineyards

Though the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario produce essentially the most quantity of wine within the nation, little Nova Scotia has some vineyards value visiting and distinctive grape varietals value sampling — particularly should you like white and glowing wines.

Nova Scotia is understood for its Tidal Bay wine — the primary wine appellation given within the province. Because the province is understood for its seafood, ties with the ocean, and funky climate, the winemakers wished to create a wine that displays that — one thing cool and crisp.

With a purpose to get the stamp of approval for a Tidal Bay wine, all grapes have to be grown in Nova Scotia, be not more than 11% alcohol, and have a sure flavour profile (minerals, acidity, and inexperienced fruit).

Whereas grapes are grown in lots of areas of the province, The Annapolis Valley is understood for being wine nation and with beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy and 11 wineries to go to, it’s a spot you’ll wish to spend a while. 

Base your self in Wolfville or out within the valley, and rent a driver (or join a tour) for the journey to be able to absolutely benefit from the wine tastings!

Whereas there are a lot of vineyards to go to, I like to recommend Benjamin Bridge, Luckett and Gaspereau. All three have beautiful environment and engaging wines. 

Be sure to have lunch at Luckett Vineyards, the meals is fabulous. Oh, and don’t neglect to make a name from the purple telephone field 😉 

9. Do Some Kayaking

Being surrounded virtually utterly by water, and residential to quite a few coves, bays, and islands, kayaking is among the prime actions in Nova Scotia.

There are many locations you may go paddling, however I like to recommend Blue Rocks, which is a neighborhood simply outdoors of Lunenburg.

Many individuals come right here to {photograph} the gorgeous blue shale rocks, or to walk across the quiet neighborhood, however the easiest way to see the pure fantastic thing about the world is to hop in a kayak. We paddled by slender passageways, and alongside rock islands, all whereas having fun with the calm water.

Despite the fact that the Atlantic Ocean may be extremely tough and wild, the rock islands right here present safety for kayakers. To study extra about kayaking at Blue Rocks, click here.  

10. Go Whale Watching 

You’ll discover glorious whale watching alternatives within the Bay of Fundy simply outdoors of Digby on the Digby Neck (peninsula) and off of Cape Breton Island.

The whales begin arriving in early spring and keep till fall, however usually, the humpbacks don’t present up till mid-June. 

Having stated that, we went whale watching within the Bay Of Fundy in mid-July and solely noticed 1 humpback whale. The crew stated that this yr the whales had been late arriving. So, it’s the luck of the draw!

Each whale watching spots in Nova Scotia supply the prospect to see humpback, fin, and minke whales. The Bay Of Fundy additionally has Northern proper whales, whereas Cape Breton affords the most important of all of them, the blue whale, in addition to pilot whales.

Our journey took us across the Digby Neck, previous Brier and Lengthy Island, and into the Bay Of Fundy. Despite the fact that we solely noticed 1 humpback whale, we ended up seeing 2 fin whales (that are the second largest whale on this planet!). There’s one thing magical about seeing wildlife in its pure habitat.  

To study extra about whale watching within the Bay of Fundy, click here. 

If it’s the mistaken time of yr for whales, you may all the time go on a seal watching tour. You study concerning the historical past of the area and see plenty of wildlife on this well-liked tour from Pictou.

Tip: Even when it’s a sunny day, ensure that to deliver some heat clothes. The climate can change right away, and it’s all the time chilly out on the water. Additionally, deliver a hat, sunscreen, water and naturally, your digicam.

FAQs About The place to Go in Nova Scotia

Nonetheless have some questions on the place to go to in Nova Scotia? Check out these continuously requested questions.

Now You Know What to Do and The place to Go to in Nova Scotia

Relying on the size of your journey, you may not have the ability to see the entire locations to go to in Nova Scotia that I listed. So, simply select those that stand out to you essentially the most, or decide an space of the province and work your manner round there.

The excellent news is that Nova Scotia is sort of compact, making getting round and visiting quite a few cities a breeze.

In fact, this checklist of actions and locations to see if you go to Nova Scotia is simply the tip of the iceberg. There are quite a few different spots that we didn’t have an opportunity to get to!

I hope you loved my checklist of 15 really helpful greatest locations to go to and the highest 10 issues to do in Nova Scotia. Get pleasure from your keep in Nova Scotia and take a look at our movies right here:

Wish to know what to do in Halifax? Take a look at our video: Prime 10 Issues to Do in Halifax

Wish to know the place to go to in Nova Scotia? Take a look at our video Maritime Journey: Our Highlights and Ideas from Travelling Nova Scotia

A particular thanks to the Nova Scotia tourism board for making this journey doable. As all the time, all ideas and opinions stay our personal. 

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