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If you’re checking off places on your Canada bucket list for travel, it simply won’t be complete until you’ve visited Nova Scotia. This Atlantic province has so many beautiful sights to explore, from small towns painted in bright hues to nearly 13,000 km of ocean coastline. If you’re seeking a Canadian adventure in the Maritimes, Nova Scotia offers an incredible variety of experiences.
It’s hard not to be in a good mood when you’re surrounded by picturesque sights throughout Nova Scotia. This under-visited coastal province is filled with hidden gems that every nature enthusiast will want to find. While there are sights to see all year round, the best time to see the beauty of Nova Scotia is during the summer and autumn months (winter can be quite cold).
We spoke with the locals to get the best tips on what to enjoy when you venture through this province to make sure you get the most out of your East Coast trip.
One of the highlights of adding Nova Scotia to your Canada bucket list is the scenic drives. It takes roughly 8 hours to get from one end of the province to the other by car, and there are a lot of amazing sights you will get to see within that time, making the journey well worth it. Whether you’re on a family trip or enjoying a solo female adventure, there’s a lot to take in on the roads of Nova Scotia.
Most travelers enjoy this drive for the coastline view. There’s something I love about the ocean which takes all your worries away and relaxes you, but the ocean isn’t the only beautiful sight you will see along the journey. Our favorite part about Nova Scotia is the combination of landscapes. As you drive through the hillsides, you’ll also experience Nova Scotia’s lush green valleys and adorable towns.
(Credit: Ruth Troughton)
And on that note, we highly recommend making a trip through the town of Lunenberg to see the vibrant architecture in person.
Nova Scotia’s Ocean Views
When most people think of Nova Scotia, the ocean is the first thing that comes to mind. From Cape Breton Island to the town of Yarmouth, there are stunning blue waves throughout the province.
Local tip: Check the tourist information centre for the town you plan on visiting to discover the best ocean view points in the area.
Of course, the ocean isn’t just for looking at. You absolutely should get out on the water, and the best way to do that is kayaking. It’s almost like an insider joke how much Canadians love to kayak. But rest assured, when the weather is great you’ll find kayak rentals and tours available at beachside towns throughout Nova Scotia.
And if you’re inexperienced, don’t worry because the water in this part of Canada is generally calm (and, frankly, you’ll spend a lot of time idle just enjoying the views).
Halifax Nightlife
Nova Scotia has more to offer than just landmarks and stunning nature. When the sun goes down, the nightlife scene shines bright in Halifax.
If you’re a solo traveler or in a small group, we recommend Ambassatour’s Gray Line. Their parties are famous throughout the city and give you the opportunity to mingle with other travelers, enjoy beverages, and take in some of Halifax’s most iconic sights.
You won’t be disappointed with a night out in Halifax. We recommend checking out these places:
Alexander Keith’s Brewery
Durty Nelly’s Authentic Irish Pub
Master Musicians of Halifax
Pacifico Nightclub
Toothy Moose Cabaret
Neptune Theatre
Whale Watching Tours in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is the #1 province in Canada for whale watching. However, you will only be able to see whales from June through September. There are 12 different species of whales throughout the Atlantic Ocean, though humpback whales are the most common to see. But you may also spot fins, minkes, pilots, or the rare sei whales.
No matter which part of Nova Scotia you’re visiting, you should be within driving distance of a whale-watching tour. To help with your trip planning, here are some of our favorite tour agents across Nova Scotia:
Brier Island Whale & Seabird Cruises (Westport)
Cap. Mark’s Whale and Seal Cruise (Pleasant Bay)
Eagle Eye Tours (Inverness)
Dixon’s Zodiac Seafari (Neil’s Harbour)
Capt. Cox’s Whale and Bird Watch (Bay St. Lawrence)
(Source: Pixabay)
Traditional Nova Scotia Cuisine
No trip is complete until you’ve sampled some of the local cuisine, including our world-famus lobster roll. You’ll find fresh seafood throughout the province (they make very good use of the extensive coastline), but in particular the small town of Digby is known around the province for its famous scallops.
Over on the South Shore, you can find some of the largest lobsters in the province and some great lobster rolls. You won’t have to search far to find a spot that serves traditional seafood chowder either.
(Source: Hynes)
If seafood isn’t what your tastebuds desire, you’re not out of luck (although seafood is a big deal here). The donair originated in Halifax. It’s a version of the doner kebab that is served at pizza shops throughout Nova Scotira. If you make friends with the locals, try to get an invitation to a kitchen party. People’s homes are no doubt the best place to try traditional East Coast dishes, like hodge podge and rappie pie.
Art and Music Scene
We love the art and music scene in Nova Scotia. You’ll want to make sure you’re checking out the local talent which includes numerous acclaimed artists and musicians.
If you’re into the art scene, nearly every town is home to a local art gallery. You can take in the work of some of the Maritime’s most creative talent, but in particular art history enthusiasts can check out the home of Maude Lewis on the Digby Neck. If you’re on the other side of the province, you will still be able to see her work at the Maude Lewis House in Halifax.
Live music is another excellent way to embrace the Nova Scotia culture. Local talent frequently performs at pubs and restaurants throughout the province. In fact, Nova Scotia is known for its love of folk and Celtic music – the locals also have a deep appreciation for rock and country.
Nova Scotia Hiking Trails and Parks
Nature enthusiasts have plenty of reasons to put Nova Scotia on their Canada bucket list, and one of them is the sheer number of scenic hiking trails and parks. One of the most famous places is the Cabot Trail where you can take a scenic drive around a 298 km loop. Of course, you can expect plenty of places to stop along the way and take in the scenery.
If you want to add camping to your itinerary, Blomidon Provincial Park is your go-to destination. This park is known for its 600-foot cliffs with remarkable features. It’s also an excellent place for hiking, beachcombing, or a relaxing picnic.
In case it isn’t yet clear: Nova Scotia features beautiful landmarks from one end of the province to the other. It truly is a world of outdoor attractions, but even beyond that, there are plenty of attractions where people can learn more about the history and culture of the Maritimes. These are just some of the reasons why Nova Scotia should be on your Canada bucket list for travel.
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Traveling soon? Subscribe to The Insight below and get exclusive access to our personalized travel advice community via WhatsApp so you can ask all your burning travel questions.
Looking for the best comprehensive travel insurance? SafetyWing has you covered. And for your eSIM in every country, there is only one option we recommend: Airalo.