Nova Scotia trip planner

Nova Scotia Holiday Planning Guide

Small in terms of land area, Nova Scotia nevertheless encompasses nearly 3,800 islands floating in the Atlantic just off Canada's mainland. A vacation in Nova Scotia is understandably an ocean-based experienced, allowing you to stay within 60 km (40 mi) of the water no matter where you choose to base your adventure. Stay near the ocean, and you'll find mostly lighthouses and small settlements living off lobster fishing. Drive or cycle inland, and the landscape changes dramatically, with pretty orchards and photogenic highlands dominating the geography everywhere you look. For urban amenities during your Nova Scotia holiday, look no farther than provincial capital Halifax, offering the region's biggest range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Places to Visit in Nova Scotia

Destinations in Nova Scotia

Halifax: Tour one of the world's largest natural harbors and explore rich maritime history of the largest city on Canada's East Coast with a vibrant art scene and a large student population.

Lunenburg: A World Heritage-listed downtown area with colorful buildings attracts visitors looking for a quiet Nova Scotia vacation filled with history and cultural activities.

Louisbourg: Explore a French colonial-era fortress with a chapel and picturesque stone buildings at Louisbourg, taking a step back in history amidst pristine nature and a serene, ice-free coast.

Baddeck: A popular stop along a scenic drive, Baddeck is a small fishing town with a variety of lodgings, water sports opportunities, and a horseback riding school.

Cape Breton Island: Apart from historic forts and an old distillery, Cape Breton boasts a large national park with iconic Canadian animals, spectacular nature, and popular trails.

Popular Nova Scotia Tourist Attractions

Halifax Public Gardens: Connect with the city's Victorian heritage and join locals for a music performance at Halifax Public Gardens, where you can relax strolling a network of pathways amidst exotic trees surrounded by a wrought-iron fence.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada: Climb a hilltop fort for panoramic views of Halifax and learn about colonial wars through costumed performances and ritual firing of cannons.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: Enhance your understanding of local history during your Nova Scotia vacation by visiting this museum, where you can examine countless artifacts rescued from shipwrecks, including those from the Titanic.

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse: Get an essential Canadian maritime experience at the country's most iconic lighthouse, one of over 160 historic lighthouses of Nova Scotia.

Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk: Take a leisurely stroll at Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and check out numerous museums, shops, and the longest running farmers market in North America.

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site: Explore a partially restored colonial-era fortress with auxiliary religious and residential structures, and examine period weapons while chatting with actors dressed as townsfolk or taking part in one of many workshops.

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site: Learn about the invention of the telephone at this Nova Scotia tourist attraction, where you'll learn about the complex process of patenting by examining various inventor-related artifacts.

Cabot Trail: Follow in the footsteps of explorer John Cabot along this scenic trail, overlooking the ocean and offering a staggering number of excellent viewpoints.

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21: Learn about the peopling of the vast Canadian landmass and understand the country's complex immigration history at this museum, which explains the significances of migration by working class Europeans who came across the Atlantic.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Embellish your Nova Scotia itinerary by taking a drive or hike along one of many trails crisscrossing this picturesque park.

Planning a Nova Scotia Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit in Nova Scotia with Kids

With many outdoor and indoor family attractions and a well-developed tourist infrastructure, Nova Scotia makes a vacation with kids a worthwhile and rewarding effort.

In Halifax, you can take your children for a boat tour of the harbor and visit one of many museums in town. A visit to the historic citadel above the city will keep kids entertained with plenty of opportunities for running around and climbing.

Lunenburg provides great family-oriented fishing opportunities, which you can combine with a visit to a local fishing museum for an in-depth hands-on learning experience. There are also plenty of whale-watching opportunities during the right season, which can make your Nova Scotia vacation memorable.

Outdoor activities and a tour of a historic fort on Cape Breton Island will keep everyone busy--think hiking and bird-watching, both suitable for kids who like being outside and engaged in nature-oriented adventures.

Things to Do in Nova Scotia with Kids

In addition to water-related activities in and around the capital city, children can enjoy a climb to Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada or visit one of the many interactive museums, such as Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Kids will also enjoy a tour of the harbor, which you can combine with a visit to Discovery Centre and a walk along Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk.

If your kids are adventurous, take them tidal bore rafting in the Bay of Fundy or go hiking, camping, and canoeing in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

History lovers can step back in time and explore colonial-era buildings by adding Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site to their Nova Scotia itinerary.

Tips for a Family Vacation in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia abounds with safe nature-oriented tourist sites within a short driving distance from developed urban areas--these are ideal day trip ideas to add to your Nova Scotia vacation, so spend some time studying a map to narrow the options down and prioritize.

Unless you are planning to stay in Halifax for the duration of your holiday, you should consider renting a car. With good roads and many access points and observation decks, Nova Scotia is a car-friendly destination--a family road trip to see lighthouses and farms is definitely a viable option both you and the kids will enjoy and remember fondly.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday in Nova Scotia

Cuisine of Nova Scotia

The region's cuisine abounds with seafood, so expect your Nova Scotia vacation to be a real seafood extravaganza.

In an area that remains one of the largest exporters of lobsters in the country, fresh Atlantic lobster is a must-try. Succulent crabs and scallops, and fish and clam chowders provide additional options.

Rappie pie is a heavily flavored traditional dish made from potatoes and chicken broth. It's hearty and will keep you going, as will the Lunenburg sausage, an example of the area's German heritage.

Lobster rolls make a popular tourist snack--a quick and easy pick-me-up for those times when you just don't have time to sit down for a big meal.

For meat lovers, beef gyro with sweet garlic sauce delivers a big dose of flavor in a to-go type of dish--you can eat it standing up or walking to the next attraction.

Shopping in Nova Scotia

Quilts, goat soaps, handcrafted wool, and other region-specific items are sold province-wide in artisanal shops, boutiques, and niche street stores.

The largest shopping destination in eastern Canada, Halifax has large malls with plenty of international brands and local goods. The city is also home to one of the oldest operating farmers market in North America, Halifax Seaport Farmer's Market.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to Nova Scotia

Interesting Facts About Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has over 5,400 lakes and over 3,800 coastal islands

In 1850, Halifax became the first city to have public lighting using kerosene

With no point in Nova Scotia more than 60 km (40 mi) from the sea, the province remains an ideal destination for sea lovers and water sports enthusiasts

Halifax boast more pubs per capita than any other city in Canada

The oldest running ferry service in North America and the second oldest in the world started in 1752, connecting Halifax and Dartmouth across Halifax Harbor

Nova Scotia was the first to legalize prostitution in 1759, turning its city ports into the first sex tourism hot spots in Canada

Holidays & Festivals in Nova Scotia

During your Nova Scotia holiday, you should attend one of the music festivals, running all summer long in various locations. Many of them are family friendly and feature open-mic events--fun and engaging for the whole family.

During the summer solstice weekend, performers of the non-profit Full Circle Festival keep people of all ages entertained in rural Newport Landing, while Pugwash Gathering of Clans on July 1 celebrates the region's Scottish heritage.

Halifax hosts the popular Halifax Jazz Festival in early July, one of the oldest in the Atlantic region. The city also marks Canada Day on July 1 with parades and fireworks, as well as free concerts.

On Cape Breton Island, crustaceans are celebrated in early July at the annual Port Hood Lobster Picnic, while Annapolis Valley hosts Digby Scallop Days in early August.

For over 25 years, folk musicians have been gathering for Lunenburg Folk Harbor Festival--it's a good one for anyone into outdoor entertainment with live performances.

Useful Nova Scotia Travel Tips

Climate of Nova Scotia

Due to the proximity of the sea, Nova Scotia enjoys a temperate climate and remains one of the warmest provinces in Canada.

Nova Scotia has four distinct seasons, with the highest temperatures in the summer ranging from 14 C (57 F) to 28 C (82 F). Winter temperatures vary from -9 C (16 F) to 0 C (32 F). Typical spring temperatures range from 1 C (34 F) to 17 C (63 F), while the temperatures in the fall go from about 5 C (41 F) to 20 C (68 F).

As you prepare for your Nova Scotia holiday, keep in mind the frequent coastal fogs--Halifax averages 196 foggy days per year.

Transportation in Nova Scotia

An accessible and affordable tourist destination, Nova Scotia provides good transportation services with a well-developed infrastructure.

A good network of provincial buses ensures quick access to many destinations, but by far the best way to get around without having to depend on someone else's schedule is to rent a car.

Most tourists find it necessary to use a private vehicle during their tour of Nova Scotia--car rental companies are evenly distributed across the province, so you won't have any trouble finding a vehicle to suit your budget and needs.

Taxi service is available in most cities and towns. Some urban areas, including Halifax, feature designated taxi stands where you can find cabs throughout the day.

Nova Scotia has one international airport, in Halifax, which is the closest North American mainland port to Europe--if you're arriving from across the big pond, you'll likely land there.

A railway line links Halifax to Montreal, which provides an alternative for international travelers.