We spent 15 days on a Road trip in Nova Scotia explore Halifax, Cape Breton Island, the South Shore, Yarmouth and the Acadian Coasts, the Bay of Fundy, the Annapolis Valley and the Northumberland Coast.
Although we did, saw (and ate!) a lot, there are so many other places to visit and things to do in Nova Scotia that we missed. We would love to return to experience more of what this small but mighty province has to offer.
15 Best Things to Do in Nova Scotia
This island located on the east coast of our country may be small, but it has a lot to offer travelers. With so many beautiful places to see and unique things to do in Nova Scotia, if you’re short on time, choosing the must-sees can be a bit of a challenge.
Scenic drives, hiking opportunities, fresh seafood, fabulous wineries and colorful fishing villages are just a few of the many things you can expect to experience during your trip to Canada’s second smallest province. We loved our trip to Nova Scotia and we’re sure you will too!
Here is our video of the 10 best things to do in Nova Scotia:
1. Experience tidal bore rafting
It’s still one of the craziest things we’ve done. I’ve never done whitewater rafting, but I can say I’ve done tidal bore rafting! If you are an adventurous person, tidal bore rafting should be firmly on your list of things to do in Nova Scotia.
Twice a day, tides in the Bay of Fundy rise and fall (between 3.5 meters (11 ft) and 16 meters (53 ft)). When this massive influx of water meets the Shubenacadie River, the two collide to create rapids, waves and numerous swells.
Of course, rather than just observing this natural phenomenon, we thought it would be much more exciting to board a zodiac and soar above the waves! Tidal bore rafting is definitely at the top of my list of things to do in Nova Scotia in the summer (otherwise it would be too cold). Hold on tight and enjoy the ride.
But it’s not all About the crazy river adventure, we enjoyed a leisurely boat ride before the tide came in and even spotted bald eagles high in the trees. After a few laps over the rapids, we unleashed our inner child and did a few mud slides on the river banks.
There are many companies to choose from, but I suggest checking The Schubie River Fighters of Green Oaks who have been in business since the late 1980s.
Advice: Make sure to wear clothes that you won’t be afraid to throw away afterwards, or wear black (the titanium in the mud will stain your clothes). Leave your sunglasses and hat behind and wear water shoes. Bring a change of clothes and a towel – simple, hot showers are available.
2. Hike the Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail is considered one of the most scenic drives in North America, and this 297 km (185 mile) route offers a breathtaking journey.
Located on Cape Breton Island which is an island connected to the mainland by a 2 km causeway, the Cabot Trail is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nova Scotia!
It’s a great place to drive, cycle or experience the winding road on a motorbike.
I recommend taking Route 19 (Ceilidh Trail) when crossing the causeway to Cape Breton Island. It’s a scenic route and we loved all the great places to stop along the way: Mabou, Glenora Distillery, Celtic Music Interpretation CenterInverness and Margaree Forks.
At Margaree Forks the route splits and you start the Cabot Trail.
Depending on your travel plans, you can choose to drive clockwise or counterclockwise. The entire trail could be hiked in a day, but a more enjoyable way to experience it is to drive a little, get out of your vehicle, and hike, swim, and eat before spending the night somewhere along the trail.
This is what we chose to do. Hiking, fishing and relaxing along the way with stays in Inverness, Ingonish and Baddeck.
3. Go hiking in national parks
There are some great trails in the province and after riding it’s always nice to get out and stretch your legs. Nova Scotia is home to two national parks, a national park reserve, and numerous provincial and historic parks.
When you hike the Cabot Trail, it crosses the Cape Breton Highlands National Parkwhich is home to 26 hiking trails.
The most popular is the Horizon Trailand you’ll need to book in advance, but if you like to hike alone, this trail isn’t for you – at least not in the summer months when it gets busy.
However, it’s popular for good reason!
Even though it’s busy, we enjoyed this hike because the views are epic. At the end of the loop, you are rewarded with expansive views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and many people see moose on this trail (unfortunately, we did not).
Advice: While the hike to the end of the Skyline Trail was busy with other hikers, it seemed that many people had not completed the 8.2 km (5.1 mile) loop, but had instead backtracked the same path, making the hike shorter (6.5 km / 4 miles). If you want to enjoy some peace and quiet on this beautiful trail, I recommend doing the loop – we pretty much made the trek back to ourselves.
Another great hiking opportunity is the Middle Head Trail. We did this hike during our stay in the beautiful Lodge Keltique in Ingonish.
The 1.5-hour hike up the peninsula is more rugged than the Skyline Trail and offers incredible views on both sides of the peninsula. Look for woodpeckers, squirrels and seabirds.
Nearby you’ll find the Franey Mountain Trail, which is more challenging than Middle Head. It lasts approximately 3 hours, with 300 m of elevation gain. Bring enough food, water and clothing for the hike.
Nova Scotia’s other national park is Kejimkujikwhich is also home to some great hiking. If you have the time and ability to do so, you can embark on one of the backcountry trails (lasting 4 days), or if you are looking for a day hike, there are also many ranging from 0.2 km to 5 km in length.
We chose the longest hike of the day,”Hemlocks and hardwoods“, and basically we had the track for ourselves.
Outside of the national parks, you’ll also find great hikes. Check out the Celtic Shores Hiking Trail, Bay to Bay Trail, and Polly Cove Trail, just to name a few.
Advice: Be sure to wear insect repellent and check carefully for ticks when you leave the park, as they carry Lyme disease.
4. Attend a festival
We had no idea, but when we went to Nova Scotia, it was the Halifax Jazz Festival. Not only that, but one of my favorite artists was playing – Common. I couldn’t believe it! Of course you had to buy tickets and the performance was incredible. If you are there in summer, don’t miss the Jazz Festival.
Whether you are a fan of music, food, crafts, art, history or sports, there will be a fun festival that will interest you.
Although you will certainly find events all year round, most festivals take place during the summer months, when the weather is warmer and you can enjoy outdoor venues.
Don’t miss it TD Halifax Jazz Festival, Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Pride Parade, Lobster tour, Rib Festival, Wild Blueberry Festival, Traveling Musicians Festival…and more!
5. Eat fresh seafood
Notch feasted on shellfish during our trip, but since I’m not a fan of shellfish, I mostly stuck to fish – which was SO GOOD. The region is known for its abundance of seafood, so eating freshly caught shellfish is one of the things not to miss in Nova Scotia.
Each region of the province has a different lobster season, but you can find lobster virtually any time of year.
Don’t miss a lobster boil while dining on 1.5 pounds of lobster at a nice restaurant (Nick loved his lobster at Five fishermen in Halifax), enjoying a lobster roll (Nick’s picks: Captain Kat’s Lobster ShackOr The bike thief), or simply enjoy pieces of lobster in a chowder or pasta dish.
Once you’ve had your fill of lobster, head to Digby, known for its world-class scallops! Choose your preparation (grilled, pan-fried, fried, bacon-wrapped, ceviche, raw, etc.) and enjoy. Nick was in scallop heaven here…
If lobster and scallops aren’t your thing, you can still find mussels, Atlantic salmon, halibut, haddock and oysters readily available on most menus. If you’re wondering what to do in Nova Scotia on a rainy day, eating great seafood is my recommendation!
6. Follow one of the “trails”
A really cool thing to do in Nova Scotia that I haven’t seen anywhere else is to follow one of the food trails around the province.
Basically, you collect a “passport” from a participating provider or you can register online for a digital passport. In this passport, you’ll find a list of tasty restaurants, bars and distilleries to sample Nova Scotia’s best food and drinks.
Once you have visited one of the stops you receive a stamp in your passport and once you have 3 stamps you can enter to win prizes.
There are 3 trails:
With so many amazing restaurants and bars, trying to figure out where to eat and drink is the hardest part!
7. Go camping
Since this article is about a Canadian province, it’s no surprise that camping is on this list of things to do in Nova Scotia. Boasting nature and almost entirely surrounded by water, it’s a great place to go camping.
We met up with our friends and enjoyed the fun of camping in Inverness. You can either pitch a tent in one of the many campsites or spend the night in a unique setting. oTENtics. If you are towing a trailer or driving an RV, you can stop at many places with adequate amenities.
Cape Breton Island has many campgrounds around Ingonish, Meat Cove, Broad Cove, Inverness and more.
For other camping options, see Natural Park Camping Oven, Thomas Raddall Provincial Park, Kejimkujik National Park, Murphy’s Campground on the Ocean…just to name a few. For a complete list of campgrounds in Nova Scotia, Click here.
8. Wine tour
Although our home province of British Columbia and Ontario produce the largest amount of wine in the country, little Nova Scotia has vineyards worth visiting and unique varietals worth tasting… especially if you like white and sparkling wines.
Nova Scotia is known for its Tidal Bay wine – the first wine appellation given in the province. Since the province is known for its seafood, its connections to the ocean and its cool climate, the winemakers wanted to create a wine that reflected that: something fresh and lively.
In order to get the seal of approval for a Tidal Bay wine, all grapes must be grown in Nova Scotia, contain no more than 11% alcohol and have a certain flavor profile (minerals, acidity and green fruit).
Although grapes are grown in many parts of the province, the Annapolis Valley is known as a wine region and with stunning views of the Bay of Fundy and 11 wineries to visit, it’s a place you’ll want to spend some time.
We are based in Wolfville and joins a tour for the trip so we can fully enjoy the wine tastings!
Although there are many wineries to visit, I recommend Benjamin Bridge, Luckett And alewife. All three have beautiful surroundings and tasty wines.
Make sure to have lunch at Luckett Vineyards, the food is fabulous. Oh, and don’t forget to call from the red phone booth 😉
9. Go kayaking
Being almost entirely surrounded by water and home to numerous coves, bays and islands, we weren’t surprised to learn that kayaking is one of the most popular activities in Nova Scotia.
There are many places you can paddle, but I recommend Blue Rocks, a community just outside of Lunenburg.
Many people come here to photograph the pretty blue shale rocks or to stroll through this quiet community, but the best way to experience the area’s natural beauty is to hop aboard a kayak.
We paddled through narrow passages and along rocky islands, enjoying the calm water.
Although the Atlantic Ocean can be incredibly rough and wild, the rocky islands here offer protection for kayakers. To learn more about kayaking at Blue Rocks, Click here.
10. Go whale watching
There is nothing better than seeing animals in their natural habitat. Our whale watching trip in the Bay of Fundy was simply magical.
Whales begin arriving in early spring and stay until fall, but typically humpback whales don’t appear until mid-June.
You’ll find excellent whale watching opportunities in the Bay of Fundy, just outside of Digby, on the Digby Neck Peninsula and off the coast of Cape Breton Island.
Nova Scotia’s two whale watching sites offer the opportunity to see humpback whales, fin whales and minke whales. The Bay of Fundy is also home to northern right whales, while Cape Breton is home to the largest of all, the blue whale, as well as pilot whales.
Our journey took us around Digby Neck, past Brier and Long Island, and out into the Bay of Fundy.
Although we only saw one humpback whale, we ended up seeing 2 fin whales (which are the second largest whale in the world!). It was a moment that pinched me, that’s for sure!
To learn more about whale watching in the Bay of Fundy, Click here.
If it’s not the right time of year for whales, you can always take a seal watching excursion. You’ll learn about the area’s history and see plenty of wildlife on this popular tour from Pictou.
Advice: Even if the day is sunny, be sure to bring warm clothes. The weather can change in an instant and it’s always cool on the water. Also bring a hat, sunscreen, water and of course your camera.
15 Best Places to Visit in Nova Scotia
Wondering where to go in Nova Scotia? Watch our video: The Best Places to Visit in Nova Scotia:
Here are the best places in Nova Scotia to help you plan your trip.
1.Halifax
The capital, Halifax, is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia – it’s also probably the first place you’ll see when you arrive. It is a 30-minute drive from Halifax Stanfield Airport to downtown Halifax and the vibrant waterfront district.
Halifax is small enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed, but it has enough to offer to keep you busy for a few days.
There are also many neighborhoods here. We took the 5 minute ferry across the bay to Dartmouth and enjoyed walking around there for a few hours.
The city is home to green spaces, historic sites, pedestrian walkways, events and festivals, galleries and museums and of course tasty restaurants! There are many things to do in Halifax to keep you busy. We spent a few days here and loved it!
Where to stay in Halifax
Halifax has many neighborhoods you can stay in, but if you want to be close to the waterfront, great restaurants, and plenty of sights, you’ll want to be in the city center.
This East a busy part of town, but a great place to spend a few days in Halifax.
We stayed in the historic The Westin Nova Scotia (in their newly renovated rooms) and enjoyed the harbor view. The staff is very friendly, there are plenty of amenities on site, parking is available, and the breakfast omelette and waffle station was a nice bonus. Click here to see the latest room rates and reviews.
Where to eat in Halifax
With a mix of seafood, international cuisine and vegan options, Halifax is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia for foodies. Here are some great options:
- Pizzeria dish – Italian wood-fired pizzas
- The bike thief – Excellent location, staff and food. Try the lobster roll and rigatoni pasta with ragout sauce.
- The five fishermen – Although it is not located on the water, the dining room is charming and the food is very good. Try the filet steak and lobster.
- The wooden monkey – We didn’t eat here, but it’s a popular place for vegetarians and vegans.
- Johnny K’s Authentic Donairs – This is the late night hangout. When you leave the bars, you will find party people snacking here!
- Poutinerie Smoke’s – Located on the waterfront, in a group of colorful food buildings, this is a good shop to enjoy poutine.
2. Peggy’s Cove (and nearby coves)
Peggy’s Cove is one of the most popular places to visit in Nova Scotia, so I had to put it on the list – it’s a must-see for good reason!
We drove about 45 minutes from Halifax along the Lighthouse Highway to reach Peggy’s Cove, making it an easy day trip from the capital, or a perfect stop if you’re on a longer Nova Scotia road trip.
The community is located directly on the ocean, with huge rocks providing views of the Atlantic. The solitary white and red lighthouse is one of the most photographed places in the country.
Spend time exploring the slow-paced community, including the coves – look for jellyfish in the calm waters.
There are so many bays and coves nearby that you could visit, before or after Peggy’s Cove. Take a look at Polly Cove Hiking Trail, Shad Bay and the other small places along Prospect Road.
3. Mahone Bay
Continuing along the beautiful Lighthouse Route you will arrive at Mahone Bay (if you get the chance, visit Chester on the way), known for its 3 iconic churches, its relaxed atmosphere and its small-town hospitality.
We loved this pretty town and spent time visiting the many textile, jewelry and art shops… as well as the mobile library bus!
The local food in the restaurants is divine (we had coffee at Barn café and social house), and if you don’t drive, consult the Saltbox Brewery for a few beers.
Mahone Bay is a great place to spend time and is definitely one of Nova Scotia’s must-see attractions.
If you’re feeling more active or have more time, there is actually a trail that runs from Mahone Bay to the town of Lunenburg (below). This 10 kilometer trail is called the Bay To Bay Trail, and you can join it at different points, or just hike part of it, rather than the whole trail. Click here for more details.
4. Lunenburg
The entire town of Lunenburg is one of Nova Scotia’s top attractions! This fishing village has been transformed UNESCO listed city is a picturesque place you won’t want to miss.
Many people choose to do day trips here from Halifax, but we stayed for one night and would definitely recommend it! It was great to see the city when it’s not too crowded.
With its British Colonial-style streets, Victorian and Colonial architecture, and harborside restaurants, walking around Lunenburg is an enjoyable experience.
I recommend joining the 1.5-hour walking tour to get a lay of the land and learn about the town’s interesting history (and the unique homes that line the streets).
Also don’t miss the Forges Distillery tour. Even if you’re not an alcohol drinker, the building it’s located in alone is worth a visit. It was built in 1893 and was once a blacksmith shop that made ironwork for the shipbuilding industry in Lunenburg.
Where to stay in Lunenburg
There are many hostels and hotels here in Lunenburg. A very popular option is the Browse with views of the harbor from the rooms. The staff is friendly and the breakfast is delicious. Click here to see the latest prices and reviews.
Where to eat in Lunenburg
The wise sailor’s cafe offers delicious breakfasts and huge portions. We enjoyed a pint at The great bankerwhich is popular for food and drinks, and dinner at Salt shaker.
5. Blue rocks
As I mentioned above, Blue Rocks is a great place to go kayaking. However, if you don’t want to go on the water, it’s still worth the 10-minute drive from Lunenburg to explore the area.
Small fishing shacks and boats sit next to blue shale rocks, with the thunder of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and calm coves protected by small islands on the other. This place is a photographer’s dream.
If you don’t want to stay in Lunenburg and take a day trip to Blue Rocks, you can stay in one of the guest houses here. We spotted some yurts we would like to stay in next time.
6. Shelburne
Shelburnean oceanside town on the Lighthouse Route, is where thousands of loyalists fled the United States during the American Revolution. Still loyal to the British, they were enticed to settle in Shelburne with the promise of land and provisions.
Today, Shelburne still flies British flags, and there is even a British flag painted on the street. You’ll also find boatbuilding, a farmers’ market, cafes and restaurants, and the Bowers Meadows Wilderness Area, which is a great place for fishing, canoeing, hiking and camping.
We enjoyed wandering around this little town, but didn’t really eat here since we just visited it on a day trip. I recommend continuing towards Barrington and Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack for a tasty lobster roll or fish n’ chips.
7. Kejimkujik National Park
Before speaking to you Kejimkujik National Parkyou are probably wondering how to pronounce his name! It’s “keji-ma-ku-jik”… say it quickly and everything will be fine.
This national park is a beautiful place to do hiking in Nova Scotiageocaching, canoeing, mountain biking and camping. Plus, you can stay in one of the cool forest cabins (something we want to do next time we visit Nova Scotia).
There are 15 hiking/biking trails, as well as 2 backcountry trails that you can set out on. We chose to hike the “Hemlocks and Hardwoods” trail which was a pleasant 5km loop through the forest.
Some hemlocks here are around 400 years old! Part of the hike is on a nature trail, while part is on a wooden boardwalk to protect the tree roots.
The funny thing about this NP is that it is actually divided into two distinct areas: the interior of Kejimkujik NP and the seaside of Kejimujik National Park, which is on the Atlantic.
The beachfront park is just 25 minutes from the famous White Point Beach Hotelwhich has been a Nova Scotia vacation staple since 1928.
We stayed in White Point for two nights and drove to the Acadian Coast and Liverpool for day trips. We then crossed the province to the north and headed to Kejimkujik National Park (1 hour from White Point). Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to visit the national park by the sea.
With natural sites and towns less than an hour away, the White Point Beach Hotel is a great place to base yourself. Plus, the resort itself offers plenty of activities and facilities: walking trails, ocean swimming, swimming, bonfires, SUP, kayaking, restaurants, live music… and more.
8. Town of Digby and Digby Neck
Known as the scallop capital of the world, Digby is a place not to be missed for seafood lovers. Pan-fried, pan-fried, sautéed, raw, bacon-wrapped, grilled, ceviche… the list of scallop preparations is endless!
After wandering around the town of Digby (and searching for treasures at low tide), we sat down for a meal of scallops at the restaurant Shore restaurant (now closed, unfortunately, but there are equally good restaurants nearby). Not only was the food tasty, but the setting was beautiful – we even saw seals sticking their heads out of the water.
An evening stroll along the wharves to see the fishing boats and locals leaving the wharf before sunset is a great way to end the day in Digby.
About 45 minutes from town is Digby Neck. This peninsula is actually made up of the continent and two islands: Long Island and Brier Island. On one side of the “neck” is the calm St. Mary’s Bay and on the other the great Bay of Fundy. This is the ideal place for whale watching.
Discover the highly rated Hillside Landing Bed and Breakfasts with a great host and a tasty breakfast.
9. Annapolis Valley
The Annapolis Valley is located between two mountain ranges on the shores of the Bay of Fundy. It is known for its agriculture, farms and vineyards. This beautiful valley is one of the most picturesque places to see in Nova Scotia.
Additionally, the Annapolis Valley is home to many communities. I recommend visiting Wolfville And Annapolis Royale – it is in this last place that you will find the oldest national historic site in Canada (Fort Anne), and one of the oldest streets in all of North America.
We stayed in Wolfville in the charming Auberge Blomidonand found it to be an excellent place as a base for visiting the valley’s wineries.
In the town itself you will find a great walking path, shops, a cider house (made from local apples) and lots of fun pubs and restaurants. Don’t miss Church brewery which is built in a converted church! Having a craft beer here was one of the most unique things we did in Nova Scotia.
Surrounding Wolfville are 11 established wineries, which also produce crisp white wines and reds. Taking a winery bus tour with a designated driver is the best way to explore the wineries.
We went with Grape getawaysa tour that actually started in Halifax but picked us up in Wolfville. We visited 3 vineyards – Benjamin Bridge, Luckett And alewife – and enjoyed a fabulous lunch with our wine at Luckett Vineyards. For wine lovers, this day trip must be on your Nova Scotia bucket list!
*Insider tip: try the Marquette red at Luckett, it was my favorite Nova Scotia wine.
Not only is the Annapolis Valley picturesque, but there is also a UNESCO heritage site here (the Grand-Pré National Historic Site), fruit and herb gardens and one of the best wine restaurants in the world, The Cellar.
If you love fresh, locally grown produce and support small businesses, you’ll definitely want to add the Annapolis Valley to your list of places to visit in Nova Scotia.
10. Pictou
Nova Scotia translates to “Nova Scotia” in Latin, and Pictou was the first place where Scottish settlers landed upon their arrival in Nova Scotia. Today you will still see Scottish tartans on the lamp posts, and there is a replica of the ship (Hector) they arrived on in 1773.
Colorful houses and shops line the water and the general vibe of the town is quite relaxed. It was really a cute place to see during our trip. We stayed at the Pictou Lodge Beach Resort, but you can also check out highly rated hotels. Willow House Inn B&Bwhich is proc he from the center of the city.
11. Inverness
Inverness and the surrounding areas are places where we could have stayed much longer. It is one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia for golfers, fishermen and those who want to go camping.
Crossing the 2 kilometer long Canso Causeway from mainland Nova Scotia takes you to Cape Breton Island. It’s likely that if you take the Ceilidh Trail clockwise, your first main stop on the island will be Inverness.
The town itself is home to a wonderful seaside promenade, the Cabot Links golf course, Route 19 Brewerya few churches and a campsite with beautiful views of the water. Do as the locals do and scour the beach for sea glass – which they call “mermaid’s tears”.
A 10-minute drive from Inverness is the Glenora Inn and Distillery – the oldest producer of single malt whiskey in North America. In fact, there are only two on the continent!
We toured the distillery, tasted whiskey and walked around the beautiful gardens. But you can also have a meal at the restaurant, listen to live music and spend the night in one of the rooms.
12. Margarie forks
Just outside Inverness is Margaree Forks, which is the best place in Nova Scotia for fly fishing, where 40 pound salmon run the Margaree River. Of course, since Nick is an avid fly fisherman and Canada has some of the best placeshe wanted to try his luck at fishing… unfortunately, the fish did not cooperate!
You can get a fishing license for about $62 and a few flies and head out to the river. Discover the Link the Scotsman for a license and fly.
There are many places to stay along the river, like my favorite, Cajun cedar log cabins – we loved this cabin. If you prefer to stay in Inverness, then Villas in Cape Breton is an excellent choice.
13. Cape Breton Highlands National Park
If you take the Cabot Trail, you will cross Cape Breton Highlands National Park. After paying the national park fees, you are free to enjoy the natural beauty of this part of Cape Breton Island.
Lace up your hiking boots and hike one of the park’s 26 trails, find a hidden cove all to yourself and enjoy a snack, or go camping, fishing, and kayaking! There are endless things to do here.
We hiked the Skyline Trail, which can be done as an out and back or loop. We opted for the 9.2 km loop through the forest.
At the end, the trail opens up and you are greeted by the vast Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Cabot Trail winding up the mountainside, and Chéticamp Island.
There are plenty of stopping points and points of interest along the Cabot Trail, but I recommend Lakie’s Head, which is a beautiful spot where you could potentially spot whales.
Another unusual place is Groovy goatwhich is a family-owned goat farm and soap company, and the Dancing moosea café that serves delicious Dutch-style crepes.
14. Ingonish
Of all the places to visit in Nova Scotia, Ingonish was definitely one of our favorites! It is actually an area made up of 6 different communities: Ingonish Ferry, Harbour, Beach, Central and North Ingonish.
This area offers hiking, camping, swimming, offshore whale watching and much more.
Depending on the tides, Ingonish Beach is either rocky or sandy and even though the water was cold when we visited, Nick still went for a swim in the ocean!
There is a freshwater lake at Ingonish Beach and you can also camp here. If you don’t like camping, check out Keltic Lodge in the Highlandswhich offers the most picturesque setting of all the accommodations we have had. Another great option is the Hill of Lanterns and Hollows which also offers great views.
With stunning views of the ocean and rugged cliffs, even if you’re not staying here, definitely come and admire the view.
One of my favorite trails in Nova Scotia was the Middle Head Trail, which starts here at Keltic Lodge. It wasn’t difficult, but it was a scenic 1.5 hour loop. Hat takes you to the end of the point for a fantastic view. This hike is short but sweet.
Another more challenging option is the nearby Franey Mountain Trail, which takes around 3 hours and has a 300m climb, but offers incredible views from the summit.
15. Baddeck
Last but not least on my list of best places to visit in Nova Scotia is Baddeck. Situated on beautiful Bras d’Or Lake (Alexander Graham Bell had a family home there), this town is a great place to relax for a while.
Practice water sports (SUP kayaks, jet skis, etc.), take a boat trip to see puffins, visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museumenjoy a leisurely coffee in town or discover the nearby Usige Ban waterfall.
The trail to reach the falls is approximately 3 kilometers long and should take approximately an hour.
We stayed at Inverary Resortwhich had a perfect lakeside setting. Enjoy late afternoon paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing or boat riding – or just relax with a beer in hand!
FAQs
Still have questions about things to do in Nova Scotia? Take a look at these frequently asked questions.
What is the most beautiful region in Nova Scotia?
I think Lunenburg is one of the most beautiful towns to visit in Nova Scotia, and UNESCO agrees, having made the old town a world heritage site in 1995. Some of the most beautiful natural places to see in Nova Scotia are Kejimkujik National Park, Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the Blue Rocks.
What is the most visited place in Nova Scotia?
As the capital and largest city, Halifax is the most visited place in the province. It is also one of the most interesting towns to explore in Nova Scotia.
What not to miss in Nova Scotia?
Scenic Peggy’s Cove is one of the best places to see in Nova Scotia, so don’t miss it. Also don’t miss Nova Scotia’s great activities like kayaking, hiking and seafood tasting.
What is the best month to visit Nova Scotia?
The summer months, from June to August, are the best time to visit Nova Scotia. They have the hottest weather.
How many days does it take to visit Nova Scotia?
Unless you’re just exploring Halifax (one of Nova Scotia’s best cities) for a weekend, I suggest at least a week. We spent 15 days there and I think we could have stayed even longer!
Enjoy Nova Scotia!
Depending on the length of your trip, you may not be able to see all of these Nova Scotia tourist attractions that I have listed. So, just choose the ones that interest you the most, or choose a region of the province and browse it.
The good news is that Nova Scotia is quite compact, making it easy to travel and visit many cities.
Of course, this list of things to do and places to see when visiting Nova Scotia is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other places that we didn’t get a chance to visit!
I hope you enjoyed my list of top 25 recommended places to visit and best things to do in Nova Scotia. Enjoy your stay and watch our videos here:
Want to know what to do in Halifax? Watch our video: The 10 Best Things to Do in Halifax
Want to know where to visit in Nova Scotia? Watch our video Maritime travel: our highlights and tips for traveling to Nova Scotia
Special thanks to the Nova Scotia Tourism Authority for making this trip possible. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain our own.
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