Nova Scotia
© Mark Fleming / Stocksy United
LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM
Stay connected in Nova Scotia
with
Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.
Overview
Facing the wild swells of the Atlantic, Nova Scotia is heavily influenced by the sea. With its candy-striped lighthouses, salty fishing towns and towering red cliffs, this Maritime province feels thrillingly rugged and wild, especially in winter, when storms thrash the coastline and the ocean freezes. But come summer it's a different picture: Nova Scotians emerge to hike the trails, lounge on the beaches, tuck into gigantic lobster suppers and celebrate their Celtic roots with lively ceilidhs (parties with music and dancing). Life here has always been tough, but the locals' warm-hearted humor can't fail to make you feel welcome.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
Cape Breton Island
The fortunes of the province that became Nova Scotia are inextricably bound up with this mighty fortress, built by the French but battled over countless…
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Cape Breton Island
Telecommunications pioneer and inventor Alexander Graham Bell fell in love with Bras d'Or during a family holiday – apparently the hilly scenery reminded…
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Citadel Hill National Historic Site
Halifax
Perched atop the grassy hillock looming over town, this star-shaped fort played a key role in Halifax's founding. Construction began in 1749; the current…
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Cape Chignecto Provincial Park
Nova Scotia
This isolated wilderness on the Bay of Fundy offers some of the best coastal hiking in Nova Scotia. The 55km coastal loop usually takes three days to…
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Halifax
There's an argument that this dockside museum is Canada's most important institution. Between 1928 and 1971, Pier 21 was the Canadian version of the USA's…
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Nova Scotia
Located on the site of the Old Joggins No 7 Coal Mine, this impressive visitor center relates the story of the World Heritage–listed Joggins Fossil Cliffs…
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Island
One of Atlantic Canada's most famous and spectacular national parks, Cape Breton Highlands occupies 20% of the Cape Breton Island landmass. It's…
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Nova Scotia
Instantly recognisable thanks to its strange 'apple core' shape (designed to deflect winds around the structure), the present-day lighthouse on the lonely…
Advertisement
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
Yet the landscapes, seascapes and, um, people-scapes in Nova Scotia are as varied as anywhere in Canada. Here are 11 ways to experience the province.
Read articleBest Time to Visit
When's the best time to see Nova Scotia's fall colors? And when is the best time for whale watching? Here's a handy guide to visiting Nova Scotia.
Read articleThings to Know
Nova Scotia in Canada is a welcoming place, but there are a few things you should know. Get the most out of your visit with these local tips and insight.
Read articleTransportation
This Maritime province on Canada’s eastern coast is a pleasure to explore by car, bus, plane or bicycle. Here’s how.
Read articleFree Things to Do
Put away your wallet, grab your sunscreen and relax: many of the best things to do in Nova Scotia are free.
Read articleMoney and Costs
Even though it's considered "Canada's ocean playground," Nova Scotia doesn't break the bank – here are our tips for traveling this province on a budget.
Read articleBest Road Trips
Explore the scenery and culture of Nova Scotia by road with these top driving routes.
Read article
Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.
British Columbia & the Canadian Rockies
$24.99 USD
$24.99 USD
$13.99 USD
in partnership with getyourguide
Book popular activities in Nova Scotia
Advertisement