Nova Scotia

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.

Most adventures begin in seaside Halifax, followed by a jaunt to postcard-perfect Peggy's Cove and Unesco-listed Lunenburg. Further afield, the vineyards of the Annapolis Valley beckon, along with the wild coastline of Cape Breton, the lakes and forests of Kejimkujik National Park and the incredible tides of the Bay of Fundy.

Explore Nova Scotia

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Nova Scotia.

  • State Park

    Cape Chignecto Provincial Park

    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…

  • Museum

    Joggins Fossil Cliffs

    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…

  • Historic Site

    Fort Anne National Historic Site

    The strategic importance of Annapolis Royal, particularly its access to the Annapolis River, led to decades of conflict, mostly centered on this…

  • Historic Site

    Grand Pré National Historic Site

    This interpretive center explains the historical context for the deportation of the French-Acadian people from Acadian, Mi'kmaw and British perspectives,…

  • Historic Site

    Citadel Hill National Historic Site

    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…

  • National Park

    Cape Breton Highlands National Park

    One of Atlantic Canada's most famous and spectacular national parks, Cape Breton Highlands occupies 20% of the Cape Breton Island landmass. It's…

  • Lighthouse

    Cape Forchu Lightstation

    Instantly recognisable thanks to its strange 'apple core' shape (designed to deflect winds around the structure), the present-day lighthouse on the lonely…

  • Distillery

    Glenora Inn & Distillery

    The first distillery in North America (and the only one in Canada) to make single-malt whisky, this renowned producer claims to take its secrets straight…

  • Museum

    Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

    You simply can't understand Lunenburg unless you've visited this maritime museum, which traces the history of fishing from the days of the Mi'kmaq through…

  • Gardens

    Tangled Garden

    A one-woman passion project, these glorious terraced gardens are a must-see for horticulturalists. Split into a series of 'rooms' by hedges of beech, box…

  • Museum

    Rossignol Cultural Centre

    This brilliantly oddball museum explores the eclectic fascinations of local photographer Sherman Hines, born in Liverpool in 1941. There are halls of…

  • Library

    Halifax Central Library

    Built on a former parking lot, this stunning modern library, composed of glass boxes stacked artfully on top of each other, was opened in 2014 and has…

  • Museum

    Memory Lane Heritage Village

    A 20-minute drive from Tangier, this place is an outstanding example of how a community can work together to preserve its history. It recreates a 1940s…

  • Museum

    Fundy Geological Museum

    If you want to understand the geological history of the Bay of Fundy this excellent museum should be your first port of call. It has a wide range of…

  • Museum

    Cape Breton Miners' Museum

    Coal mining played a central role in the development of this part of Nova Scotia, so you shouldn't pass up the chance to venture into a disused mine in…

  • Winery

    Lightfoot & Wolfville

    This organic, biodynamic winery has a fast-growing reputation across Nova Scotia and beyond, producing vintages ranging from a bubbly rosé and blanc de…

  • Winery

    Luckett Vineyards

    One of the best destination wineries in the region, Luckett has palatial views over the vines and hillsides down to the Bay of Fundy cliffs. After…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Nova Scotia.

  • Activities

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