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…
Must-see attractions in Nova Scotia
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Cape Breton Island
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…
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
Nova Scotia
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…
Halifax
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…
Nova Scotia
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…
Nova Scotia
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…
Cape Breton Island
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…
Nova Scotia
This spectacular cape of sheer cliffs was misnamed Cape d'Or (Cape of Gold) by Samuel de Champlain in 1604 – the glittering veins he saw were actually…
Nova Scotia
This living-history village offers a chance to really step back in time: you can chat with people in period costume as you wander the streets of a typical…
Nova Scotia
Built in 1904, this gorgeous little lighthouse had only two light keepers throughout its years of service: William Melanson and his daughter Louise. It…
Nova Scotia
The highlight of the cove is this picture-perfect lighthouse, built in 1914. It's supposedly the most photographed lighthouse in Canada, and for many…
Halifax
The province's premier art institution is a must-see. It has a strong collection of local art, particularly the work of folk artist Maud Lewis, including…
Halifax
Established in 1867 to mark Confederation, but formally opened to the public in 1875, Halifax's delightful 6.5-hectare public gardens are a fine example…
Nova Scotia
A little-known scenic highlight of Nova Scotia, this spectacular park encompasses a peninsula jutting 6.5km into the Atlantic. On one side is a long, very…
Halifax
When the RMS Titanic sank, the bodies of those not lost at sea were brought to Halifax. Among other sites, there are 19 graves at Mt Olivet Catholic…
Nova Scotia
The tiny Fisherman's Life Museum, 35km west of Tangier, paints a convincing picture of the tough lives of the people – particularly the women – who lived…
Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park
Nova Scotia
Shubenacadie, or simply 'Shube,' 35km south of Truro off Hwy 2, is best known for this wildlife park. It's the place to commune with Nova Scotia's native…
Cape Breton Island
This excellent museum explains how rug hooking went from home-based activity to international business. Artifacts illustrate early life and artisanship in…
Celtic Music Interpretive Centre
Cape Breton Island
This well-run center is one of the region's best places to experience Celtic music. The main exhibit room explores the origins and styles of the local…
Nova Scotia
Among Nova Scotia's best-known wineries, Jost offers informative guided tours including two tastings, and you can pick up vintages in the shop. It…
Cape Breton Island
This First Nations reserve has an interesting visitor center where you can learn about Mi'kmaw culture, and workshops (from $25) where you can try your…
Cabots Landing Provincial Park
Cape Breton Island
Stop in this wonderful provincial park, 10km north of the Cabot Trail en route to Bay St Lawrence, to enjoy Aspy Bay and its spectacular beach.
Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park
Halifax
Eighteen kilometers south of Halifax, near the village of Sambro, this gorgeous provincial park boasts three distinct beaches in separate coves; the third…
Cape Breton Island
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake, this living-history museum explores the region's Gaelic heritage. Costumed Scots demonstrate the day…
Cape Breton Island
This abbey, 8km north of Pleasant Bay past the village of Red River, is a monastery for followers of Tibetan Buddhism. Ane Pema Chödrön is the founding…
Halifax
The oldest surviving building in Halifax is also the oldest Protestant place of worship in Canada. Established in 1749 with the founding of Halifax, St…
Nova Scotia
A 10-minute drive north of town, in the personal residence of the founder of the Sobeys supermarket chain, this private gallery has an excellent…
Nova Scotia
The work of Maritime artists provides the backbone of the collection at this impressive outpost of the main Halifax gallery, spread over three floors. If…
Nova Scotia
In a gorgeous setting on the stream that once provided it with power, the Balmoral Grist Mill still grinds wheat in summer. From Tatamagouche, turn south…
Nova Scotia
Country-music star Clarence Eugene 'Hank' Snow was born on May 9, 1914, in the village of Brooklyn, not far from Liverpool. Housed in the old train…
Cape Breton Island
Ingonish's long, wide strip of sand is sheltered in a bay surrounded by green hills. It's a popular spot for some shore time in summer, even though the…
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Halifax
Sea dogs will love this briny museum on the waterfront, which houses a huge collection of maritime memorabilia relating to Atlantic Canada's many nautical…
Nova Scotia
Big Tancook Island (population 120) is a 50-minute ferry ride from Chester's government wharf. Settled by Germans and French Huguenots in the early 19th…
