Best Things to Do in Nova Scotia

1. Cabot Trail

This is one of the best road trips around the world. The trail has been awarded many honours to prove it, including USA Today’s 10 Best Motorcycle trips, and the MSN Travel’s 10 Most Underrated Attractions. Stunning year-round, but especially in the fall, hop on a motorcycle or in the car to cruise this 185-mile route. Enjoy the coastal views and highland scenery.

2. Halifax Harbour

Halifax Harbour sits in the capital of Nova Scotia. Cruise the waterfront walkway filled with shops and restaurants, or jump into the harbor for a fun water activity. Take a water Taxi to Dartmouth, or McNab Island for hiking and history. If you’d explore the harbor via boat, consider a kayak tour or a pontoon rental. For a bit of both, consider a ride on the Harbour Hopper, an amphibious vehicle and that gives visitors a tour of Halifax via land and water!

3. Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park

Located about 40 minutes outside of Halifax, this could be a fun stop on the way to Cape Breton Island. Sitting on 40 acres, the park is filled with native mammals, birds and some exotic animals. Animals that can be seen at the park include mooses, reindeer, river otters, beavers, foxes, wolves, big cats (bobcats, lynxes and cougars) and black bears.

4. Bay of Fundy 

Some days, Bay of Fundy is home to the world’s highest tides, and on others, the tides are so low that visitors can even eat on the ocean floor (literally!). The Bay of Fundy is a popular spot to catch a whale watching tour, or to take the kayak out for a tour. Other popular activities in the area include golfing, biking, and skydiving in this adventurous region of the province!

5. Cape Breton Highlands National Park

This island, situated north east of Nova Scotia, has plenty of outdoor activities. Take on one of the 26 hiking trails, ranging from simple strolls to tough climbs. Hikers will be met with coastline views, canyons, and highlands.

6. Peggy’s Cove

Peggy's Cove is a popular photography spot and rightfully so! Home to one of the most famous lighthouses in Canada, visitors come here to explore the area and fishing village. The town is surrounded by huge rocks, making for some amazing scenery!

7. Lunenburg

One of the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North America. This town sits on the water, with the Bluenose II parked right out front. Pull out a Canadian dime and see the replica that is stamped onto the dime in real life! Wander through the old town and admire the narrow streets and colorful architecture.

8. Wine Country

Nova Scotia has some pretty awesome wineries and should not be missed! Valley Wine Country sits in the lush Annapolis Valley. This is an upcoming wine region, with a variety of wine making methods.

One can’t visit nova Scotia without trying the icewine method, and the signature Tidal Bay white wine, great with seafood! Grab a Good Cheer Trail passport and collect stamps as you explore the trail. Filled with wine, brewery, and cider, sample your way through for a chance to win a prize!

9. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic 

Living in Nova Scotia and on the Atlantic ocean, the sea and water is a huge part of the local time. Visit the museum and see the impact through photos and stories. Hear about the two ships that collided in 1917, resulting in the Halifax explosion.

10. Canadian Museum of Immigration 

Pier 21 is similar to Ellis Island, as this was the way 1/5 of immigrants arrived in Canada between 1928-1971. Exhibits show the experience of those who traveled across the ocean to live in a new country. There’s even a replica of a ship visitors can go inside, with the chance to see the possessions stored in crates that immigrants brought over to start their new life.