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A view across the water of historic buildings as a kayaker paddles by

Cities & Towns

Explore Cities & Towns across Nova Scotia

From our capital city to the smaller towns and villages that offer plenty of things to see and do including those sought-after hidden gems that range from cozy places to stay, don’t-miss dining, incredible attractions, tours, and more, discover the many must-visit communities throughout the province to visit on your next Nova Scotia road trip.

 

  • Sherbrooke

    Sherbrooke

    Step back in time at Sherbrooke Village, a preserved village of homes and businesses where you can chat with costumed interpreters and even dine on traditional foods.

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  • Guysborough

    Guysborough

    Find yourself surrounded by unspoiled nature and rugged coastal beauty in quiet little villages nestled into safe harbours where tales of rum running are still told.

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  • Wolfville

    Wolfville

    Discover 10+ wineries, farm markets, Grand-Pré National Historic Site and Landscape of Grand Pré UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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  • Argyle and Area

    Argyle and Area

    Discover your Acadian roots in this area, where many residents speak both French and English, and stargaze in the Acadian Skies & Mi’kmaq Lands Starlight Reserve.

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  • Baddeck

    Baddeck

    The start and end point of the famous Cabot Trail, Baddeck is a favourite spot for travellers and sailors alike.

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  • Tatamagouche

    Tatamagouche

    Visit Jost Vineyards and Malagash Cidery and make it a beach day at one of three warm, sandy provincial park beaches nearby.

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  • Sheet Harbour

    Sheet Harbour

    Discover the protected 100 Wild Islands, spend the day hiking the coast or white sand beach at Taylor Head Provincial Park as you visit this quaint coastal community.

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  • Chester

    Chester

    Experience popular yacht races during Chester Race Week, garden parties, band concerts as well as marvelous restaurants, art galleries, shops and boutiques.

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  • Peggy’s Cove

    Peggy’s Cove

    Here you’ll find one of the most famous – and most photographed – lighthouses in the world. Since 1915, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse has kept watch over the surging ocean waves and working lobster boats of this vibrant fishing village.

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  • LaHave & Petite Rivière

    LaHave & Petite Rivière

    Visit with artists and artisans in their open studios and galleries and spend the day exploring one of the area’s white sand beaches with crystal blue waters.

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  • Shelburne

    Shelburne

    In 1783, 3,000 Black Loyalists escaped to freedom, arriving in Shelburne. Visit Birchtown to learn more and visit historic Dock Street.

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  • Musquodoboit Harbour

    Musquodoboit Harbour

    Explore the protected 100 Wild Islands as you follow coastal roads to beautiful beaches, local markets, fresh seafood, and cozy oceanfront accommodations.

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  • Noel Shore & Area

    Noel Shore & Area

    Visit Burntcoat Head Park at low tide to walk on the ocean floor at the site of the highest tidal range on earth and go tidal bore rafting on the […]

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  • Mahone Bay

    Mahone Bay

    Discover the popular Three Churches reflecting on Mahone Bay as you browse unique shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the popular Scarecrow and Father Christmas festivals.

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  • Louisbourg

    Louisbourg

    Step back in time within the fortified walls of Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, the largest military reconstruction in North America.

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  • Annapolis Royal

    Annapolis Royal

    Discover Canada’s oldest National Historic Site and first European settlement in North America, walk the streets of the charming town and visit the historic gardens.

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  • New Glasgow

    New Glasgow

    Discover an energetic downtown filled with shops and restaurants that is home to The Jubilee, a popular summertime music festival that takes place on the riverfront.

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  • Amherst

    Amherst

    Located between the Bay of Fundy and the Northumberland Shore, discover why Amherst is an ideal base for visitors looking for both Bay of Fundy adventures and beach days.

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  • Advocate Harbour

    Advocate Harbour

    Begin your Bay of Fundy adventure with a boat tour or sea kayaking adventure. Hike in Cape Chignecto Provincial Park and indulge in locally-inspired dining.

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  • Antigonish

    Antigonish

    Home to the Antigonish Highland Games and St. FX University, find warm sandy beaches, a mountain biking park, and a bustling downtown with breweries and restaurants.

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  • Truro

    Truro

    Visit the hub of Nova Scotia, home to Victoria Park and a viewing park where you can watch the incoming tidal bore wave signalling the reversing tide.

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  • Chéticamp

    Chéticamp

    Discover vibrant Acadian history and culture near the entrance of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

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  • Liverpool

    Liverpool

    Learn about country music legend, Hank Snow, experience Privateer Days, and relax at nearby beachside resorts, White Point Beach Resort and Quarterdeck Beachside Villas.

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  • Iona and Area

    Iona and Area

    Experience Scottish Gaelic culture at Highland Village, a living history museum that overlooks the Bras d’Or Lake.

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  • Pictou

    Pictou

    Discover the birthplace of New Scotland at the Hector Heritage Quay and explore the replica ship Hector. Visit during the Pictou Lobster Carnival and try the pizza.

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  • Halifax

    Halifax

    Nova Scotia’s capital city is a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment with top restaurants, live music, theatre, museums, national historic sites, and more.

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  • Isle Madame

    Isle Madame

    Discover Isle Madame where you’ll find comfortable places to stay, welcoming cafés and beaches, lighthouses and more to explore!

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  • Oak Island

    Oak Island

    Discover the world’s longest running treasure hunt from the TV series The Curse of Oak Island by water with Salty Dog Sea Tours, departing from Oak Island Resort’s marina.

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  • Bear River

    Bear River

    Discover the town on stilts situated along a tidal river fed by the Bay of Fundy tides and its many artist studios and galleries.

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  • East Lawrencetown

    East Lawrencetown

    Known for Lawrencetown Beach, a year-round surfing destination. Connect to The Great Trail here; a trail system that stretches across Canada.

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  • Sydney

    Sydney

    The capital of Cape Breton Island, walk the waterfront, take in a ceilidh at a local pub, and have your picture taken with the world’s largest fiddle.

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  • Inverness

    Inverness

    Golf at two of the top golf courses in the world at Cabot Cape Breton, swim in warm beaches including Nova Scotia’s first wheelchair accessible beach.

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  • Dartmouth

    Dartmouth

    Located across the harbour from Halifax, Dartmouth boasts an emerging culinary scene with top-notch restaurants and eclectic shops throughout the downtown core.

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  • Pugwash

    Pugwash

    Visit Thinkers’ Lodge National Historic Site, golf at Northumberland Links and Fox Harb’r Resort, and swim at warm, sandy beaches.

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  • Yarmouth

    Yarmouth

    Experience rich Acadian history and culture, take a beach day, savour seafood, visit the world’s second smallest drawbridge, and climb the light at Cape Forchu Lighthouse.

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  • Barrington

    Barrington

    Visit the Lobster Capital of Canada for a delicious meal. Explore beautiful white sand beaches, historic lighthouses and enjoy some of the best birdwatching in the East.

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  • Kentville

    Kentville

    Discover events such as springtime favourite, Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival and fall favourite, Kentville Pumpkin People.

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  • Parrsboro

    Parrsboro

    Discover where the the oldest dinosaurs on earth once roamed and learn about tidal energy at the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy.

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  • Windsor

    Windsor

    Head to this little town of big firsts to learn about the first recorded game of ice hockey, Dill’s giant pumpkins, and the oldest agricultural fair in North America.

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  • Ingonish

    Ingonish

    Home to Highlands Links, Keltic Lodge and Atlantic Canada’s first gondola at Cape Smokey near the entrance of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

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  • St. Peter’s

    St. Peter’s

    Home of the St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site which joins the Atlantic Ocean to the Bras d’Or Lake.

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  • Bridgewater

    Bridgewater

    Nestled along the LaHave River, discover internationally inspired restaurants, craft breweries, nearby white sand beaches and riverside parks and trails.

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  • Hall’s Harbour

    Hall’s Harbour

    Popular spot to view the dramatic Bay of Fundy tides and to enjoy an authentic lobster dinner at a working lobster pound and restaurant.

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  • Digby & Islands

    Digby & Islands

    Experience whale watching off Long and Brier Islands then watch the tide in Digby Harbour as you dine on the famous Digby scallops.

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  • Lunenburg

    Lunenburg

    Stroll the colourful streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit the Bluenose II, a replica of the famous racing schooner depicted on the Canadian 10 cent coin.

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  • Clare / Baie Sainte-Marie

    Clare / Baie Sainte-Marie

    Celebrate vibrant Acadian culture at popular festivals such as Musique de la Baie, Le Festival acadien de Clare, Les beaux vendredis, and Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie.

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