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Aerial view of the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia
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Your Guide to Nova Scotia’s Most Scenic Coastal Drives

Nova Scotia’s coastline is made for exploring with winding roads, dramatic cliffs, quiet fishing villages, and endless ocean views. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, historic landmarks, or the perfect photo stop, these scenic coastal drives offer unforgettable ways to experience the province.

Lighthouse Route

Stretching along the South Shore from Halifax to Yarmouth, the Lighthouse Route is a classic coastal drive along the Atlantic Ocean dotted with charming seaside communities and iconic beacons. Highlights include the colourful but quaint fishing village of Peggy’s Cove and its famous lighthouse perched on wave-worn granite, as well as the UNESCO-listed town of Lunenburg but there are dozens of charming coastal communities dotted along this drive.

A sunny day on the colourful Lunenburg Waterfront in Nova Scotia
Lunenburg Waterfront

Evangeline Trail

Following the shores of the Bay of Fundy from Halifax to Yarmouth via Annapolis Valley, this drive blends coastal beauty with rich Acadian history. The orchards and vineyards of the Annapolis Valley offer scenic viewpoints, especially during harvest season. Visit Grand-Pré National Historic Site for a meaningful cultural stop, sample Tidal Bay at wineries in the heart of Nova Scotia’s wine country and dine on succulent scallops in Digby.

Statue of Evangeline, subject of the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem by the same name, at the Grand-Pre National Historic Site near Wolfville in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley on a sunny summer's day.
Grand-Pré National Historic Site

Glooscap Trail

Wrapping around the Minas Basin, the Glooscap Trail features geological wonders and rugged coastline. Be sure to visit Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre to learn about the significance of Glooscap to the Mi’kmaq. Don’t miss a stop at Burntcoat Head Park, home to the world’s highest recorded tides, explore the Geosites of the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark, or join a kayak tour from Advocate Harbour to paddle past dramatic sea stacks rising from the ocean floor. Photographers will love the contrast of red rock against blue water, especially at low tide when the seafloor is exposed.

A man kayaks along a towering rock formation
Kayaking at Three Sisters rock formation

Sunrise Trail

Running along the Northumberland Shore from Amherst to Auld’s Cove, this drive offers warm waters, sandy beaches, and laid-back coastal charm. Stop at a variety of warm water beaches along the way for long stretches of sand and stunning views, or explore quaint seaside villages and towns like Pugwash, Tatamagouche, Pictou, and Antigonish. It’s an ideal route for relaxed beachside photo stops and peaceful ocean vistas.

Two people holding hands and laughing as they look at each other as they walk in the warm ocean surf at sunset at Melmerby Beach Provincial Park near New Glasgow Nova Scotia.
Melmerby Beach Provincial Park

Cabot Trail

One of the most famous drives in Canada, the Cabot Trail loops around the northwestern portion of Cape Breton Island, delivering jaw-dropping coastal and highland scenery. Drive through Cape Breton Highlands National Park for dramatic cliffside views and stop at the various look-offs throughout the park. Hike a variety of trails throughout the park, camp overnight and visit artisan studios and shops along the way. Every turn reveals another breathtaking scene, making it a must for photographers.

Cabot Trail

Ceilidh Trail

Meaning “gathering” in Gaelic, the Ceilidh Trail follows the western coast of Cape Breton, where culture and scenery go hand in hand. Beginning near Port Hastings and stretching toward Margaree Valley, the route offers rolling coastal landscapes and opportunities to experience traditional music. Visit the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, Glenora Distillery, and explore the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail. Stop at West Mabou Beach Provincial Park for sweeping dune views and incredible sunset photo opportunities.

Two cyclists take a rest and are standing with their bikes looking out at the water.
Celtic Shores Coastal Trail

Bras d’Or Lake Scenic Drive

Circling the inland sea of Bras d’Or Lake, this drive offers a quieter, more intimate coastal experience. Starting near Baddeck, visitors can enjoy calm waters, forested hills, and scenic lookoffs. The lake’s stillness makes it perfect for reflective photography, especially in the early morning when the water mirrors the surrounding landscape.

Drone photo taken over the village of Baddeck and Kidston Island and the lighthouse in Baddeck Bay in the early summer morning sunrise golden hour in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Baddeck Harbour

Fleur-de-lis Trail

This gem traces Cape Breton’s southeastern coast from St. Peter’s to Point Michaud. Expect quiet beaches, Acadian culture at Isle Madame and surrounding area, and rugged coastal beauty. Point Michaud Beach Provincial Park is a highlight, offering windswept dunes and excellent surf, perfect for capturing dynamic coastal shots.

Isle Madame

Marconi Trail

Following the eastern edge of Cape Breton, the Marconi Trail combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. Named after Guglielmo Marconi, this route includes stops like Marconi National Historic Site of Canada, where the first transatlantic wireless signals were received. Don’t miss the Fortress of Louisboug National Historic Site, the largest historical reconstruction in North America.

Two people stand in front of a reconstructed fortress.
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

Marine Drive

For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, Marine Drive stretches along the Eastern Shore from Halifax to Cape Breton Island. This route is known for its rugged coastline, quiet coves, and quaint fishing communities. Explore the communities of Guysborough, Canso, and Sheet Harbour and don’t miss Sherbrooke Village Museum. Closer to Halifax, head to Lawrencetown Beach or Martinique Beach Provincial Parks for a surf lesson. Stop at Taylor Head Provincial Park for dramatic coastal hiking trails and stunning viewpoints, or capture the raw beauty of the Atlantic at one of the many secluded beaches along the way.

Surfer in a wetsuit walking on the boardwalk leading to Lawrencetown Beach for a surfing lesson with East Coast Surf School in Nova Scotia.
Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park

No matter which route you choose, Nova Scotia’s coastal drives promise breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and countless opportunities to pull over, explore, and capture the moment.

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