Driving in Nova Scotia This Summer: Rental Car Alternatives

If you’ve been planning a trip to Nova Scotia this summer, you may have noticed that rental cars are in high demand. If driving your own car to Nova Scotia isn’t an option, here are some ways to explore the province and make the most of your visit.

• Public transit – Halifax, Sydney and the Annapolis Valley have public transit networks that can help you travel throughout these regions.
• Ride-hailing apps and taxis – If you are staying in the Halifax area, ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft are available to get you around the city. Download the apps to search for a ride. Taxis are also widely available in Halifax and in other small to medium-size towns in the province.
• Shuttle, limo, and charter service – Several companies offer drives to specific locations in the province, many daily.
• Provincial transit bus service – With routes connecting dozens of towns and communities throughout the province, a little bit of planning ahead of time can gain you easy access to several destinations in Nova Scotia.
• Tours – Day tour operators offer transportation to many sought after experiences and locations in Nova Scotia. Consider a food and drink tour of the Annapolis Valley, photo tour of Peggy’s Cove, day trip to Lunenburg or Cabot Trail. Some operators will even customize the tour to your preferences. A multi-day tour, which includes transportation, will make getting from place to place even easier.
• Discuss car sharing with friends or relatives – Are you visiting friends or relatives while you’re in Nova Scotia? If yes, discuss your transportation needs with them ahead of time. They may be willing to share their ride or give you a lift.
• Consider a travel hub – Nova Scotia has several communities that make perfect hubs for day trips. Stay in one community like Halifax, Lunenburg, Yarmouth, Wolfville or Sydney and take day trips and tours to visit the experiences on your list.
• Live like a local – Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in a single place. Spend a few days exploring the nooks and crannies of Nova Scotia’s unique communities. Visit the local cafes, restaurants, boutiques and shops, farmers’ markets, wineries, and breweries. Check out parks, trails, museums, and other attractions in the area.
• Stay at a resort – Fox Harb’r Resort, Cabot Cape Breton, and Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa offer transportation for guests. Contact your resort directly for more information.

If your ideal Nova Scotia vacation is a road trip and a rental car is essential, we recommend booking your car prior to your flights and accommodations so you can schedule around availability. Consider these tips when making travel plans:

• Book early – Think about booking your rental car before you book your flight. The earlier you confirm your travel plans the better chances you have of booking a car rental.
• Look outside of the airports or urban areas for a car rental – It may be worth calling around to car rental agencies in less busy areas to see if there is any availability. If so, it may be possible to take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to pick up the car.
• Contact the rental agency directly – Even if there doesn’t appear to be any rentals available online, you may discover a last-minute cancellation or other solution by calling the agency directly.
• Turo.com – Discover the world’s largest car sharing marketplace, now available in Nova Scotia, as you browse privately-owned vehicles that are being made available for short term car rentals. Be sure to check insurance requirements if using a car-sharing option.