Nova Scotia Fits Every Playlist
Nova Scotia fits every playlist! Whether you’re in the mood to rock out on a hike or if relaxing seaside is your jam, there are plenty of amazing ...
From dramatic coastlines to charming seaside towns, Nova Scotia has long been a natural star of the screen. Diverse landscapes and historic communities have set the stage for everything from Hollywood blockbusters to beloved TV series. Whether you’re a film buff or just looking for your next scenic getaway, these iconic filming locations invite you to step into the story.
The South Shore: Coastal Beauty on Camera
The South Shore’s fishing villages and ocean views have long captivated filmmakers.
In Shelburne, historic streets transformed into period settings for The Scarlet Letter. Nearby, the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre connects visitors to stories featured in The Book of Negroes.
The crashing waves at Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, one of Canada’s most photographed landmarks, created the perfect backdrop for scenes from Hallmark’s Christmas Island.
The village of Chester became the fictional town of Haven in the Syfy series Haven, while nearby Mahone Bay and its iconic three churches have appeared in multiple productions, including Locke & Key.
Lunenburg: A UNESCO Star
The colourful Lunenburg waterfront, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has appeared in several movies and television shows.
Landmarks like St. John’s Anglican Church appeared in Simon Birch, while the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and Salt Shaker Deli were featured in Locke & Key.
Just outside town, The Ovens Natural Park has been the setting for series like We Were Liars, The Sinner, and Washington Black, while nearby Blue Rocks appeared in Dolores Claiborne.
We Were Liars: Nova Scotia as Beechwood Island
Nova Scotia doubled as the luxurious Beechwood Island for We Were Liars.
Lunenburg stood in for Martha’s Vineyard and Chester provided coastal charm for beach and mansion scenes. Waterfront spots like King’s Wharf Marina in Dartmouth and the iconic white granite rocks of Peggy’s Cove also appeared in numerous scenes.
Halifax: A Star in Its Own Right
As Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax has played a leading role in productions ranging from Titanic to fan-favourite series like Trailer Park Boys and Mr. D.
At the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, you can explore the city’s real-life connection to Titanic, including exhibits tied to the film and the historic tragedy.
Grab a bite at King of Donair—a local institution frequently featured in Trailer Park Boys.
Across the harbour, Alderney Landing and the Dartmouth waterfront served as key filming locations for Diggstown.
The elegant Halifax Public Gardens appeared in Bag of Bones, while the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History made a cameo in Mr. D.
For coastal views seen in Amelia, head to the Northwest Arm, or explore festive filming locations like the Brewery Market and Historic Properties, featured in Hallmark’s The Secret Gift of Christmas.
Recently, Halifax also welcomed the filming of You’re Killing Me, standing in for the fictional town of Founders Cove. The six-episode mystery series is set to premiere in 2026.
Step Into Sullivan’s Crossing
Fans of Sullivan’s Crossing can follow in the footsteps of the show across Halifax and the South Shore.
Filming locations include scenic spots like Lawrencetown Beach, Oakfield Provincial Park, and Laurie Provincial Park.
Grab a bite at Hali Deli, featured as the show’s diner, or explore coastal gems like Fisherman’s Cove, where memorable scenes unfold along the waterfront.
Discover the Annapolis Valley on Screen
The picturesque Annapolis Valley has provided the backdrop for countless productions, thanks to its rolling farmland, coastal cliffs, and proximity to the Bay of Fundy.
In The Clockmaker’s Inn, a beautifully restored Victorian mansion, scenes from the film Lizzie Borden Took an Axe and the Stephen King miniseries Bag of Bones come to life.
Discover the towering cliffs and sweeping views that were featured in the award-winning drama Wildhood in Blomidon Provincial Park.
History and storytelling also intersect at Grand-Pré National Historic Site, where scenes from Cloudburst were filmed, adding a cinematic layer to this UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Productions like Pure, The Trades, and The Institute have all used Windsor’s character-filled downtown as a backdrop for filming.
Plan Your Own Film-Inspired Getaway
From coastal cliffs and heritage towns to vibrant city streets, Nova Scotia offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to step into your favourite films and shows.
Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of iconic characters or simply soaking in the scenery, one thing is certain: here, every visit feels like a scene worth capturing.
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