Nova Scotia’s the perfect destination if you’re travelling from nearby Maritime provinces. Here’s how to get your Nova Scotia getaway planning started!
Arriving from Prince Edward Island via Confederation Bridge at Nova Scotia/New Brunswick border
Visitors coming from Prince Edward Island to Nova Scotia via the Confederation Bridge will enter Nova Scotia through Amherst or Tidnish. Regardless of your entry point, some of the best experiences along the Northumberland Shore include warm water beaches! Head to Northport Beach or Heather Beach Provincial Park to enjoy a day splashing in the waves, lounging on the sand, and walking the sand flats at low tide.
Continue your journey along the scenic Sunrise Trail. On Saturdays, visit the farmer’s market in Pugwash then hit up Gulf Shore Provincial Park for a beach break.
Golf lovers can play a round then stay overnight at Fox Harb’r Resort in Wallace.
Malagash is home to Jost Vineyards, the perfect place to sip Tidal Bay wine and enjoy lunch on a patio.
Eat lunch in the dining car of a refurbished train, savour locally made ice cream and chocolates, discover quaint shops, and a Saturday morning farmer’s market all in the quaint but bustling village of Tatamagouche.
For something a little more adventurous, head southwest from Amherst towards Parrsboro to experience the World’s Highest Tides in the Bay of Fundy. Visit the Fundy Geological Museum and learn more about the area’s Triassic and Jurassic eras. For something extra special, book a guided walking tour of the beach or ride horses along the ocean floor then stay overnight in a nearby accommodation.
In the evening, take in a theatre production at Ship’s Company Theatre and sample a craft beer from Two Islands Brewing. The next day, take in the Partridge Island Look-off Trail, with scenic views of Blomidon, Cape Split and Spencer’s Island.
Arriving from Prince Edward Island via ferry at Caribou
Visitors travelling from Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island will arrive in Caribou, Nova Scotia, just minutes from the waterfront town of Pictou. Beach goers and campers will enjoy Caribou-Munroes Island Provincial Park, just outside of Pictou.
Learn about the Scottish settlers who landed here over 250 years ago aboard the Ship Hector at the Hector Heritage Quay. The Northumberland Fisheries Museum shares the history of the local fishery in the area and lets visitors hold live lobsters from the touch tank! Head out on the water with Nova Scotia Family Fun Boat Tours to view seals and other marine life then pull up a seat at an oceanside restaurant. If you’re visiting during early July, take part in the festivities during the Pictou Lobster Carnival.
Less than an hour from Caribou is the town of Truro. Known as “the hub of Nova Scotia” thanks to its central location, Truro is bustling with local businesses and outdoor adventures.
Victoria Park offers a playground, splash pad, and picnic areas, with nearby Railyard Mountain Bike Park offering up to 40 kilometers of of extensive mountain bike trails.
Downtown Truro is home to local restaurants, breweries, and shopping. Time your visit to Truro just right and witness the tidal bore at the Fundy Discovery Site, which also has a playground and picnic area.
Visit the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre on nearby Millbrook First Nation that offers a variety of tours and experiences centered around the Mi’kmaw people of this area.
Arriving from Saint John, New Brunswick via ferry at Digby
Seafood lovers take note: if you arrive in Digby from Saint John, New Brunswick must make scallops a priority! This area is famous for the succulent Digby scallop, harvested by the largest scallop fishing fleet in the world. Book a getaway at the iconic Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa where guests can relax, dine, golf, and enjoy the spa, pool, and other resort amenities.
About 90 minutes from the town of Digby are whale watching tours depart from Digby Neck and Islands. Head out on the water to observe up to 12 different species of whale that migrate to the waters of the Bay of Fundy each summer.
Hike to the unique balancing rock found at the end of Balancing Rock Trail. This 2.25 kilometre trail and 235-step staircase leads to a viewing platform for all to experience an incredible natural phenomenon.
The town of Yarmouth is located about an hour west of Digby. Drive through the Acadian region of Clare for Acadian cultural experiences, dining, beaches, local shops, hikes, and quaint accommodations. Once in Yarmouth, check out Cape Forchu Lighthouse, Frost Park, and take a self-guided tour of heritage homes throughout town. Be sure to visit galleries and museums like the Firefighters’ Museum of Nova Scotia and the W. Laurence Sweeney Fisheries Museum.
Head to the picturesque town of Annapolis Royal which in only 30 minutes from Digby. This charming town is home to two National Historic Sites – Fort Anne and Port-Royal. Meander through the beautiful Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, walk or bike the Harvest Moon Trailway that’s built on a former railbed, and a choose from a variety of dining options offering locally inspired menus.
Departing from Halifax area
Halifax is an ideal home base for Nova Scotia. Head east towards the Eastern Shore to experience wide sandy beaches, coastal hiking and paddling, surfing, and museums.
Head north for the warm water beaches of Northumberland Shore and thrilling Tidal Bore Rafting adventures on the Bay of Fundy. Wine lovers can travel an hour from Halifax and find themselves in Wolfville wine country. Take in a tour or explore on your own to sample Nova Scotia’s first appellation wine called Tidal Bay.
Drive west along the coast to experience the charming coastal communities of the South Shore. Begin your journey at the iconic Peggy’s Cove lighthouse and continue towards Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg. Each of these communities are picture perfect and offers their own coastal charm. Visit local shops, restaurants, outdoor activities, craft beverage producers, and museums along the way!
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