Nova Scotia’s Top Travel Moments of 2024
We're reflecting on some of the most memorable travel moments captured across Nova Scotia in 2024 as the year draws to a close. From sunny beach da...
There are so many reasons to visit Nova Scotia, one for every letter of the alphabet, in fact! Check out these 26+ reasons to visit and things to do below to help you plan your next trip.
A
ACADIAN CULTURE
Discover the joie-de-vivre of this colourful culture. The spirit of Acadie was brought to Nova Scotia by French settlers in the 17th century when they established themselves at Port-Royal and Fortress of Louisbourg. Explore this culture through historic sites, music, food, and craft.
A
AFRICAN NOVA SCOTIAN CULTURE
For centuries, African Nova Scotians have been an integral part of Nova Scotia’s rich heritage. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of African Nova Scotian culture by exploring museums and cultural centers that bring to life the compelling stories of Black Nova Scotians.
B
BEACHES
Nova Scotia is home to dozens of incredible beaches dotted around the province. Enjoy a day at the beach splashing in the waves, including some of the warmest waters in eastern Canada or relaxing on the sand.
B
BAY OF FUNDY
The Bay of Fundy is home to the World’s Highest Tides. Walk on the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park during low tide, go whale watching, hunt for fossils, and visit the geosites of the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark.
C
CAPE BRETON ISLAND AND CABOT TRAIL
Head to Cape Breton Island and drive the Cabot Trail. Known for dramatic highland views, toe-tapping music, spectacular hikes, and coastal scenery, Cape Breton is a must-do while in Nova Scotia!
D
DONAIR
Known as the Official Food of Halifax, this messy, saucy, meaty hand-held local delicacy is a favourite of many Nova Scotians. Be sure to try one!
E
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Nova Scotians love to celebrate! Take part in events celebrating music, food and drink, culture, outdoor adventure, holidays, sports, and more. Check ahead to see what events are happening during your time in Nova Scotia.
F
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Families love Nova Scotia! From beaches to museums, fun accommodations to hiking, biking, parks, whale watching, boat tours, and interactive attractions, family memories are sure to be made here!
G
GAELIC CULTURE
Centuries ago, Gaelic-speaking immigrants from Scotland and Ireland landed in Nova Scotia, bringing their rich history and customs of music, dance, storytelling, and language with them. Today, Gaelic influence is felt across the province.
H
HALIFAX WATERFRONT
Stroll the nearly 4-kilometre boardwalk that stretches along the harbour. Enjoy dining, boat tours, shopping, museums, accommodations and hop on a ferry to cross the harbour to check out Downtown Dartmouth.
I
ISLANDS
Hundreds of islands are located just off Nova Scotia’s coast. Explore the Wild Islands on the Eastern Shore, learn about mysterious Oak Island, visit Georges Island and McNabs Island in Halifax Harbour, stay overnight on an island with Nova Glamping, and visit Cape Breton Island!
J
JOGGINS FOSSIL CLIFFS UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Observe exposed layers revealing the world’s most complete fossil record of life in the “Coal Age”. Enjoy a guided beach walk at low tide.
K
KAYAKING AND CANOEING
Nova Scotia is the perfect place for paddlers! Whether you’re bringing your own or renting from a local operator, paddlers will enjoy exploring coastal inlets, dramatic cliffs, historic waterfronts, sandy beaches, and observing wildlife.
L
LOBSTER
Nova Scotia boasts fresh, local lobster year-round! Dine at one of many restaurants across the province serving up delicious lobster rolls and lobster dinners. Get adventurous and try a unique lobster dish like lobster poutine, tacos, nachos, mac ‘n cheese or even lobster grilled cheese!
L
LIGHTHOUSES
With such an extensive coastline, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Nova Scotia is home to dozens of lighthouses. Head to Peggy’s Cove, Cape Forchu, Cape d’Or, Cape George Point, or many others across the province.
M
MI’KMAW CULTURE
For thousands of years, this land has been home to Mi’kmaw people. Discover their culture through Eskasoni Cultural Journeys, the Membertou Heritage Park, Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre, petroglyphs and night sky interpretations, various museum exhibits, and more.
N
NATIONAL PARKS
Nova Scotia is home to three national parks. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site, and Kejimkujik National Park Seaside offer hiking, paddling, beaches, informative interpretation, various forms of camping, and outdoor adventure!
O
OCEAN PLAYGROUND
Nova Scotia is your destination for ocean adventure and activities. Hit the beach, head out on a kayaking or canoeing excursion, enjoy a scenic coastal hike, spend the night at a seaside resort, enjoy whale watching, surfing lessons, fishing, tidal bore rafting, boat tours, and much more!
P
PEGGY’S COVE
Home to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, pay a visit to the Peggy’s Cove area to experience a charming fishing village, waves from the Atlantic crashing on worn granite boulders, take a photo of the Peggy’s Point Lighthouse from an accessible viewing platform, have lunch with a view at Sou’Wester Restaurant, followed by browsing local shops.
Q
QUAINT COMMUNITIES
There are many things that make Nova Scotia special, but the charming communities throughout the province are high on the list! Check out local shops, restaurants, and cafes, and enjoy their scenic beauty.
R
RESTAURANTS
From fresh seafood and locally inspired menus to global cuisine, Nova Scotia is sure to satisfy any craving. Besides seafood, be sure to try other Nova Scotian favourites like a donair, oatcakes, blueberry grunt, moon mist ice cream, maple products, and more!
S
SURFING
Did you know that Nova Scotia offers year-round surfing? Yes, even in winter! Book a lesson complete with all gear you’ll require and experienced instructors to give it a try.
T
TIDAL BORE RAFTING
Take a thrilling ride in a Zodiac boat on the roller-coaster rapids of the Shubenacadie River. Your guide will take you on an exciting adventure available only in Nova Scotia. After, try mud sliding on the riverbanks.
U
UNESCO SITES
Nova Scotia is home to six UNESCO-designated sites plus two UNESCO-supported dark sky areas. Make time to visit these sites in your travels to discover centuries of cultural and historical stories.
V
VINEYARDS AND WINERIES
Explore Nova Scotia’s wine region in the Annapolis Valley. Sample the province’s appellation white wine, Tidal Bay, which pairs perfectly with the fresh seafood we’re known for!
W
WHALE WATCHING
Head to the Bay of Fundy or the Bay of St. Lawrence off the coast of Cape Breton for an exciting whale watching tour. Each summer through early fall, up to 12 species of whales travel to the waters off Nova Scotia’s coast. Enjoy informative commentary from your guide as you keep an eye out for these majestic creatures!
X
EXCELLENT PLACES TO STAY
Nova Scotia offers more than a dozen different types of accommodations. From city stays in luxurious hotels, to off-grid cabins, glamping domes, coastal resorts, yurts, tiny homes, cozy B&Bs, campgrounds and more, you’ll easily find your home away from home in Nova Scotia.
Y
YARMOUTH & ACADIAN SHORES
A stop in this region in Southwest Nova Scotia means experiencing Acadian culture, seafaring heritage, delicious seafood, incredible dark skies, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals.
Z
ZERO REGRETS
A trip to Nova Scotia is sure to provide special memories and stories to all who travel here. From coastal excursions to incredible food, breathtaking scenery to enriching cultural experiences, and so much more, prepare for an unforgettable adventure during your next Nova Scotia vacation!
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